coal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "coal" is correct and usable in written English, depending on the context.
You can use it when referring to the fossil fuel used for energy production or as a material in various industrial processes. Example: "The power plant relies on coal as its primary source of fuel to generate electricity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They needed coal, they needed oil, we can go on and on about oil, but if there wasn't any, what would happen?

The Guardian - Arts

Striking miners had then been attempting to stop convoys of lorries taking coal to Llanwern steelworks.

The Guardian

The rise in carbon reserves is revealed in a list of the top 100 traded coal companies and top 100 oil and gas companies produced by Fossil Free Indexes (FFI), a US company.

The Guardian

He told the audience that analysts were already predicting that large scale solar power would be "cheaper than coal in China and India within the next five to ten years" and that wind energy was already "at parity with new coal in India".

The Guardian

Inside the cocoon of an event where the main sponsors don't accept that human caused climate change is even real, the news from Beijing seemed to further outline how rapidly the world could change – whether the coal industry likes it or not.

The Guardian

These days, the best Hollywood can offer these is indulgent critiques of capitalism such as The Wolf of Wall Street, or David-and-Goliath issue movies such as Silkwood (starring Meryl Streep), or North Country, in which Charlize Theron proved women can be coal miners and have a perfect complexion.

The Guardian - Film

Watson replied: "Was Clinton telling the truth?" Obeid also denied he told former Lehman Brothers banker Gardner Brook that the family's investment in water infrastructure could eclipse their interests in the Mount Penny coal mine which was thought to have the potential to earn the family about $100m.

The Guardian

In January, final approvals were granted to dump three million cubic metres of dredged ocean bottom into the waters of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park to make way for a new coal terminal.

The Guardian

Two sons of the former Labor powerbroker Eddie Obeid are being investigated by the federal competition watchdog over alleged "cartel conduct" in securing a coal exploration licence over an area that included the Obeid family's farm.

The Guardian

It also follows estimates that the Galilee Basin mines feeding the port would produce enough coal to far outstrip Australia's annual carbon emissions, indicating a climate change contribution of global significance.

The Guardian

World Wildlife Fund Australia welcomed the end to offshore dumping but questioned the need to expand the port during a coal industry downturn.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In environmental contexts, consider alternatives to "coal" to promote sustainable energy practices.

Common error

Avoid using "coal" as a catch-all term. Be specific about the type of "coal" or its use to provide accurate information.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "coal" is as a noun, referring to a combustible black or dark brown rock consisting mainly of carbonized plant matter. Ludwig AI indicates this is a correct and usable term. It functions as a subject or object in sentences related to energy, mining, and environmental issues.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "coal" is a frequently used noun referring to a specific fossil fuel, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its usage spans various contexts, from energy production and economic discussions to environmental debates. While grammatically correct, specifying the type of "coal" or considering alternative energy sources enhances clarity and relevance. The term appears most often in News & Media, followed by Science and Formal & Business contexts. As such, the usage of "coal" in writing should be tailored to the specific audience and purpose, ensuring accuracy and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fossil fuel

Broader category encompassing "coal" and other similar energy sources.

carbon fuel

Emphasizes the carbon content and its use as fuel.

anthracite

Specific type of "coal" known for its high carbon content and clean burning.

bituminous coal

A common type of "coal" used for power generation.

lignite

A lower grade of "coal" with a higher moisture content.

fuel source

Generic term applicable to "coal" as a provider of energy.

energy resource

General term referring to any source of energy, including "coal".

charcoal

A fuel produced from wood, but serves a similar purpose to "coal" in some contexts.

mineral carbon

Highlights the mineral composition of "coal".

carboniferous rock

Refers to the geological formation containing "coal" deposits.

FAQs

How is "coal" typically used in a sentence?

"Coal" is commonly used as a noun to refer to the fossil fuel. For example: "The power plant burns "coal" to generate electricity."

What are some alternatives to using the word "coal"?

Depending on the context, you could use "fossil fuel", "carbon fuel", or "energy resource" instead of "coal".

Is it correct to say "piece of coal" or "lump of coal"?

Both are correct. "Piece of coal" and "lump of coal" are both acceptable ways to refer to a fragment or chunk of "coal".

What is the difference between "coal" and "charcoal"?

"Coal" is a fossil fuel formed from ancient plant matter, while "charcoal" is produced by burning wood in a low-oxygen environment. They have different origins and properties, although both are used as fuel.