bars of the crate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bars of the crate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the metal or wooden bars that form the structure of a crate, often in contexts related to shipping, storage, or animal enclosures. Example: "The delivery was delayed because the bars of the crate were damaged during transport."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Allow the two dogs to interact through the bars of the crate for up to 20 minutes.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Taking in the scene through the bars of a crate was a baby serval, an African wildcat with a spotted coat similar to that of a leopard.

The New York Times

Hovering near the bars of his crate, he watched as Ms. Laukhuf offered a hand in greeting, then moved forward to offer a few friendly licks, revealing a red gash on the top of his nose.

The New York Times

You will have more and will be able to slip them through the bars of a crate.

WikiHow

The 170 million pigs living on factory farms in America are bored, monotonously chewing on the bars of their crates to relieve the tension of doing nothing when they should be outside and active.

Forbes

Crated calves are tethered by the neck, pigs in severe confinement bite the metal bars of their crates, and hens get trapped and can even be impaled in their cages.

Huffington Post

(He said) "It means taking it out of the crate".

The New Yorker

I've tried thinking out of the crate.

The New York Times - Style

"Nobody could get them out of the crate.

BBC

There was a decreased risk of calluses in sows in crates with 5 - 10 cm, or more than 10 cm between the sows back and the top of the crate compared with sows with less than 5 cm (Table 9).

BMC Veterinary Research

Sows that had less space within the crate between the sow's tail and the back of the crate were less likely to respond to human presence (r = 0.13, df = 278, p < 0.05).

BMC Veterinary Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing confinement or observation, "bars of the crate" clearly conveys the idea of being separated or viewing something through a barrier. Use it to add detail to descriptions involving crates and enclosed spaces.

Common error

Avoid using "bars of the crate" when the crate is made of a solid material like plastic or solid wood, as this phrase implies a barred structure rather than a closed container.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bars of the crate" functions as a noun phrase, specifying the physical structure of a crate. It acts as a descriptive element within a sentence, often highlighting the barrier or the means of enclosure, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Wiki

33%

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "bars of the crate" is a grammatically sound noun phrase, though its frequency is relatively rare. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage for describing structures with bars, fitting various contexts from scientific studies to news reports. When writing, ensure the crate actually features bars to maintain accuracy. For similar expressions, consider alternatives that specify material, such as "metal bars" or focus on function, such as "enclosure". The phrase suits neutral registers and is well-understood across different sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

crate's bars

Reverses the order of the nouns for a slightly different emphasis.

metal bars of the crate

Adds specificity by indicating the material of the bars.

wooden bars of the crate

Specifies wooden material instead of metal.

grating of the crate

Uses 'grating' as a synonym for 'bars', implying a grid-like structure.

framework of the crate

Replaces 'bars' with 'framework', focusing on the structural aspect.

slats of the crate

Uses 'slats' to describe the bars, particularly if they are flat and thin.

lattice of the crate

Suggests a more decorative or intricate bar structure.

the crate's grid

Uses 'grid' as a synonym for a structured arrangement of bars.

confines of the crate

Shifts the focus to the enclosed space defined by the crate, not the bars themselves.

enclosure of the crate

Refers to the general enclosed space created by the crate.

FAQs

How can I describe looking through "bars of the crate"?

You can describe the view as obstructed, limited, or filtered. For example, "He peered through the "bars of the crate", his vision partially blocked by the metal.".

What is a less literal way to refer to the "bars of the crate"?

Consider using "confinement", "enclosure", or "barrier" to emphasize the crate's function as a restrictive space rather than focusing on the physical structure of the "bars of the crate".

When is it inappropriate to use the phrase "bars of the crate"?

It's inappropriate if the crate doesn't have bars, for example, if it's a solid, enclosed container. In such cases, describe it as "inside the crate" or "within the crate".

Is there a difference between "bars of the crate" and "slats of the crate"?

Yes, "bars" generally refers to round or square rods, while "slats" refers to flat, narrow strips of material. Choose the term that accurately describes the crate's structure. If they are unsure, using a general term as "framework of the crate" may be a good solution.