a dull tip

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a dull tip" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a point or end of an object, such as a pencil or tool, that is not sharp or effective. Example: "After using the pencil for a while, I realized I needed to sharpen it because it had become a dull tip."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

After forks became popular as an eating utensil, dinner knives were generally designed with a dull tip, reducing the chance of accidentally or intentionally spearing the guy next to you.

Forbes

But even though the Trump supporters have a dull tip to their spear and they're not quite as focused on policy, the same anger is driving those people as well".

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

By using a dull diamond tip with curvature radius of 500 nm, the letters 'NANO' were written at F n = 30 μN, N = 100.

Nanoscale Research Letters

(a) nanodot created by line-scratch at F n = 6 μN, N = 100 and D = 80 nm, (b) surface mesa generated by scanning-scratch at F n = 6 μN and N = 4 and (c) nanoletters produced by a dull diamond tip with R = 500 nm at F n = 30 μN and N = 100.

Nanoscale Research Letters

In order to overcome the disadvantage of Atraumatic needles such as deeper insertion, dull tip makes it more difficult to penetrate the skin [19], the use of an 18-gauge introducer together with the spinal needle can help circumvent the difficulty with skin penetration [94].

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Tip: Use a calendar.

WikiHow

The white flight feathers were almost completely concealed, leaving a narrow ribbon above the flank, and the dull tips suggested that this was a young adult, less than three years old.

The Guardian

What a dull time for us!

The Guardian

A dull blade can lead to kickback.

WikiHow

This species is bronze to olive-gray above with a metallic sheen and sometimes a pink cast, darkening towards the fin tips and margins but not conspicuously so; the color fades quickly to a dull gray-brown after death.

Wikipedia

AUDITING is a dull business.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing tools or instruments, use "a dull tip" to indicate a reduction in effectiveness due to the lack of a sharp point. For instance, "The pen had "a dull tip", making it difficult to write precisely."

Common error

Avoid using "a dull tip" when you mean "a blunt impact". "Dull" refers to a lack of sharpness, not a lack of force. For example, a hammer may deliver a blunt impact, but it doesn't have "a dull tip".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a dull tip" primarily functions as a descriptive noun phrase. It modifies a noun (tip) with an adjective (dull), indicating a lack of sharpness. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, highlighting its ability to describe points or ends that aren't sharp.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a dull tip" is a descriptive term used to indicate a lack of sharpness on an object's point or end. While Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and usability, its frequency is relatively rare. It appears in contexts ranging from news media to scientific research, signifying that the phrase's register is neutral. The phrase primarily functions as a descriptive noun phrase and is used to inform the reader or listener about the condition of an object's point, influencing how that object might be used. When writing, remember that "dull" refers to a lack of sharpness, not force. Also consider alternative expressions, such as "a blunt point", to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a blunt point

Replaces "tip" with "point" and "dull" with "blunt", both conveying a lack of sharpness.

a rounded tip

Suggests a lack of sharpness due to the tip being rounded instead of pointed.

a worn-down tip

Implies the tip was once sharp but has become dull through use.

a blunted end

Uses "end" instead of "tip" and "blunted" as a synonym for "dull".

a softened point

Indicates the point is no longer sharp or defined.

a flattened tip

Describes a tip that has been flattened, making it dull.

an unsharpened point

Directly states the point has not been sharpened.

a thick tip

Emphasizes the increased thickness of the tip, leading to dullness.

an obtuse point

Uses "obtuse" to describe a point that is not sharp.

a nub end

Uses "nub" to describe a small, dull end.

FAQs

How can I use "a dull tip" in a sentence?

You can use "a dull tip" to describe an object that is not sharp, like: "The knife had "a dull tip", making it hard to cut the vegetables."

What is a synonym for "a dull tip"?

Synonyms for "a dull tip" include "a blunt end" or "a rounded tip".

Which is correct, "a dull tip" or "an unsharpened tip"?

Both "a dull tip" and "an unsharpened tip" are correct, although ""a dull tip"" implies the tip was once sharp but has lost its sharpness. "an unsharpened tip" simply means the tip hasn't been sharpened.

What's the difference between "a dull tip" and "a sharp tip"?

"A dull tip" describes something that lacks sharpness, while "a sharp tip" describes something that is pointed and effective for cutting or piercing.