casing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "casing" is correct and usable in written English, depending on the context.
It can be used when referring to the outer covering or shell of an object, often in technical or manufacturing contexts. Example: "The device's casing is made of durable plastic to protect the internal components."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They could be cruising, doing a drug deal or casing the joint.

The Guardian - Arts

There were times when you could not leave your home because people were visibly casing the streets".In this section Suffer the little children Demolishing the dumps Get the council The problems stack up Stop digging What ails the Tories?

The Economist

An independent investigation determined that the problem could be avoided in the future by choosing a different type of well casing.

The Economist

And the defeat was made that much worse by a hamstring injury to his halves partner Kieran Foran not to mention the sight of former team-mate Anthony Watmough squeezed into the blue and gold like a prize heifer into a sausage casing.

The Guardian - Sport

The Apple Watch aims for a premium market with its metal casing and comes in dozens of customisable options, including a deluxe gold version.

The Guardian - Tech

A) "System malfunction, motor casing interference.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

A turbocharger works by tapping the hot exhaust gas from the engine to spin a small turbine which, in turn, drives an equally small air compressor housed in the same compact casing.

The Economist

Thin-film technology eliminates the need for so much casing, and Planar's solid-state electrolyte doubles as a separator.

The Economist

Wait too long and the lipid casing is digested by lysosomes, the cellular waste-disposal units.The drugs can be inhaled as an aerosol spray through a nebuliser, a device which turns liquid into fine mist.

The Economist

Its outer casing is made of silicone and is fitted with pressure sensors so that it knows what it is touching.

The Economist

Complicating matters further, the burning fuel cannot be allowed to get too volatile for fear of cracking the microscopic engine's casing, which is made of silicon instead of high-temperature alloy.Earlier this year, Dr Epstein demonstrated that a prototype of his microscale jet engine could achieve rotor speeds of 1.3m revolutions per minute enough, in theory, to generate 17 watts of power.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to the outer shell of manufactured products or equipment, using "casing" is clear and precise. For example, 'The electronic components are protected by a durable plastic casing.'

Common error

Avoid using "casing" in contexts where a more general term like "covering" or "enclosure" would be more appropriate. For instance, don't describe a book's cover as its casing.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "casing" is as a noun, referring to a protective outer covering or housing. According to Ludwig, this usage is correct and frequent in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Social Media

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "casing" is a noun that denotes an outer protective layer or housing, frequently used in technical and general contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely employed, especially in news media and encyclopedia entries. While synonyms like "housing" or "enclosure" can be suitable alternatives depending on the specific situation, "casing" remains a precise and useful term for describing the protective exterior of various objects and structures. Be mindful, however, to use it only when it can be considered a technical or architectural component to avoid sounding weird.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

housing

Refers to a structure that protects or covers something, similar to casing but often more general.

enclosure

Implies a space that is surrounded, which can be a more encompassing term than casing.

shell

Suggests an outer layer that protects something, often used for natural objects or simple containers.

covering

A general term for something that is placed over or around something else for protection or concealment.

sheathing

Specifically refers to a protective layer or covering, often in construction or manufacturing.

jacket

Suggests an outer layer of protection, similar to clothing, often used in technical contexts like cables.

container

A broad term for anything used to hold or enclose something, but less specific than casing.

framework

The underlying structure that supports or encloses something, but can also refer to a set of ideas or rules.

outer layer

A descriptive term referring to the external part of an object, emphasizing its position as the outermost element.

protective layer

Emphasizes the function of the layer as providing protection, rather than simply enclosing.

FAQs

How is "casing" used in technical writing?

In technical writing, "casing" refers to the outer protective layer or housing of a device, machine, or structure. It's often used when describing the components of an engine, well, or electronic device.

What are some synonyms for "casing" in the context of manufacturing?

In manufacturing, alternatives to "casing" include "housing", "enclosure", or "shell". The best choice depends on the specific object and its function.

When is it appropriate to use "casing" to describe architectural elements?

In architecture, "casing" often refers to the decorative trim around doors or windows. However, in other architectural contexts, terms like "cladding" or "sheathing" may be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "casing" and "case"?

"Casing" typically refers to a protective outer layer or housing, whereas "case" can refer to a container, a legal matter, or an instance of something. The terms are not interchangeable.