The constable

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "The constable" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a police officer or law enforcement official, often in a formal or historical context. Example: "The constable arrived at the scene to investigate the disturbance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The constable scrambled into her van.

The Guardian

The constable jumped him and took his weapon.

The New Yorker

The constable asked if we wanted a ring ceremony.

The New York Times

The constable was immediately arrested, as were four other prison officials suspected of negligence.

The Guardian

The constable was in a group of 25 officers who were first on the scene.

The Guardian

The constable lived in Amityville, where he volunteered as a firefighter, Lieutenant Fitzpatrick said.

The New York Times

The Constable Stephen Carroll murder trial has ended.

BBC

The Constable room at the mansion closed in 2011 for the refurbishment.

BBC

The Constable of France.

Huffington Post

The Constable was "friendly rather than forthcoming".

Wikipedia

The constable partners with an under-qualified local to fight a massive conspiracy.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "The constable", ensure the context is appropriate for the rank and jurisdiction being referenced. It is most commonly used in British and historical contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "The constable" when referring to a police officer in a contemporary American setting, as it is not a common term. Use "The police officer" or "The officer" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the constable" functions as a noun phrase, acting as the subject or object in a sentence. It identifies a specific individual holding the position of constable, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Wiki

22%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

17%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "the constable" is a noun phrase that refers to a specific type of law enforcement officer, primarily used in British or historical contexts. As highlighted by Ludwig, it functions to identify an individual in a professional or official capacity. While grammatically correct and frequently found in news, encyclopedias, and wiki sources, it's crucial to consider the setting and jurisdiction to ensure accurate usage. If the context is modern American, alternatives like "the police officer" or "the officer" might be more appropriate. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is valid and frequently used in various sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

The police officer

Replaces the specific rank with a more general term for law enforcement.

The law enforcement agent

Uses a broader term for someone who enforces the law.

The officer of the law

A more formal way of referring to a police officer.

The patrolman

Specifies a police officer who patrols an area.

The peace officer

Highlights the officer's role in maintaining peace.

The arresting officer

Focuses on the officer's action of making an arrest.

The local cop

An informal term for a police officer in a specific area.

The guard

Referring to someone watching a place.

The watchman

Referring to someone watching something.

The police

Refers to the police department as a whole.

FAQs

How is "the constable" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "the constable" is used to refer to a police officer, especially in British or historical contexts. For example: "The constable arrived at the scene of the crime" or "The constable investigated the matter thoroughly".

What are some synonyms for "the constable"?

Alternatives to "the constable" include "the police officer", "the law enforcement agent", or simply "the officer", depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "the constable" a formal or informal term?

"The constable" can be considered a neutral to slightly formal term, often used in official reports, historical narratives, or when referring to specific ranks within certain police forces. Simpler options like "the officer" may be more appropriate in everyday conversation.

In what situations would I use "the constable" instead of "the police officer"?

Use "the constable" when the specific context relates to a British or historical setting, or when referencing a jurisdiction where that particular rank is used. Otherwise, "the police officer" is a more universally understood term.