The word is

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "The word is" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to introduce a specific term or definition that you are about to explain or clarify. Example: "The word is 'serendipity,' which refers to the occurrence of events by chance in a happy or beneficial way."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The word is globalization.

The New York Times - Arts

The word is propagule.

The New York Times

The word is travelling.

The Economist

"The word is lied".

The New York Times

The word is "precious".

The New Yorker

"The word is regardless".

The New York Times

The word is "more".

The New York Times - Sports

"The word is trash.

The New York Times

"The word is Dubai".

The New Yorker

The word is undoubtedly sincere.

The Economist

The word is already plural.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In linguistic or academic writing, ensure the word following the phrase is clearly set off with quotation marks or italics to distinguish the mention of the word from its use.

Common error

Do not use "The word is" to introduce a full sentence or a long clause. It is specifically designed to point toward a single lexical unit. If you are introducing a fact or statement, use "the fact is" or "the truth is" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "The word is" functions as a declarative introductory formula used to identify or define a specific linguistic unit. According to Ludwig AI, it is often employed as a semantic pointer that isolates a single term for emphasis within a narrative or analytical context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "The word is" is a versatile and highly effective tool in English for defining, labeling, and emphasizing concepts. Ludwig AI data shows that it is exceptionally common in high-quality journalism, where it is used to transition from a detailed description to a specific, often provocative, summary term. Whether you are using it in a scientific context to clarify a "technical term" or in a narrative to highlight a character's trait, it provides a clear syntactic bridge. Always ensure the word you are introducing is the focal point of the sentence to maximize the rhetorical impact of this structure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

The term is

Shifts the focus toward a technical or specific professional vocabulary.

The expression is

Used when the subject is a multi-word phrase or idiom rather than a single word.

It is called

Focuses on the name or designation of an object or concept.

Known as

Indicates a common or widely accepted name for something.

Referred to as

A more formal, often academic way to introduce a designation.

The name is

Primarily used for proper nouns or the specific identity of a person or place.

Namely

A concise adverbial transition used to introduce a specific item or name.

Strictly speaking

Adds a nuance of technical precision or narrow definition.

The label is

Suggests a categorization or a potentially disputed classification.

That is to say

Introduces an explanation or a clarifying restatement.

FAQs

How do I use "The word is" in a sentence?

You can use "The word is" to introduce a specific term after providing context, such as: "He kept promising to change but never did; the word is 'unreliable'."

What can I say instead of "The word is"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "the term is", "it is called", or "the expression is".

Is it "The word is" or "The words are"?

Use "The word is" for a single term and "the words are" if you are introducing multiple distinct terms.

What is the difference between "The word is" and "The name is"?

"The word is" usually refers to a common noun, adjective, or concept, whereas "the name is" specifically identifies a person, place, or titled entity.