channel

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "channel" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a noun or a verb, and it can refer to a narrow body of water, a particular type of cable TV, or a means of communication. Example: My cable company provides several channels of sports programming.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

YouTube, meanwhile, thinks that is only right to count channel video views for videos that are still actually present on the channels - which means that whenever YouTube got round to reviewing the music majors' channels on its site, a massive cut was always going to be in order.

The Guardian - Tech

The next series of another homegrown drama hit, the BBC's Torchwood, is being co-produced with US cable channel Starz – adding American stars including Bill Pullman – while Episodes is itself a co-production between Showtime and the corporation.

The Guardian

Purnell said the BBC had been forced to cut back on the range of services it offers following the 2010 funding settlement, which froze the licence fee at £145.50 until 2017, including axing original daytime programmes on BBC2, and the decision, yet to be formally submitted to the BBC Trust, to axe the BBC3 TV channel.

The Guardian

There are the digital channels - but audiences lost the only provider of regular anime to the UK when the Anime Central channel shut down last August.

The Guardian

The state news channel Syria TV said seven people were wounded.

The Guardian

The state news channel Syria TV quoted a government official as saying two improvised explosives planted by "terrorists" blew up near the "Sons of Martyrs" school in Damascus.

The Guardian

US news channel CNN was forced to recall a tweet it sent about the Queen being in hospital, saying it was sent in error.

The Guardian

The channel launched with a lineup that included London Go at 6.30pm followed by Not The One Show, a reference to BBC1's The One Show, at 7pm, as well as shows such as Extreme Playgrounds in which "urban sports stars... showcase their skills on the streets of the capital".

The Guardian

The channel has got off to a difficult start since launch, attracting small audiences – its breakfast show Wake Up London averaged 2,400 viewers, and on occasions registering a Barb score of zero viewers.

The Guardian

DiConcetto has since been screenwriting for seven years, and is currently working on the TV show Recovery Road, which she co-created with Bert V Royal for the ABC Family channel in the US.

The Guardian - Music

Many link the increased "official" interest in urban thinking with an attempt to channel the energy of this new middle class: the Muscovites who have done well from the oil-boom years, travel frequently, and wanted to introduce some change at home.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be specific about what type of "channel" you are referring to, such as "television channel", "communication channel", or "river channel", to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "channel" interchangeably with words like "tunnel" or "canal" if the context requires precision. A "channel" often refers to a natural or established pathway, while tunnels are usually man-made and canals are waterways for navigation.

Linguistic Context

The word "channel" functions as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it denotes a physical passage or a means of communication. As a verb, it means to direct or guide. Ludwig AI provides examples supporting both usages.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "channel" is versatile, functioning as both a noun and a verb with distinct meanings related to pathways and direction. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. As a noun, it can refer to a physical passage of water, a television station, or a means of communication. As a verb, it signifies directing or guiding something towards a specific end. Given its widespread use in "News & Media", "channel" maintains a neutral register and a high frequency of occurrence. When writing with "channel", be clear about the intended meaning to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

course

Refers to a route or path, often in the context of water or navigation, similar to one meaning of "channel".

direct

Focuses on guiding something towards a specific path or target, differing from "channel" which implies a more established route.

medium

Denotes a method or means of expression, similar to "channel" in a communicative context.

convey

Emphasizes the act of communicating or transmitting information, whereas "channel" refers to the medium through which it passes.

transmit

Highlights the process of sending something across a distance or medium, similar to "channel" but less focused on the pathway itself.

telecast

Refers specifically to broadcasting via television, relating to the television "channel" meaning.

conduct

Implies guiding or managing something, differing from the sense of a physical conduit.

forum

Highlights a place or platform for discussion, a specific type of "channel" for communication.

line of communication

Emphasizes the aspect of exchanging information, a more descriptive alternative to "channel" in a business context.

avenue

Suggests a means or opportunity for achieving something, differing from the physical sense of "channel".

FAQs

How is "channel" used as a verb?

As a verb, "channel" means to direct something, like energy or resources, towards a specific purpose or direction. For instance, "The company will "channel funds" into research and development."

What is a synonym for "channel" in the context of communication?

In the context of communication, a synonym for "channel" could be "medium", referring to the means by which information is conveyed, such as television, radio, or the internet.

What's the difference between a "channel" and a "canal"?

A "channel" often refers to a natural waterway or a band of frequencies for communication. A "canal", however, is an artificial waterway constructed for navigation or irrigation. They both "convey water", but their origins and typical uses differ.

How do I use "channel" in a sentence about television?

When referring to television, you can use "channel" to indicate a specific station or broadcast frequency. For example, "What "channel is the game on"?" or "That show airs on "channel 5"."