commercials

USAGE SUMMARY

'commercials' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to refer to advertisements on television, radio, or online platforms. Example sentence: I stopped watching television because I got tired of seeing so many commercials.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When the ads created by Sterling Cooper are for real products, they're often similar, but not identical to the actual commercials of the time.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Although most famous for his movies - among them Midnight Cowboy, Sunday, Bloody Sunday and Marathon Man - he also worked in the theatre, the opera house, in television and as director of innumerable commercials.

The Guardian

Then they started using me on the commercials.

The Guardian - Music

In 2004 he sued Apple for using a song in one of its television commercials without permission.

The Guardian

(For good measure, Eminem announced the details of his new album in commercials sponsored by Beats By Dre).

The Guardian

At $7.99 a month it's just as expensive at Netflix, but viewers still have to watch commercials during the streaming of TV shows, which sort of feels like a bit of a rip-off.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But, while allied groups have aired commercials in his support, this is the only paid-for TV ad so far that comes directly from his campaign.

The Guardian - Opinion

Week 8: Dramatic Structure - Wednesday 11 November Feature films are developed using a three act model; television drama is structured in four acts – if only to make room for commercials.

The Guardian

Business may be globalised, but advertising is not – as anybody who has seen the limited range of airline and IBM commercials on an international news channel can testify – meaning that it is necessary for any aspirant to develop scale or find a lucrative niche if they are to generate revenues to match the numbers of unique visitors.

The Guardian

Between his schedules, he also found time to make dozens of commercials: for Black Magic chocolates, Danish bacon, coffee and numerous other products.

The Guardian

Branded content is the buzz and cosmically fragmented media have made masterpiece 48-sheet posters and beautifully artificed commercials as quaint and redundant as consular diptychs or triumphal arches.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "commercials" when referring to short, promotional advertisements intended for broadcast or online distribution.

Common error

Don't use "commercials" when referring to broader marketing efforts that include print ads, social media campaigns, or public relations activities. "Commercials" specifically relate to broadcasted or streamed advertisements.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "commercials" is as a plural noun. It refers to multiple instances of advertisements, typically on television or radio. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "commercials" functions as a plural noun referring to advertisements, particularly those broadcast on television or radio. Ludwig AI indicates it's grammatically correct and frequently used. Its register is neutral, making it appropriate for various contexts, including news, business, and general discussions. Related terms include "advertisements", "tv spots", and "radio ads". Common usage involves specifying the medium to avoid broad generalizations about marketing efforts. With a very high occurrence across diverse sources, the prevalence of "commercials" is substantial.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

advertisements

This alternative refers to paid announcements designed to promote products, services, or ideas, similar to "commercials".

advertisements

This alternative term signifies paid announcements intended to market products, services, or concepts, akin to "commercials".

adverts

Adverts is a shortened term for "advertisements" or "commercials".

tv spots

This is a shorter, more informal way to refer to "commercials" shown on television.

radio ads

This specifically refers to advertisements broadcast on the radio, a subset of "commercials".

promotional videos

Refers to video content created for promotional purposes, much like "commercials" in video format.

marketing promos

This indicates short promotional clips, that are like "commercials" in function and content but shorter.

marketing campaigns

This term encompasses a broader range of promotional activities, including "commercials", but is less specific.

product plugs

This term denotes mentions or endorsements of a product, similar to a "commercials", though usually less formal.

paid programming

This describes content that is paid for by an advertiser, which includes traditional "commercials" and infomercials.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "commercials"?

Alternatives for "commercials" include "advertisements", "tv spots", or "radio ads", depending on the context.

How do television shows structure their content to accommodate "commercials"?

Television dramas often use a four-act structure to create natural breaks for "commercials", ensuring viewers stay engaged.

What is the difference between "commercials" and "branded content"?

"Commercials" are typically short, paid advertisements, while "branded content" integrates the brand's message into the entertainment itself.

How have digital technologies impacted "commercials"?

Digital platforms have allowed for more targeted "commercials" and new formats like "advergames", leading to more immersive brand experiences.