chute

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "chute" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used as a noun and means a steep slide or free fall path (often made of metal or wood) that is used to transport goods or people from one place to another. For example: We took the chute down the mountain and arrived at the village just before nightfall.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

He developed the skill to climb difficult walls without ropes, relying on a small chute on his back in case he fell.

The Guardian

Eventually the packages slide down a chute to be placed into a bag or an air-freight container.

The Economist

Previous research has shown that human children are much more willing than chimpanzees to co-operate with a human adult in manipulating objects for example, taking it in turns to drop a ball down a chute.

The Economist

The result is unpleasantly reminiscent of cattle walking up the slaughterhouse chute.

The Economist

When he remembered, and forced it down the incinerator chute, it was already bloating, and the gassy innards instantly caught fire.

The Economist

The opening scenes depict dismembered body parts tumbling along a coal chute.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

IS IT any wonder that flight attendants are deploying the emergency-evacuation chute and heading for the hills?

The Economist

These are proving popular with consumers, who find them an easy and cheap way of obtaining prints, says Chris Chute, an analyst with IDC.

The Economist

This kind of camera, notes Chris Chute, an analyst at IDC, "gives consumers what they never had in the film world", namely high-end features and superior picture quality, without the need to fork out for an expensive camera body and a bag full of bulky lenses.

The Economist

Jocelyn) and La Chute d'un ange (1838; "The Fall of an Angel") are intermittently successful attempts at epic.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A rapper-turned-author who went by the name Biz attracted media attention with La Chute de Sparte, a story of suicide set in a high school.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical structures, use "chute" to refer to a specific enclosed or semi-enclosed channel designed for downward conveyance of objects or people by gravity.

Common error

Avoid using "chute" to describe any inclined surface. "Chute" specifically implies a constructed channel for directed movement, not just any slope where things might slide. Use "slide" or "slope" for general inclines.

Linguistic Context

The word "chute" primarily functions as a noun. It denotes a channel or passage through which things can slide downwards. Ludwig confirms this based on various examples where "chute" is used to describe physical structures and devices like coal chutes or emergency slides.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "chute" functions primarily as a noun referring to a channel or passage designed for sliding objects or people downwards. Ludwig's AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Its usage is common across various contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and technical fields. While synonyms like "slide" exist, "chute" specifies a constructed channel for directed movement. Avoiding its misuse as a general term for any slope is crucial for precise communication. As such, understanding its specific application enhances writing accuracy and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

parachute

Specifically refers to a device used for safe descent from a height.

slide

Focuses on the sliding action or surface rather than the structure itself.

slideway

Emphasizes the way things are intended to slide.

sloping trough

More descriptive, highlighting the shape and incline.

gravity conveyor

Highlights the use of gravity in moving objects.

delivery channel

Describes the function of transporting items.

discharge conduit

Emphasizes the role in releasing or ejecting materials.

escape hatch

Implies a means of rapid evacuation or release.

emergency slide

Specifically refers to a safety device.

bailout system

Implies a quick release mechanism, often related to parachutes.

FAQs

How is "chute" typically used in a sentence?

The word "chute" is usually used as a noun. For example: "The packages slide down a "chute" to be placed into a bag."

What are some synonyms for "chute"?

Synonyms for "chute" include "slide", "slideway", "sloping trough", and, depending on the context, "parachute".

Is it correct to use "chute" when talking about a children's playground slide?

While technically a playground slide could be considered a type of "chute", it's more common and natural to simply call it a "slide" in everyday conversation.

What is the difference between a "chute" and a "slide"?

While both involve movement down an incline, a "chute" often implies a more enclosed or structured channel, while a "slide" can refer to a broader range of sloping surfaces.