braces

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "braces" is correct and highly usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a pair of metal or orthopedic bands that are used to straighten teeth and align jaws. For example, "The orthodontist gave me braces to help improve the alignment of my teeth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

I said, 'Ooh, I like your braces!' Could you ever have imagined saying something like that before?" But as the American century recedes ever further into memory, a new and fascinating shift is taking place.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"A large number of my friends were getting braces and the adults who'd deny this to their children were seen as bad parents".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"And the braces themselves are much less heavy tackle than they used to be.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Some opt for simple clean-ups, for plaque and swollen gums, some have their ragged edges filed, some have plastic bonding to cover blemishes, some have gum-shield-style "invisible" braces with names such as Invisalign, some have porcelain veneers fused to their teeth.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Lots more kids are coming in with braces," she says.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

They were also asked how often they had had panoramic X-rays so-called panoreX-rays so-calledir entire mouths, and whether they had ever had braces, the fitting of which often involves a panoramic X-rays so-calledchers found that panorexes takenhad a meningiofa were more theirtwicentireikely as those who had not to have had at least one bitewing X-ray.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

The London Criminal Justice Partnership sees the approach as a way to head off the belt-and-braces approach sometimes taken in ordering forensic tests by police officers and prosecutors second guessing the defence.

The Guardian

The flower produces a nectar reward for insects when they land but has a belt-and-braces approach to competing for pollinators' attention, luring them with conspicuous false nectaries.

The Guardian

When new vaccine cultures are made, belt-and-braces tests obviously need to be applied.

The Economist

But Dick Cheney I don't know any more".In one way, the idea that Mr Cheney has undergone a personality change is unfair: he was always a belt-and-braces pessimist and an ardent conservative.

The Economist

The computational problem is not exactly insignificant.Under pressure from television broadcasters, the FCC originally proposed that all white-space devices used during the trial period would have to adopt, as an added precaution, a redundant belt-and-braces approach to avoiding interference.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to dental appliances, clarify the type of "braces" (e.g., traditional metal braces, Invisalign) for better precision.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by specifying the context. Instead of just saying "braces", use "dental braces" or "suspenders" to avoid confusion between teeth straightening devices and clothing supports.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "braces" is as a plural noun. It refers to multiple instances of a supporting device, whether for teeth alignment (dental braces) or holding up trousers (suspenders). Ludwig provides examples of both usages, confirming its versatility.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "braces" functions primarily as a plural noun with diverse applications. It most commonly refers to dental appliances used for teeth straightening but can also denote suspenders or structural supports. As Ludwig AI indicates, its grammatical status is correct, and usage is common, especially in news, business, and technical contexts. To ensure clarity, specify the context (e.g., "dental braces" vs. "suspenders"). When writing, remember that the meaning is often understood in context and is versatile in professional writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dental braces

More specific term emphasizing the dental application.

orthodontic braces

Emphasizes the orthodontic aspect of teeth straightening.

dental aligners

Highlights an alternative to traditional braces for teeth alignment.

suspenders

Refers to the straps holding up trousers, a different meaning of the word.

teeth straighteners

More general term for devices that correct teeth alignment.

galluses

Synonym for suspenders, providing a different lexical choice.

manacles

Another, unrelated meaning referring to handcuffs.

brackets

Highlights the supporting or enclosing function, similar to structural braces.

support structures

General term applicable for physical supports like architectural braces.

structural supports

Emphasizes the use of braces as a structural element.

FAQs

How can I use "braces" in a sentence?

You can use "braces" to refer to dental appliances, as in "She got "braces" to correct her overbite". Alternatively, it can refer to suspenders, as in "He wore "braces" to hold up his trousers".

What's the difference between "braces" and "suspenders"?

"Braces" can refer to dental appliances used for teeth straightening or to suspenders, which are straps used to hold up trousers. "Suspenders" specifically refer to the latter, so use "suspenders" for clarity when talking about clothing.

Are "braces" always used in pairs?

When referring to dental appliances or suspenders, "braces" is typically used as a plural noun, implying a pair. However, "brace" can be used as a singular noun for a single support or component in other contexts.

What are some other terms for "dental braces"?

Alternative terms for "dental braces" include "orthodontic appliances", "dental aligners", and "teeth straighteners depending on the specific type of appliance.