cell

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cell" is correct and usable in written English, depending on the context.
You can use it when referring to a small room, a unit of life in biology, or a compartment in a structure, among other meanings. Example: "The scientist observed the cell under the microscope to study its structure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Can the government require you to buy a cell phone because that would facilitate responding when you need emergency services?

The Guardian

The way I figure it, the one terrorist in England with a sense of humor, a man known as Khalid the Droll, had said to the cell, 'I bet I can get them all to take off their shoes in airports.' So this prankster set up poor impressionable Reid and won his bet.

The Economist

"First of all, they intimidated me by bringing me to a station and putting me in a cell.

The Guardian

He also pointed to a proposal in the House "to make sure government agencies don't turn cell phones of Americans into tracking devices" as another target for NSA reformers.

The Guardian

A spokesman said: "The home secretary is clear that the right place for a person suffering a mental health crisis is a bed, not a police cell, and the right people to look after them are medically trained professionals, not police officers".

The Guardian

A mentally ill teenager ends up in a prison cell, for want of a hospital bed.

The Guardian

Because of their Christian idea – based on none of the kind of difficult facts Missourians claim (or at least claimed) to value – that a soul magically infuses a fertilized egg cell at the moment of conception.

The Guardian - Opinion

After a period of deceptive calm following the suppression of the 1979 siege of the Mecca mosque by the radical Islamic cell of Juhayman al-Otaibi, a violent Islamist opposition made its presence felt.

The Guardian

But the researchers found that iPSCs derived from the patients' were unable to generate cortical neurons, the cell type most affected by FTD.

The Guardian

No politician has done more to disempower the National Security Agency than Paul, whose likes to tell audiences on the campaign trail that what they do on their cell phone is "none of the government's damn business".

The Guardian

They would have preferred to donate the embryos to science, but at the time, embryonic stem cell research was banned, so that choice was off the table.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about biological contexts, clarify whether you mean a "cell" in a living organism or a "cell" in a battery to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "cell" without specifying the type (e.g., "stem cell", "nerve cell") when describing biological or technological processes. Lack of clarity can confuse your readers.

Linguistic Context

The word "cell" primarily functions as a noun, denoting a basic structural unit in biology, a room in a prison, or a unit of electrical power. Ludwig AI indicates that it is a common and versatile term with multiple applications.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

32%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "cell" is a versatile noun with diverse meanings, ranging from biology to technology and incarceration. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a commonly used term with a correct grammatical status. It is essential to provide context when using "cell" to avoid ambiguity, as the intended meaning can vary significantly. The examples in Ludwig show how "cell" is used in scientific reporting, news articles, and general discussions, highlighting its broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

biological cell

Specifies the "cell" as a component of living organisms, emphasizing its biological context.

prison chamber

Refers to a "cell" in the context of incarceration, emphasizing the physical space.

battery unit

Specifies "cell" in the context of electrical power storage, such as in batteries.

group of activists

Relates to "cell" as a small, organized unit within a larger movement or organization.

radio coverage area

Connects "cell" to its meaning in telecommunications, referring to a specific area of network coverage.

honeycomb compartment

Refers to the structural meaning of "cell" as a component of a honeycomb.

small room

Focuses on the physical aspect of a "cell" as an enclosed space.

cellular phone

Specifies "cell" in the context of mobile communication technology.

basic unit

Emphasizes the fundamental role of a "cell" as the smallest functional component.

cella

A direct synonym referring to the inner area of an ancient temple.

FAQs

How can I use the word "cell" in a sentence?

You can use "cell" in various contexts, such as: "The biologist studied the cell under a microscope.", "He was confined to a prison cell.", or "My mobile phone is a cell phone".

What are the different meanings of "cell"?

The word "cell" can refer to a biological unit, a room in a prison, a component of a battery, a small group within a larger organization, or a region of radio reception. Context is essential for understanding the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "cell" and "tissue"?

A "cell" is the basic structural and functional unit of all known living organisms. "Tissue" is a group of similar cells performing a specific function.

Which is correct, "cell phone" or "cellular phone"?

Both "cell phone" and "cellular phone" are correct and refer to the same device. "Cell phone" is more commonly used in everyday conversation, while "cellular phone" may appear in more formal or technical contexts.