cell phone

USAGE SUMMARY

"cell phone" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
For example, you could use it in a sentence such as: "I reached into my pocket and pulled out my cell phone to call my friend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Cell phone!

The New Yorker

A cell phone rings.

The New Yorker

Karim's cell phone rang.

The New Yorker

His cell phone rang.

The New Yorker

Turn off cell phone.

The New Yorker

Anticev's cell phone rang.

The New Yorker

Cell phone bills.

The New York Times - Arts

My cell phone rang.

The New Yorker

Nix's cell phone rang.

The New Yorker

My cell phone?

The New York Times - Travel

"On the cell phone.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, consider using "mobile telephone" or "cellular phone" for a slightly more professional tone. However, "cell phone" is perfectly acceptable in most contexts.

Common error

Be mindful of redundant phrasing. Instead of saying "cell phone mobile", simply use "cell phone" as the "mobile" aspect is already implied.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cell phone" functions primarily as a noun, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing its use in everyday contexts, affirming its role as a common noun.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cell phone" is a common and grammatically correct term for a portable wireless telephone. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted in various contexts. Its frequency is very high, especially in News & Media and Academic sources. When writing, remember that while "cell phone" is suitable for most situations, "mobile telephone" or "cellular phone" might be preferable in formal settings. Avoid redundancies and consider the context when choosing alternatives such as "smartphone". Overall, "cell phone" is a versatile and understandable term for modern communication devices.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mobile telephone

Focuses on the mobility aspect of the device; slightly more formal.

cellular phone

Emphasizes the underlying technology of cellular networks.

portable phone

Stresses the ability to carry the phone easily.

smartphone

Implies a more advanced cell phone with computer-like capabilities.

handheld phone

Highlights the portability and size of the phone.

pocket phone

Emphasizes the small size and portability of the device, suggesting it can fit in a pocket.

cellular device

Refers to devices that use cellular technology for communication.

mobile communication device

A more formal and descriptive term for a cell phone.

wireless device

Broader term encompassing various wireless communication gadgets, including cell phones.

mobile device

General term for portable electronic devices, including cell phones, tablets, and more.

FAQs

How to use "cell phone" in a sentence?

You can use "cell phone" in various contexts. For example, "I used my "cell phone" to call a taxi", or "Remember to turn off your "cell phone" during the movie".

What can I say instead of "cell phone"?

You can use alternatives like "mobile telephone", "cellular phone", or "smartphone" depending on the context and formality of your writing.

Is "cell phone" or "cellphone" correct?

"Cell phone" (two words) is generally preferred and more common, although "cellphone" (one word) is also acceptable. Style guides may vary, but "cell phone" is the safer choice.

What's the difference between a "cell phone" and a "smartphone"?

While both are portable phones, a ""cell phone"" typically refers to a basic device for calls and texts. A "smartphone" offers advanced features like internet access, apps, and a sophisticated operating system.