card

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "card" is correct and usable in written English, depending on the context in which it is used.
You can use it when referring to a physical card, such as a credit card, business card, or greeting card, or in a metaphorical sense, such as playing one's cards right. Example: "Please hand me your business card so I can contact you later."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Referring to the accusations that she had "played the gender card" by calling out sexism, she said her position as the first female incumbent "does not explain everything about my prime ministership and does not explain nothing about my prime ministership".

The Guardian

It had everything else: more than 30 shots, one red card, three penalties, none of which were, three very particular celebrations, points proven, and 10 goals.

The Guardian - Sport

Use the remainder of the first sheet of card for the nose and cheeks.

The Guardian

The weaker currency that would result from leaving the euro is not a get out of jail free card, far from it.

The Guardian - Business

First-round opponent: [WC] Manon Arcangioli (FRA) Drawing a home-country wild card in a Grand Slam is about as good as it gets, and Arcangioli, a 20-year-old ranked No275, is a break.

The Guardian - Sport

However, should the Swiss manager have asked for a review, as he surely would have done, the referee would have had little option but to point to the spot, perhaps producing a red card for Cahill in the process.

The Guardian - Sport

Amid the rejoicing, the unlikely allies who had secured victory for the no campaign would soon be back at each other's throats, after Cameron seized the moment of triumph to play the English card – providing the SNP a quick route back from defeat.

The Guardian

However, he added, the hunt had been complicated by the fact that in parts of Mali, a whole village shares the same Sim card.

The Guardian

They are betting on the eventual paralysis of the Rouhani government, and their most important card is his defeat in these nuclear negotiations.

The Guardian

However, while the Neo Geo's card offered just 2k of storage, the PlayStation's had 128k, separated into 15 "save" blocks.

The Guardian - Tech

Further down the fight card, campaigns are fighting to remain alive.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a specific type of "card", such as a credit card or business card, be precise in your wording for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "card" ambiguously. Always provide context to specify which type of "card" you are referring to, especially when it's not immediately clear from the surrounding text. For instance, instead of saying 'I lost my card', specify 'I lost my credit card'.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "card" is as a noun, referring to a physical object or a metaphorical resource. Ludwig examples show its use in contexts ranging from playing cards to identification cards and strategic advantages.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "card" is a versatile noun with a wide range of applications, from physical objects like playing cards and credit cards to metaphorical concepts such as 'playing a card' in a strategic sense. As Ludwig AI confirms, the usage is correct and very common. When using "card", ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity, and consider the specific type of card to enhance precision in your writing. Authoritative sources like The Guardian frequently employ "card" in diverse contexts, highlighting its widespread relevance in news, business, and everyday communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

playing card

Specifies a particular type of card used in games.

identification card

Refers specifically to a card used for identification purposes.

business card

Denotes a card containing professional contact information.

credit card

A card used for making purchases on credit.

greeting card

A card sent to convey greetings or well wishes.

membership card

Indicates membership in an organization or club.

calling card

A formal card used for introductions or leaving messages.

scorecard

A card used to record scores in a game or competition.

game

Refers to card games in general

chart

A card map or chart.

FAQs

How can I use "card" in a sentence?

You can use "card" in various contexts. For example: 'She handed me her business card', 'He played a winning card', or 'Do you accept credit card payments?'.

What are some alternative terms for a "card" depending on the context?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "identification card", "business card", "credit card", or "greeting card".

When is it appropriate to use the term "card" metaphorically?

The term "card" can be used metaphorically to refer to a resource or argument used to achieve a purpose, such as 'playing the race card' or 'having a trump card to play'.

What's the difference between a "card" and a "ticket"?

While both "card" and "ticket" can grant access, a "card" is typically a durable item used repeatedly (like a membership card), while a "ticket" is often temporary and used for a single event or entry.