cement

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cement" is correct and usable in written English, depending on the context.
It can be used when referring to the material used in construction or metaphorically to indicate something that solidifies or strengthens a relationship or idea. Example: "The contractor decided to use high-quality cement for the foundation to ensure durability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The governor's work leading New Jersey through the recovery from the storm, which damaged more than 360,000 homes and businesses, helped cement his national reputation as a no-nonsense, hard-driving governor willing to work closely with Democrats to get things done.

The Guardian

Following an earthquake in 2005, the houses were rebuilt with cement and air-conditioning.

The Guardian

With Beijing hoping to further cement its foothold in a country viewed as offering the easiest entrance to Europe commercially, Chinese officials are eager to replicate Cosco's business model elsewhere.

The Guardian

And that's not all: although fossil fuel combustion is the main source of CO2, we also release the same gas by clearing forests and producing cement.

The Guardian

That would cement Poland's turn to the right, create a new dynamic with other European countries and possibly usher in a less welcoming climate for foreign investors.

The Guardian

Sturgeon's overtures are designed to cement the SNP's 17-point lead in Scottish opinion polls, particularly among ex-Labour voters, but also to make it far harder for Miliband to reject SNP support in the Commons.

The Guardian

Currently in pole position to secure the third place in the table – and by no means out of the running to compete with Manchester City for second – Arsenal look well-placed to cement what has become their customary passage to the Champions League.

The Guardian - Sport

If successful, the march will cement Khan's position as a pre-eminent opponent of the US drone campaign.

The Guardian

A cement mixer with anti-bank and anti-government slogans painted on the side crashing into the gates of Ireland's parliament became the iconic representation of Irish anger against the country's multibillion euro bank rescue package.

The Guardian

"While we are seeing a strong domestic picture, cracking the productivity conundrum would really help cement the recovery.

The Guardian - Business

A major movie production about her is likely to only further cement this popular image of the supreme court justice.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cement" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly indicates the strengthening or binding effect you intend to convey. For instance, "The agreement will cement our partnership" effectively communicates a lasting bond.

Common error

While "cement" is versatile, avoid overusing it in formal writing. Over-reliance can make your language sound repetitive. Instead, vary your word choice with synonyms like "consolidate" or "reinforce" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "cement" is as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to the binding agent. As a verb, it means to firmly establish or unite. Ludwig AI confirms this dual functionality, providing examples where "cement" acts in both capacities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "cement" functions as both a noun and a verb, commonly used to describe the binding agent in construction and metaphorically to mean strengthening or establishing something firmly. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread applicability, primarily within News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific contexts. While grammatically correct and highly frequent, overusing "cement", especially in formal settings, can make writing sound repetitive. Therefore, varying your word choice with synonyms like "consolidate" or "reinforce" is advisable for maintaining a professional tone. Remember, the most effective use of "cement" lies in clearly indicating the strengthening or binding effect in your intended context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bind together

Focuses on the act of joining elements to create a cohesive unit.

solidify

Emphasizes the process of becoming firm or stable, similar to the hardening of cement.

reinforce

Highlights strengthening something to make it more durable.

strengthen

Focuses on increasing the power or effectiveness of something.

consolidate

Implies bringing together separate parts into a single, stronger whole.

establish firmly

Indicates creating a solid and lasting foundation.

secure

Highlights making something safe and resistant to change.

fix in place

Emphasizes the act of holding something securely and permanently.

make fast

Implies securely attaching or fastening something.

affix

Focuses on the act of attaching or fastening something to something else.

FAQs

How can I use "cement" in a sentence?

The word "cement" can be used as a noun, referring to a binding substance, or as a verb, meaning to firmly establish something. For example: "The foundation is made of cement" or "This victory will cement his legacy".

What does it mean to "cement" a relationship?

To "cement" a relationship means to strengthen it and make it more stable or permanent. It suggests creating a strong bond that is difficult to break, similar to how cement binds building materials together.

Which is a more appropriate synonym for "cement": "strengthen" or "weaken"?

"Cement" implies making something stronger or more secure, so "strengthen" is a more appropriate synonym. "Weaken" has the opposite meaning.

Is it better to say "cement" or "solidify" a plan?

Both "cement" and "solidify" can be used to describe making a plan more firm. "Cement" often implies permanence and strength, while "solidify" focuses on making something more concrete and less likely to change.