cave

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cave" is correct and usable in written English, depending on the context.
It can be used when referring to a natural underground space or as a metaphor for yielding or submitting to pressure. Example: "The explorers discovered a hidden cave deep in the mountains."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Film

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

In Cappadocia, the thrill of hurtling along a trail on two wheels is amplified by its otherworldly landscape of rock pillars, known as "fairy chimneys", many reaching more than 40 metres high, as well as its cave houses and ancient Byzantine churches.

The Guardian - Travel

An island that now charges you thousands of euros to spend a couple of nights in one of the tiny white cave dwellings that cling to its cliffs, magically transformed into some of the most glamorous hotels in the world.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The earliest-known depictions are of the eyed hawkmoth and the peacock butterfly in Pyrenees cave paintings.

The Guardian - Film

"We cannot say simply that we sit around the table and you say, 'This is my manifesto and I won the elections on the basis of it, so cave in and accept it.'" Ukip leader Nigel Farage said that his party must waste no time before beginning a "ground war" to leave the European Union.

The Guardian

North of Addis Ababa we took a hard, dusty mountain road to the ancient holy city of Lalibela and marvelled at the monolithic cave churches hewn from bare rock.

The Guardian - Travel

The cave walls in this Indigenous protected area were, for generations, effectively artists' blackboards; new paintings would be blithely brushed over others that were thousands of years old, as urgent memories of new stories superseded the ancient.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

This was thrilling news indeed as the clear inference is that there are other prehistoric creatures on the grand prix circuit who use their weirdly foreshortened front legs for swatting away pterodactyls and making futile attempts to grab up lithe and bronzed young cave-chicks clad in sloth fur bikinis.

The Guardian - Sport

"Deep below ground," the speaker was saying, "in a cramped tunnel, prone to flooding and cave-ins, not knowing what lay ahead.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Has Jenkins finally accepted that Barclays cannot be beholden to its big-name bankers, especially McGee's ex-Lehman Brothers crew in the US? Let's hope so because last year's cave-in on bonuses was a failure in almost every respect.

The Guardian - Business

All are tricky in a mine rendered unstable by the cave-in, and, in the best of cases, will take several months.The accident has also raised wider questions about mine safety in Chile, which is the world's biggest copper producer.

The Economist

After days of savage aerial bombardment, their bases in the cave-riddled White Mountains near Tora Bora in eastern Afghanistan have been destroyed.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cave" as a verb meaning to surrender, ensure the context clearly indicates pressure or opposition. For example: "The company caved to public demand."

Common error

Avoid confusing "cave" (an underground cavity) with "cove" (a small sheltered bay). The words have distinct meanings and are not interchangeable.

Linguistic Context

The word "cave" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a natural underground void. It also serves as a verb, meaning to collapse or surrender. As Ludwig AI also confirms, it also can function as an interjection and a proper noun.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Travel

15%

Film

10%

Less common in

Lifestyle

8%

Sport

6%

Opinion

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "cave" is a versatile term with multiple grammatical functions, as analyzed by Ludwig AI. Primarily a noun denoting a natural underground cavity, it also functions as a verb meaning to collapse or surrender, and less commonly, as an interjection or proper noun. Its usage is most frequent in news and media, travel writing, and film contexts. While generally correct, it's important to differentiate it from similarly spelled words like "cove". Understanding these nuances ensures accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cavern

Refers specifically to a large underground chamber or a natural cavity.

grotto

Implies a smaller, often artificial or decorated cave.

underground chamber

A more general term for a cavity beneath the surface, can be natural or man-made.

rock shelter

A shallow cave or overhang in a rock face, often used by early humans.

spelunk

Refers to the activity of exploring caves as a hobby.

submit

When "cave" means to yield or surrender, 'submit' is a direct synonym.

yield

Similar to 'submit', implies giving way under pressure.

capitulate

Suggests a more formal or decisive surrender.

buckle

To collapse, like a roof might "cave" in.

give in

Implies reluctantly agreeing or ceasing resistance.

FAQs

How is "cave" used as a verb?

The verb "cave" means to collapse or give way, or to surrender or submit. For example: "The roof caved in after the heavy snowfall" or "The politician caved under pressure from the media".

What are some synonyms for "cave" as a noun?

Synonyms for "cave" as a noun include "cavern", "grotto", and "rock shelter" depending on the specific context.

What does it mean when someone says a structure "caved in"?

When a structure "caves in", it means it collapsed inward or downward. This is commonly used to describe roofs, tunnels, or other enclosed spaces that have given way due to pressure or damage.

When can I use "cave" as an interjection?

"Cave" as an interjection is a shortened form of the expression "cave in", meaning to look out or beware. It's less common than "look out" or "watch out" but serves the same purpose.