a hare

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a hare" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a type of animal, specifically a fast-running mammal that resembles a rabbit. Example: "In the story, a hare challenges a tortoise to a race, confident in its speed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

In "The Tortoise and the Hare" the characters are, as the title indicates, a tortoise and a hare.

WikiHow

"A Hare Krishna?" Sally said.

The New Yorker

Where is "A Hare Grows in Manhattan"?

The New York Times

CHRIS Is there a Hare Krishna tent?

The Guardian - Music

But more was secured than a hare.

The Guardian - Sport

A hare is required, of course.

The New York Times - Food

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

Royal antelope (Neotragus pygmaeus), a hare-sized denizen of West Africa's lowland rainforest that is the world's smallest antelope.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Probably caught a hare--celebrating before feasting".

Huffington Post

Seven dunks in one minute ― a hare-raising achievement. .

Huffington Post

Parenthesis: A hare-brained notion your mom or dad came up with.

Huffington Post

It was a hare-brained scheme that ended as poorly as the Jets season.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a hare" in writing, ensure that the context is clear, especially if the audience might confuse it with a rabbit. Consider specifying the species (e.g., European hare) for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a hare" and "a rabbit" interchangeably. While both are lagomorphs, they have distinct characteristics and behaviors. Use "a hare" when referring specifically to hares, not rabbits.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a hare" primarily functions as a noun phrase, specifically a common noun phrase, identifying a type of animal. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and frequently used. It acts as the subject or object of a sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a hare" is a grammatically sound noun phrase used to denote a mammal similar to a rabbit, commonly found in diverse contexts ranging from news reports and scientific articles to fables. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and widely used, though distinguishing hares from rabbits is essential for accuracy. The phrase is frequently encountered in "News & Media" and "Science", indicating a blend of general interest and factual reporting. When writing about "a hare", clarity and context are key to avoid confusion with similar animals.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

The hare

A more definite reference to a specific hare, perhaps already mentioned.

European hare

Specifies the particular species of hare found in Europe.

Brown hare

Identifies a hare based on its coloration.

A rabbit

Refers to a similar but distinct animal, often smaller and with different habits.

Arctic hare

Emphasizes the hare's adaptation to cold, northern climates.

Mountain hare

Highlights the hare's habitat, indicating a species adapted to mountainous regions.

A jackrabbit

Describes a hare of the genus Lepus, found in North America.

A leveret

Refers specifically to a young hare.

A fast hare

Highlights a characteristic for which hares are known.

A timid hare

Highlights the perceived fearful and shy nature of a hare.

FAQs

How can I use "a hare" in a sentence?

You can use "a hare" to refer to the animal itself, such as "A hare ran across the field". It can also be used metaphorically, as in "he runs like a hare".

What is the difference between "a hare" and a rabbit?

While both are lagomorphs, hares are typically larger, have longer ears, and are born precocial (relatively mature and mobile from birth). Rabbits are generally smaller, have shorter ears, and are born altricial (helpless and requiring care).

What are some common idioms involving "a hare"?

A well-known example is the fable "The Tortoise and the Hare", which teaches about perseverance. Also, the phrase "hare-brained" describes a foolish or impractical idea.

Is it correct to use "a hare" in formal writing?

Yes, "a hare" is perfectly acceptable in formal writing when referring to the animal. The formality depends on the overall context and purpose of the writing. It's used in news reports, scientific papers, and literary works.