contemporary usage

USAGE SUMMARY

"contemporary usage" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when discussing how language or terms are used in the present time. An example: "The term has evolved significantly in contemporary usage." Alternative expressions include "modern usage" and "current usage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

The word "racism" in contemporary usage is treacherously slippery.

The New Yorker

The new versions reflect contemporary usage in the Burmese language.

The New York Times

The fundamentals and contemporary usage of the Python programming language.

Stanford University

(In contemporary usage and spelling, the term Melayu refers to Malay peoples).

Encyclopedia Britannica

In contemporary usage, "coelenterate" generally refers only to cnidarians, but the latter term is used in order to avoid ambiguity.

Britannica

Click on the image above for a picture preview But the new show isn't just about watercolour's contemporary usage.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

Past research has examined the legal significance of a variety of architectural structures, and has ranged from an analysis of the use of watermills in medieval property disputes, to a study of the contemporary usages of Maginot Line casemates in eastern France.

Harvard University

(In contemporary American usage "subconscious" has become synonymous with -- and preferable to -- the ambiguous term "unconscious").

The New York Times

For this new edition, Roger Ariew has adapted Samuel Clarke's edition of 1717, modernising it to reflect contemporary English usage.

Stanford University

Furthermore, contemporary food usage is inefficient with one third wasted and a further third used inefficiently to feed livestock and that conventional intensification causes often overlooked environmental costs.

Biological Conservation

It is a word that is apparently thought capable, in its contemporary political usage, of isolating a palpable, possibly toxic untruth, sealing it up in an airtight bag, and disposing of it harmlessly.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In academic writing, support your claims about "contemporary usage" with evidence from current research and publications.

Common error

Avoid assuming that the meaning of a word or phrase has remained constant over time. Always verify its "contemporary usage" to ensure accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "contemporary usage" functions primarily as a noun phrase, specifying the current or modern way in which something, typically a word or concept, is used or understood. As Ludwig AI confirms, the examples clearly illustrate this descriptive function.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Academia

24%

Encyclopedias

16%

Less common in

Science

16%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "contemporary usage" serves as a crucial phrase for specifying the current meaning or application of terms, concepts, or practices. Ludwig AI analysis validates its grammatical correctness and prevalence across diverse sources like news, academia, and encyclopedias. While it maintains a neutral to formal register, "contemporary usage" is vital for avoiding ambiguity and ensuring clear communication by distinguishing current understanding from historical interpretations. When discussing terms with potentially evolving meanings, remembering to verify its contemporary usage is key to accuracy. Alternatives like "current usage" or "modern interpretation" can be used depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

modern-day usage

Replaces "contemporary" with "modern-day", emphasizing the current time period.

current application

Focuses on the present use or application of something.

present-day use

Similar to modern-day usage but uses 'use' instead of 'usage'.

modern interpretation

Highlights the current understanding or interpretation of a concept.

current vogue

Refers to what is currently fashionable or in trend.

prevailing trend

Similar to current vogue, emphasizing the dominant or widespread trend.

up-to-date employment

Focuses on the most current and relevant way something is employed.

latest application

Emphasizes that it is the newest or most recent application.

newfangled application

Implies something is newly introduced or fashionable.

state-of-the-art application

Highlights that the application is technologically advanced and cutting edge.

FAQs

How to use "contemporary usage" in a sentence?

You can use "contemporary usage" to specify the current meaning or application of a term, as in "The word 'literally' in "contemporary usage" is often employed for emphasis rather than accuracy."

What's an alternative to saying "contemporary usage"?

Alternatives include "current usage", "modern interpretation", or "present-day use" depending on the specific context.

Is it necessary to specify "contemporary usage" when the meaning is obvious?

While not always necessary, specifying "contemporary usage" can be helpful when discussing terms with evolving meanings or when contrasting historical meanings with current ones.

How does "contemporary usage" differ from historical usage?

"Contemporary usage" refers to how a word or phrase is understood and used today, while historical usage refers to its meaning and application in the past. Understanding both is crucial for accurate interpretation.