axis

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "axis" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an imaginary line around which something rotates. For example, "The earth rotates around its own axis every 24 hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

From the distant steps of the newly opened war monument it didn't so much resemble a double-sided statue as a displaced Besser brick – an odd disjunctive barrier to the eye following the otherwise unbroken land axis.

The Guardian

One of Blake's heroes is Mala, the dubstep pioneer who shook dub's steady beats on to a parallel axis – Blake traces the line further, going past Burial's night bus and into the coffee house and the jazz club.

The Guardian - Music

12 MATT SCOTT 6/10 The training injury to Alex Dunbar broke up the Glasgow midfield axis but Scott was a forceful presence in the backline in his 40 minutes on the field.

The Guardian - Sport

Instead, set at the foot of Mount Ainslie (an elevation named after fake Scottish war hero, James Ainslie, that anchors the northern end of the land axis on the Griffins' plan of beautiful geometry and orbit) the casino was to feature a leisure park, al fresco cafes, a theatre and beer gardens.

The Guardian

This is the dramatic trifecta that pivots the 2013 election upon an unpredictable new axis.

The Guardian

He always saw Northern Ireland's future as linked to London, not quite as the unionists wanted it, but with London, not Dublin, as the main axis.

The Guardian

Then, suddenly, the camera turns on an axis to show us the view on the other side of the truck.

The Guardian - Film

Not only did that result kill the notion of British party politics, it demonstrated that in Scotland "nation" (and its associated identity) had become the dominant axis upon which discourse, public policy and even crude party politics turned.

The Guardian

It is the axis of prayer writ large in concrete.

The Guardian - Arts

So could a debate about decision-making – one that fits less comfortably on a left/right axis than the argument about the size of the state – be a theme of the next parliament?

The Guardian

The struggle between the Sinaloa Federation and the Gulf/Zetas would continue to be a major axis of the escalating violence that followed President Felipe Calderón's launch of a military-led offensive against organised crime in December 2006.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about abstract concepts, clarify which meaning of "axis" you intend (e.g., "the axis of political debate" vs. "the axis of rotation").

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "Axis", referring to the Axis powers in World War II, with "Allies", the opposing coalition. Double-check the historical context to ensure accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The word "axis" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a real or imaginary line around which something rotates or is symmetrically arranged. As Ludwig AI confirms, this includes physical axes, like Earth's axis, and abstract axes, such as in political discourse.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

31%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "axis" is a versatile noun with diverse applications, as validated by Ludwig AI. It commonly signifies a central line for rotation or symmetry but also holds historical significance regarding the Axis powers in World War II. Usage ranges from describing physical phenomena in science to analyzing political and economic relationships in news and media. To ensure clarity in writing, especially when dealing with abstract concepts, provide context to clarify the intended meaning. Remember also to avoid confusing "Axis" with "Allies" in historical contexts. As evidenced by its frequent occurrence in reputable sources like The Guardian and The Economist, "axis" is a frequently and correctly used word.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

center of rotation

Specifically denotes the point around which something rotates.

central line

Focuses on the straightness and centrality rather than rotation or symmetry.

center line

Focuses on the straightness and centrality rather than rotation or symmetry.

pivot point

Emphasizes the rotational aspect, highlighting the point around which something turns.

line of symmetry

Specifically refers to a line that divides a shape into two identical halves.

main alignment

Highlights the aspect of arrangement or orientation along a specific direction.

primary alignment

Emphasizes the principal arrangement or orientation.

central focus

Emphasizes importance and centrality, rather than physical rotation or alignment.

coordination

Highlights the interaction between elements.

spinal column

Specifically refers to the backbone, which acts as a central support structure.

FAQs

How can "axis" be used in a sentence?

The word "axis" can refer to an imaginary line around which something rotates, or it can describe an alignment. For instance, "The Earth rotates on its axis" or "The new trade agreement shifted the economic axis of the region".

What's the difference between "axis" and "center"?

"Axis" often implies a line of reference or rotation, whereas "center" typically refers to a point. For example, an axis is the imaginary line around which the Earth spins, while the center is the midpoint of a circle.

What can I say instead of "axis of evil"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "axis of evil" could include phrases like "rogue states", "countries of concern", or simply naming the countries individually.

What is the historical significance of the term "Axis"?

Historically, "Axis" refers to the Axis powers during World War II, primarily Germany, Italy, and Japan. Understanding this context is crucial when encountering the term in historical discussions.