chairs

USAGE SUMMARY

"chairs" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is a common noun used to refer to a piece of furniture used for sitting. You can use it in many different contexts. For example, "The chairs in the living room were very comfortable."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Shah chairs a mental health charity and is well known locally in Bradford for campaigning on behalf of her mother, who was released from prison in 2000 after serving 14 years for putting poison into the food of Mohammed Azam, a local drug dealer who she feared was planning to sexually abuse her daughters.

The Guardian

Mike Rogers of Michigan, who also chairs the intelligence committee, criticised a decision to add new software improvements to the website while it was still running, or "hot-swapping code", which he said exposed users to the potentially insecure updates.

The Guardian

Experts found "substantial contamination" here too, on chairs and a green fabric cover.

The Guardian

I know that ladies in towering heels do need a rest sometimes, but surely there are chairs for that?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Anthony Steen, who advised on the legislation and chairs the Human Trafficking Foundation, said the bill, which will be debated in parliament on Tuesday for its third reading, had "yawning gaps", and failed to focus on the needs of victims of trafficking in the UK.

The Guardian

The charity will rely heavily on donations, including for razors, scissors, mirrors and chairs, some of which have already been given to the Holy See.

The Guardian

Around him, an audience stood, precariously, on tables and chairs, or peered down from skyboxes.

The Guardian - Tech

More than 100 people sit on plastic chairs facing forwards while latecomers lean against the back wall.

The Guardian

The directors include Rupert Pennant-Rea, a former editor of the Economist, and Veronica Wadley, the former editor of the Evening Standard who now chairs the Arts Council London as well as two little known peers, and Stephen Grabiner, a former partner at venture capital firm Apax.

The Guardian

He named the chairs of the Senate and house intelligence committee, Dianne Feinstein and Mike Rogers, as people who had "elected" him to his whistleblower position by not doing their jobs properly in ensuring the oversight of the NSA.

The Guardian

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 1.47pm BST13:47 Ian Davidson, the Labour MP who chairs the committee, goes next.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a setting, be specific about the type of "chairs" to create a more vivid image (e.g., "folding chairs" versus "leather chairs").

Common error

Avoid using "chairs" as a catch-all term. Replace it with more descriptive alternatives like "armchairs", "stools", or "benches" to provide a clearer picture.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "chairs" is as a plural noun. It refers to multiple individual seating units. Ludwig examples showcase its use in describing furniture and arrangements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

11%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "chairs" functions as a plural noun, primarily used to describe seating furniture in various contexts. As Ludwig's analysis demonstrates, it appears most frequently in news and media sources, maintaining a neutral register suitable for diverse writing styles. While grammatically straightforward, being mindful of its generic nature is key. Ludwig can also help you explore more descriptive options such as "armchairs", "stools", or "benches" for enhanced clarity. According to Ludwig, the term is considered correct and usable in written English, solidifying its place as a reliable and common element in everyday language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seats

A simpler and more general term for places to sit.

sitting furniture

Focuses on the function of the furniture for sitting.

seating arrangements

Emphasizes the arrangement or layout of the seating.

easy chairs

Denotes comfortable, upholstered chairs designed for relaxation.

armchairs

Specifies a type of chair with armrests.

office chairs

Specifies chairs designed for use in an office setting.

benches

Refers to long seats typically designed for multiple people.

stools

Refers to seats without a back or armrests.

couches

Refers to comfortable seating typically designed for lounging.

settees

Describes a long upholstered seat with a back and arms.

FAQs

How can I use "chairs" in a sentence?

You can use "chairs" to describe furniture for sitting, such as "The conference room had many "office chairs"" or "They arranged the "garden chairs" for the party".

What are some alternatives to the word "chairs"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "seats", "benches", "stools", or "armchairs".

Is it correct to say "chair" instead of "chairs" when referring to multiple?

No, "chair" is singular. Use "chairs" when referring to more than one seating item. For example, "There are three "chairs" at the table" is correct.

What is the difference between "chairs" and "seating"?

"Chairs" refers to individual pieces of furniture designed for one person to sit on, while "seating" is a more general term that can include "chairs", "benches", "sofas", and other places to sit.