a tabloid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a tabloid" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a type of newspaper that focuses on sensational news, gossip, and entertainment stories. Example: "She prefers reading a tabloid over a traditional newspaper because she enjoys the celebrity gossip."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Naturally, he told a tabloid.

The New York Times - Magazine

So it's a tabloid book.

The New York Times - Books

"It's not a tabloid story.

The New Yorker

(It became a tabloid in 1971).

The New York Times

Then Bild, a tabloid, began hounding him.

The Economist

"My life is a tabloid target".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

The essay in a tabloid-style handout helps.

The New York Times - Arts

Other shows take a tabloid-headline approach to the odd.

The New York Times - Arts

If you allow comments to continue, it becomes a tabloid.

The New York Times

Looks like a tabloid saving money I assume!

Huffington Post

Italy Has a Tabloid Magazine Dedicated to the Pope.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a tabloid" when referring to publications known for sensationalism, gossip, and often lower journalistic standards. Ensure the context aligns with this connotation.

Common error

Avoid using "a tabloid" to describe all newspapers or magazines. Reserve it for those publications that specifically focus on sensational or celebrity-driven content, as mislabeling can be misleading or offensive.

Linguistic Context

"A tabloid" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as a descriptor to identify a specific type of publication known for sensationalism. Ludwig's examples showcase how it's used to categorize newspapers and magazines with this focus.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tabloid" is a noun phrase used to describe a type of publication that focuses on sensational news, gossip, and entertainment. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly within news and media contexts. While the term itself is neutral, it often carries negative connotations related to journalistic integrity. When writing, be mindful of the specific meaning and potential implications when using the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a sensational publication

Highlights the sensationalism of the content.

a sensational periodical

Highlights the periodical nature of the sensationalist publication.

a sensational newspaper

Focuses on the sensational nature of the publication.

a scandal sheet

Highlights the focus on scandalous content.

a gossip paper

Highlights its focus on gossip.

a gossip magazine

Emphasizes the gossip-oriented content.

a popular rag

Implies a low-quality, widely read publication.

a yellow journal

Refers to sensationalist journalism.

a cheap newspaper

Indicates low cost and potentially low quality.

a celebrity magazine

Focuses on celebrity-related content.

FAQs

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

You can use "a tabloid" to describe a newspaper known for its sensational stories, such as: "The celebrity's scandal was splashed across the front page of "a tabloid"".

What's a less judgmental way to say "a tabloid"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a popular newspaper" or "a celebrity magazine" instead of "a tabloid" if you want to avoid negative connotations.

Is it correct to call any newspaper "a tabloid"?

No, the term "a tabloid" specifically refers to newspapers that focus on sensational news, gossip, and entertainment. Not all newspapers fall into this category. Using "a tabloid" to refer to a reputable broadsheet is incorrect and misleading.

What are some common characteristics of "a tabloid"?

Common characteristics of "a tabloid" include sensational headlines, celebrity gossip, intrusive photography, and a focus on scandalous stories.