binary

USAGE SUMMARY

"binary" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe something that is composed of two parts, or when you want to discuss topics related to binary code (base-2 number system). For example: The binary code that the computer used to store data was composed of only two characters, 0 and 1.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Pringle said that left the UK government fighting to protect a principle that Salmond's team was already ready to concede: "They made their one red line the binary referendum so in that sense they did kind of … they played into our hands in terms of making a presentation like that".

The Guardian

And that raises complicated implementation questions, which cannot be neatly summarised into the ridiculous binary of being for or against the perpetrators of beheadings.

The Guardian

Writer Reni Eddo-Lodge is not alone in wondering if the conversations about women in pop move beyond a binary of agency or exploitation.

The Guardian - Opinion

The core case for a Yes vote on 5 May is that up to one-third of voters now repudiate the binary voting tradition – Tory or Labour (formerly Liberal/Whig - of the past. They seek greater pluralism and choice. To deny this is "unfair" and a "wasted vote". That's a powerful claim which impresses me. Systems are designed to meet human needs.

The Guardian

The way was clear for the Scottish people to be offered a binary choice: yes or no to continued membership of the UK.

The Guardian

In the binary world of telly, they have to decide for each child if the answer is better discipline or a medical diagnosis.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Because if there is no bad, how could good get mastery over the bad?" It is a binary, polarising outlook that recalls the tactics of another strongman leader, president Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Turkey.

The Guardian

So: the PM continues to talk up the "big binary choice" and the intrinsic desirability of a majority government that is able to take radical decisions without constant recourse to its partner or partners.

The Guardian - Opinion

I've struggled also with reducing every response to a set of binary oppositions.

The Guardian

If we accept her in part because she fits into our understanding of the gender binary, then we're celebrating not just her transition but her economic privilege and her allegiance to a beauty standard that, for non-trans, cisgender women, may mean being more desired or liked, but for trans women is often an insurmountable barrier to being considered women at all.

The Guardian - Opinion

He's moderated his tone since opposition, but Abbott still sets up propositions in provocative and binary ways.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid overusing "binary" in contexts where a simpler term like "dual" or "two-part" would suffice for clarity.

Common error

Don't assume "binary" always refers to computers. It has broader applications in mathematics, statistics, and even social sciences where it signifies a division into two categories.

Linguistic Context

The word "binary" functions primarily as an adjective to describe something composed of two parts or states. It also functions as a noun referring to the base-2 numeral system or an executable computer file. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across many examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "binary" is widely used in English, primarily as an adjective signifying something composed of two parts or states, and as a noun referring to the base-2 numeral system. Ludwig AI indicates that "binary" is grammatically correct and frequently used across varied contexts like News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business. When writing, use "binary" accurately to describe either a two-part composition or in the context of computer science. Alternatives include "dualistic" and "two-part", depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey. Be mindful of its broader applications beyond computing to avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

either-or

Presents a choice between two exclusive options.

base-2

Specifically refers to the mathematical system using only two digits.

boolean

Highlights the logical aspect of having two possible states: true or false.

dualistic

Focuses on the concept of two opposing elements or principles.

dichotomous

Suggests a division into two mutually exclusive categories.

two-part

Emphasizes the composition of something having two distinct components.

bi-modal

Describes a distribution or system with two modes or peaks.

double

Indicates something that is twice the amount or has two instances.

digital

Relates to the representation of data using discrete values, often in binary form.

on-off

Simplifies the concept to a switching mechanism between two states.

FAQs

How is "binary" used in computer science?

In computer science, "binary" refers to the base-2 numeral system, which uses only the digits 0 and 1 to represent data. It is also used to describe executable computer files.

What's an example of a "binary" choice in a political context?

A "binary" choice in politics often presents two clear options, such as a yes or no vote on a referendum, similar to the "either-or" decision highlighted in several news articles.

In what other fields besides computing is the term "binary" applied?

Beyond computing, "binary" applies to star systems (binary stars), statistical distributions (binary distributions), and logical operations (boolean logic), indicating a system or choice involving two parts or states.

What are some alternatives to using the word "binary" in general writing?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "dualistic", "two-part", or "dichotomous" to convey the sense of something having two elements or being divided into two categories.