cavities

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "cavities" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to small, hollow pockets of decay in your teeth. For example, "If you don't brush your teeth regularly, you could develop cavities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They said there were neither enough government inspectors nor industry-appointed inspection assistants to check the body, offals and cavities of the birds.

The Guardian

But the rules still demand bird-by-bird inspection "on the line" with inspectors or assistants checking the body, offals and cavities.

The Guardian

One little girl would begin making believe her toes were piano keys, others would explore their nostrils and ear cavities and play with the products, others would sing little songs, others would engage in silent dialogues, others would turn away, so they couldn't see it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I was able to see how the cavities of the reliefs had once been coloured with a bright terracotta red, and this was exactly the kind of effect that I too had been seeking from 1938 onwards, in some of my own works.

The Guardian - Arts

They said energy drinks had also been linked to dangers when combined with physical activity – despite often being marketed as boosting sports performance – and to obesity and dental cavities.

The Guardian

One type is printed where the cross-section is required to be solid, and the other where there are cavities, overhangs and other features with spaces.

The Economist

The sea is a harsh mistress and some people fear that the cavities (which, for best results, should cover at least two-thirds of a ship's hull) would affect the vessel's handling.They will indeed, and in some ways for the better.

The Economist

Jonas Frisen and his colleagues at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm have isolated stem cells that line the cavities of an adult mouse brain.

The Economist

Some cavities turn out to house families of mice, for whom the building is a perfect home (by the river, with warm nooks and lots of food sitting around).

The Economist

The upshot is that the shortest distance copper cavities can realistically be placed apart is about 30cm.Through a glass, brisklyWith a bit of clever engineering, however, cavities of glass can be made to behave like copper ones, only better.

The Economist

The higher the flipping frequency and the stronger the electric field, the more tightly the cavities can be packed.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cavities" in contexts where you want to emphasize the presence of hollow spaces or decayed areas.

Common error

Avoid using "cavities" without context. Specify if you are referring to dental problems or other types of hollow spaces. For instance, say "dental cavities" instead of just "cavities" when discussing tooth decay.

Linguistic Context

The noun "cavities" typically functions as the plural form of "cavity", referring to multiple hollow spaces or decayed areas. Ludwig examples show it used to describe dental decay, internal spaces in objects, and anatomical structures.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "cavities" is a common English word primarily used to describe multiple hollow spaces or areas of decay. As Ludwig AI confirms, its most frequent association is with dental health, but it also applies to other contexts like describing internal spaces in objects or anatomical structures. When writing about "cavities", be mindful of the context to ensure clarity and specify the type of "cavities" if necessary. While the term is generally neutral, its formality can vary; "tooth decay" serves as a more formal alternative in professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

dental caries

Focuses specifically on tooth decay caused by bacterial action.

tooth decay

A more general term referring to the decomposition of tooth structure.

dental lesions

Broader term encompassing any damage or abnormality in teeth, not necessarily decay.

oral perforations

Refers to holes or breaches in the oral tissues, wider scope than only teeth.

hollow spaces

General term for empty areas within a structure.

openings

Focuses on entrances or apertures rather than decayed regions.

interstitial voids

Indicates gaps or spaces between components, often used in material science.

internal chambers

Spaces located inside an object or structure.

empty recesses

Implies a set-back or indentation, rather than a deteriorated area.

depressions

Refers to sunken or lowered areas on a surface.

FAQs

How do I use "cavities" in a sentence?

You can use "cavities" to refer to tooth decay: "Regular brushing helps prevent "cavities"." It can also describe hollow spaces: "Customs officers crawl through dimly lit aircraft "cavities"."

What are some synonyms for "cavities"?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms such as "dental caries" (specifically for tooth decay), "hollow spaces", or "internal chambers".

Is it better to say "cavities" or "tooth decay"?

Both "cavities" and "tooth decay" refer to the same condition, but "tooth decay" is a more formal and general term, while "cavities" is more colloquial. Use "tooth decay" in professional contexts and "cavities" in everyday conversation.

Are "cavities" always related to teeth?

No, while "cavities" are commonly associated with tooth decay, the term can also refer to any hollow space or "enclosed space" within an object or body. For example, body cavities, or cavities in structures.