bland

USAGE SUMMARY

'among' is a correct and usable word in written English
You can use it when something is shared or distributed among a group of people or things. For example: The prize was divided among the three finalists.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Travel

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Delegations at the summit took several hours to hammer out a 10-page statement full of bland postulations of the EU's Eastern Partnership programme, but ahead of the meeting, Juncker was clearly in a more light-hearted mood.

The Guardian

"The way the debate is being conducted is so bland and repetitive with three men in grey suits throwing insults at each other, it is turning people off," said Conor McGurran, campaigns and citizenship officer at the student union.

The Guardian

I've stuck with the classic saffron to flavour the rice, but feel free to experiment with other herbs and spices; Hartnett goes for chopped parsley and Carluccio adds a pinch of nutmeg, but chilli flakes might also work well with the bland mozzarella.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The rooms are comfortable, if a little bland, but the communal areas – the open-fronted dining room, cosy bar and sitting rooms – are all welcoming and delightfully furnished.

The Guardian - Travel

— In the sometimes bland Nascar garage, at least one driver has dared to criticize the powerful, call out the untouchable, slap down the unbearable and catch the seemingly uncatchable.

The New York Times - Sports

Another "conditioning" technique involved feeding a detainee "a bland, commercial liquid meal" instead of normal food.

The Guardian

This is almost always a good idea with dairy products, which can be bland if served too warm, although I'll be impressed if you can manage to resist the temptation to tuck in for too long.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Still, it's stripped back and palate-cleansing, and has a hint of funk in the choppy rhythm stabs before the headbanging finale which lift it slightly above bland proficiency.

The Guardian - Music

Again, coconut tastes out of place, and Greek yoghurt is too bland and thick.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A noble dish that once graced the banquet tables of the imperial Mughal court, rich with cream and nuts and heavily scented with expensive spice, has become a byword for bland, a "starter" curry, beloved of children and others with unadventurous tastes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"The script was bland, American money got involved, and I couldn't control it, so I dropped out," he says of the Sylvia Plath biopic he was at one point attached to.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To avoid overly negative connotations, use "bland" to describe something neutral or inoffensive rather than distinctly unpleasant.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "bland" as a default descriptor; explore more nuanced vocabulary to convey the specific quality you're aiming for, like "monotonous", "understated", or "neutral".

Linguistic Context

The word "bland" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to indicate a lack of strong flavor, interest, or excitement. Ludwig confirms this usage, showcasing various examples where "bland" describes food, personalities, or events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Lifestyle

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Travel

5%

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "bland" is a versatile adjective used to describe something lacking in strong flavor, interest, or excitement. As Ludwig's AI confirms, its primary function is to modify nouns and express a neutral or negative assessment. While "bland" is frequently used in news media and lifestyle contexts, it can also be found in more formal settings. When writing, remember to consider whether more specific adjectives might provide a clearer picture, and be mindful of potential negative connotations. Overall, "bland" is a common and acceptable word, though thoughtful usage enhances clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flavorless

Focuses specifically on the absence of taste.

insipid

Emphasizes a lack of character or zest.

uninspired

Highlights the absence of creativity or enthusiasm.

dull

Suggests a lack of excitement or interest.

uninteresting

Directly states a lack of interest.

vapid

Implies a lack of substance or depth.

tasteless

Similar to flavorless, but can also refer to a lack of social grace.

inoffensive

Indicates a lack of anything controversial or stimulating.

mild

Suggests a gentle or subdued quality, lacking intensity.

weak

Implies a lack of strength or intensity in flavor or character.

FAQs

How to use "bland" in a sentence?

You can use "bland" to describe something lacking flavor, interest, or excitement. For example, "The soup was surprisingly bland" or "The presentation was quite bland and uninspired".

What can I say instead of "bland"?

You can use alternatives like "flavorless", "insipid", "dull", or "uninspired" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "bland" or "blahnd"?

"Bland" is the correct spelling. "Blahnd" is not a recognized word in English.

What's the difference between "bland" and "boring"?

"Bland" often refers to a lack of distinct qualities or flavors, while "boring" suggests a lack of interest or excitement. Something can be "bland" without being necessarily boring, and vice versa.