almanac

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'almanac' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a book or table containing a calendar of the months of the year and other information such as astronomical data and statistics. Example: The farmer consulted his almanac to check when to sow his seeds.

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Elsewhere, there is the chance of a genuine outsider taking the play-off spot in Group E. If Iceland can force a result in Norway, a youthful team managed by sage old Swede, Lars Lagerback, are on the verge of writing a wonderful chapter in what has been a pretty thin Icelandic football almanac.

The Guardian - Sport

So began the modern era of cricket.In the same year a bowler of some repute called John Wisden gathered some statistics, about both cricket and unrelated topics, such as the English civil war, and published them in an almanac.

The Economist

Had the almanac been around since then, what other events might have demanded inclusion?

The Economist

Join our debateFrom our blogsSport: The Wisden of hindsight The 2013 edition of "Wisden", a cricketing almanac, lists the ten most significant events in the sport's recent history.

The Economist

Its primary contributions were in practical astronomy navigation, timekeeping, determination of star positions, and almanac publication.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Since 907 the special names by which every year of the cycle is designated are simply given to present years of the almanac.

Encyclopedia Britannica

An almanac provides data on the rising and setting times of the Sun and Moon, the phases of the Moon, the positions of the planets, schedules of high and low tides, and a register of ecclesiastical festivals and saints' days.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But the best-known type of almanac is now a handy and dependable collection of a vast array of statistical, historical, and other information.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He also used the royal calendars, a type of almanac prepared to provide the court with astrological information and containing lists of historical events.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His reputation was enlarged by numerous other publishing successes including an atlas, an almanac, and several journals and he was elected to the Chamber of Deputies in 1834.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Referring to an almanac for proof, Lincoln argued that the night had been too dark for the witness to have seen anything clearly, and with a sincere and moving appeal he won an acquittal.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use an "almanac" to quickly reference statistical data and factual information, especially when writing about current events or needing background context.

Common error

Don't assume an "almanac" is just a calendar. While it contains calendar information, it also includes a wealth of statistical, astronomical, and other data not found in a basic calendar.

Linguistic Context

The word "almanac" primarily functions as a noun. It refers to a book or table listing various events, statistical information, and other data. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in contexts ranging from historical records to practical guides.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

37%

News & Media

27%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "almanac" is a common and grammatically correct noun referring to a book or table containing various data and records. It is used in diverse contexts, primarily in encyclopedias and news media. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides numerous examples. When using "almanac", remember that it is more than just a calendar; it's a rich source of information suitable for academic research, factual reporting, and general knowledge. Consider using synonyms like "annual reference book" or "data book" for variety, but be mindful of the subtle differences in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

annual reference book

Focuses on the yearly publication aspect.

yearly compendium

Highlights the comprehensive nature and annual recurrence.

data book

Emphasizes the collection of data contained within.

statistical yearbook

Specifically refers to a collection of statistics published annually.

farmers' calendar

Highlights the agricultural use, similar to a traditional use of almanacs.

nautical tables

Focuses on the nautical information often found in almanacs.

astronomical tables

Emphasizes the astronomical data provided.

information handbook

Highlights its function as an information resource.

annual register

Stresses the record-keeping aspect and yearly publication.

fact book

Emphasizes that it's a repository of facts.

FAQs

How to use "almanac" in a sentence?

You can use "almanac" to refer to a reference book with various data. For example, "The farmer consulted the "almanac" to determine the best planting dates."

What can I say instead of "almanac"?

You can use alternatives like "annual reference book", "data book", or "statistical yearbook" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "almanac" or "yearbook"?

Both "almanac" and "yearbook" are correct, but they have slightly different meanings. An "almanac" typically contains a broader range of information, including astronomical data and long-term statistics, while a "yearbook" often summarizes the events of a specific year.

What's the difference between "almanac" and "encyclopedia"?

An "almanac" is usually an annual publication with specific data and statistics, while an "encyclopedia" is a more comprehensive collection of knowledge covering a wide range of topics.