clippers

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "clippers" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a tool or device used for cutting, such as hair clippers or nail clippers. Example: "I need to buy a new pair of clippers for my haircuts at home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

And when the night reaches America again, the landing lights once more appear in the sky over Louisville and Memphis.21st-century clippersFrederick Smith, FedEx's chief executive, compares his company's jets to clippers, the sailing ships that once carried cargoes on the trade winds.

The Economist

A low risk creates a mountain of waste.One way to avoid such problems is for people to stay at home and, when necessary, be visited by a podiatrist who uses the patient's own clippers.

The Economist

Now the one-in-10m estimated risk of transmitting Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease, the human equivalent of mad-cow, has made it common to use clippers only once.

The Economist

Historically, some scientists have made excellent administrators.Sir Isaac Newton, as warden and then master of the Mint, reorganised and modernised not only the technical aspects of the recoinage of British money, the fight against counterfeiters and clippers and the development of Britain's gold standard, but also the legal, administrative and political aspects.

The Economist

Another works like a giant set of hedge clippers.

The Economist

With watering can and clippers, he would potter in his greenhouse among hundreds of varieties of orchids.

The Economist

That was the case when steam ships replaced clippers in the mid-19th century, and when petrol-engined taxis took over from horse-drawn cabs in the early 20th century.

The Economist

And, behold, they found clippers, gloves, a torch and 24kg (53lbs) of copper cable.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

How to avoid becoming a nation of coupon-clippers?Abu Dhabi is experimenting with a more interesting future.

The Economist

A plurality of respondents would like to see the Golden State Warriors win this year's NBA title (19%), ahead of Chicago (17%), Cleveland (15%) and the LA Clippers (12%).

The Guardian - Sport

Once pressure started mounting this April to expel Donald Sterling, the owner of the Los Angeles Clippers, from the National Basketball Association NBAafterter he was recorded making racist comments, Mr Cuban, who owns the Dallas Mavericks, warned of the "slippery slope" that could result from "taking something somebody said in their home" and using it to force them "to divest property".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a specific type of "clippers", specify its purpose, such as "hair clippers" or "nail clippers", to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "clippers" when a more specific term like "scissors" or "shears" is more appropriate for the cutting task at hand.

Linguistic Context

The word "clippers" functions primarily as a noun, usually in its plural form. It denotes a tool or device designed for cutting or trimming. Ludwig and the provided examples highlight this function across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Encyclopedias

12%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

23%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "clippers" is a common and grammatically sound noun, predominantly used in its plural form, to refer to tools designed for cutting or trimming. Ludwig confirms its frequent use across various contexts, particularly in news and media, and encyclopedias. While it can apply to diverse devices, from hair clippers to historical sailing vessels, specifying the type often enhances clarity. As highlighted, "clippers" maintains a neutral register, rendering it suitable for broad application. It's important to choose the correct type of clippers for a given task and avoid using the term when more precise alternatives like "scissors" or "shears" might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hair clippers

A specific type of "clippers" designed for cutting hair.

nail clippers

A specific type of "clippers" designed for trimming nails.

electric clippers

Highlights the powered operation of some "clippers", as opposed to manual.

manual clippers

Emphasizes the manual operation of "clippers", differentiating them from electric versions.

shears

Refers to a cutting instrument, similar to "clippers", but often larger and used for heavier tasks.

trimmers

Specifically refers to tools used for trimming, often smaller and more precise than "clippers".

hedge trimmers

Larger "clippers" specifically designed for cutting hedges.

cutting tools

A broader term encompassing various instruments used for cutting, including "clippers".

gardening shears

Tools used in gardening for cutting plants, similar in function to "clippers".

sailing ships

Referring to clipper ships, a historical type of fast sailing vessel, different from the general cutting tool meaning.

FAQs

How are "clippers" different from scissors?

"Clippers" typically use a motor or lever system to move blades across each other, often used for bulk cutting or trimming hair or nails. Scissors, on the other hand, are manually operated and better suited for more precise cuts.

What are some common types of "clippers"?

Common types include hair clippers, nail clippers, and hedge clippers. Each is designed for a specific purpose, such as cutting hair, trimming nails, or shaping hedges.

Can I use any type of "clippers" for any cutting task?

No, it's important to use the right type of "clippers" for the task. Using hair clippers on nails, for example, could be ineffective or even dangerous. Conversely, using nail "clippers" to cut hair will not result in an even cut.

What is the difference between "clippers" and "trimmers"?

"Clippers" are generally used for cutting larger amounts or thicker materials. Trimmers tend to be smaller, designed for detailing, edging, or precision work, like trimming a beard.