comb

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'comb' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as either a noun or a verb. For example, "The girl carefully combed her hair".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"There are things already on the shelf such as anti-wrinkle creams that are created from a rooster's comb," he tells me, referring to Pfizer's penchant for white leghorns.

The Guardian - Books

She describes how, armed with times-three magnification spectacles, a magnifying glass and a nit comb, she scraped "black specks" from her hair and face on to sticky labels and took them to a dermatologist.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Then she got busy with comb, water and beads and began to plait Anna's hair into perfect corn braids.

The Guardian - Travel

Despite efforts by Team Clinton to quash the contents of the book ahead of its release on 5 May, outlets that struck a deal with the publisher to comb its pages in advance have begun reporting out some of the leads.

The Guardian

De argued that once the Fisa court permits the collection annually, analysts ought to be free to comb through it, and stated that there were sufficient privacy safeguards for Americans after collection and querying had occurred.

The Guardian

Stephen, our 'customer host', showed us to our doll's-house-perfect cabin: from the little latches holding the sink lid upright, to the washbag, with its one-squeeze tube of Colgate and a diddy comb that could be used to groom a hamster.

The Guardian - Travel

The final length of the ridgeline stands as a rocky comb of shale against the sky, dropping down on either side to wide scree slopes and rocky bluffs and nothing.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

By placing interleaved comb-like electrodes on the surface of lithium niobate, a material that is piezoelectric (and so expands or contracts as a current is passed through it), Dr Wixforth was able to fine-tune the waves to do his bidding.He quickly realised that the technique might come in handy when mixing tiny quantities of different liquids in DNA microarrays, for example.

The Economist

At one point in 1992, smacks of comb-jellyfish, Mnemiopsis leidyi, accounted for 90% of the Black Sea's entire wet biomass, according to one Russian scientist.

The Economist

When many different energy levels are involved, as they are in the spectrum of a chemically mixed star, the result is a fine, comb-like structure hence the constant's name.

The Economist

The trademarks of this Trump character are an improbable bouffant comb-over, a fleshy-lipped pout and a weakness for saying such things as "I'm by far the biggest property developer in New York".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Distinguish between literal hair grooming and the metaphorical 'fine-tooth' search to maintain clarity in descriptive writing.

Common error

Do not use "comb" to describe a quick or superficial glance. Because the word implies the use of 'teeth' to separate and find things, using it for a brief search creates a semantic mismatch.

Linguistic Context

The word "comb" functions primarily as both a noun (the physical tool) and a transitive verb (the action of searching or grooming). According to Ludwig AI, it is highly versatile, appearing frequently in both literal and figurative contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Social Media

5%

Wiki

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "comb" is an essential term in the English language that bridges the gap between daily domestic life and high-stakes investigative work. Ludwig AI confirms its dual role as a noun and verb, highlighting that while its origins are in grooming, its most powerful contemporary use lies in describing the meticulous search of information or locations. When using it as a verb, writers should aim to convey a sense of thoroughness that alternatives like "scan" or "look" cannot match. Its consistent presence in authoritative publications like The Economist and The Guardian underscores its reliability and professional weight in modern writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

scour

Implies a more intense and rugged search than the standard verb usage of the query.

search through

A more general phrasal verb that lacks the specific meticulous nuance of the query.

sift through

Suggests a process of filtering out unimportant details while searching.

brush

Refers to a different grooming tool or the act of using it, which is broader in stroke.

rake over

Metaphorical alternative suggesting a harsh or repetitive examination.

examine

A formal synonym for the analytical aspect of the verb form.

groom

Focuses on the result of using the physical tool rather than the tool itself.

probe

Implies a deeper, perhaps more invasive, investigative search.

inspect

Suggests a search for the purpose of checking quality or compliance.

scan

Indicates a quicker, often electronic or visual search, contrasting with the meticulous nature of the query.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "comb through"?

You can use alternatives like "scour", "search through" or "sift through" depending on the thoroughness required.

Is it "fine-tooth comb" or "fine-toothed comb"?

Both are acceptable, but "fine-toothed comb" is often considered more grammatically precise, while the former is more common in idiomatic speech.

How do I use "comb" as a verb in a sentence?

As seen in Ludwig, you can say, "Investigators had to "comb" the crime scene for evidence," which emphasizes a meticulous search process.

What is the difference between a "comb" and a "brush"?

A "brush" usually has many bristles for general hair management, whereas a "comb" has a single row of teeth for detangling and precision.