bore a hole

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bore a hole" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing the action of creating a hole in a material, typically with a tool or instrument. Example: "The carpenter used a drill to bore a hole in the wooden beam for the new shelf."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

"Punk was so free, so expressive, it bore a hole in me," he said.

The New Yorker

The coal auger may be compared to an auger used to bore a hole in a piece of wood.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Most days at the underground department somebody is heading out to bore a hole someplace in the city.

The New Yorker

They say a coin dropped from a tall building can bore a hole into a person's head.

The New York Times

Mr. Campbell stared into the distance, as if to bore a hole through the wall with his eyes.

The New York Times

In Chinese, we say that you can bore a hole in a stone by the steady dripping of water".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

There was quicksand beneath Sour Spring Mound, and it confounded any attempt to bore a stable hole.

The New Yorker

The reasons are many; however, now is the time to bore a new hole in your mind with Mexico's Xibalba.

Vice

To drain the abscess, they performed a CT guided drainage, in which I was glided in and out of a CT scanner while two doctors whisper-fought over how best to unstick the stuck black chord that needed to be pulled out of my abdomen in order to bore a larger hole in my muscle to reinsert the wire, and then the catheter.

Vice

A Forstner bit will bore a clean hole into your wood.

WikiHow

Then he hires a well driller to bore a 30-inch hole to the cave.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a precise or technical process involving creating a hole, use "bore a hole". This verb is often favored in contexts where accuracy and specific tools are relevant.

Common error

Avoid using "bore a hole" in casual conversations where simpler terms like "make a hole" or "drill a hole" would be more appropriate. The formality of "bore" can sound out of place.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bore a hole" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where "bore" is the verb and "a hole" is the direct object. It describes the action of creating a hole in something, as illustrated in the provided examples from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Wiki

25%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bore a hole" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe the action of creating a hole, according to Ludwig. It commonly appears in news, technical, and instructional contexts. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is suitable for neutral to formal registers. While interchangeable with simpler terms like "drill a hole" or "make a hole", "bore a hole" often carries a connotation of precision or technicality. Therefore, use it appropriately based on the context to ensure clarity and accuracy in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Drill a hole

Uses a more common verb, "drill", which is often used interchangeably with "bore" in modern English.

Make a hole

A simpler and more general way to express the action of creating a hole.

Cut a hole

Refers to using a sharp object to create the hole, emphasizing the cutting action.

Create an opening

Focuses on the result of the action, which is the creation of an opening.

Penetrate the surface

Emphasizes the action of going through a surface, highlighting the act of piercing.

Dig a hole

Suggests the removal of material from the ground to create the hole.

Puncture

Implies a sudden and often forceful action of creating a hole.

Perforate

Suggests creating a series of holes, often in a regular pattern.

Pierce through

Highlights the act of penetrating an object completely.

Excavate a hole

Implies digging or removing material to create a hole, often a larger one.

FAQs

What does "bore a hole" mean?

The phrase "bore a hole" means to create a hole in something using a tool or instrument, typically with a rotating or drilling motion.

How can I use "bore a hole" in a sentence?

You can use "bore a hole" to describe the action of creating a hole. For example: "The carpenter had to "drill a hole" to install the screw".

Which is the difference between "bore a hole" and ""drill a hole""?

While both phrases are similar, "bore a hole" often implies a more precise or technical process, whereas ""drill a hole"" is a more common and general term.

What are some alternatives to "bore a hole"?

Some alternatives include "make a hole", ""drill a hole"", or "create an opening", depending on the specific context.