cord

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cord" is correct and usable in written English, depending on the context.
You can use it when referring to a flexible, elongated material that is typically used for tying, connecting, or transmitting electrical signals. Example: "Please make sure to plug the cord into the outlet before turning on the device."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sports

Money

Tech

Film

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Jason Downs, an attorney for the Gray family, told the Post: "We disagree with any implication that Freddie Gray severed his own spinal cord".

The Guardian

Pepler doesn't think that HBO being available without a cable package is going to lead to a rash of "cord cutting".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Nick has asked one of the two nurses working beside him to curl Alice up into a little ball, tucking her legs up under her tummy so he can push a needle into her tiny spinal cord.

The Guardian

The announcement reverses decades of NHS policy and its own advice from 2007 recommending "early clamping and cutting of the cord".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Small relays the true story of when, aged 14, he awoke from what he thought was a harmless operation to find a thick scar upon his throat and a vocal cord removed.

The Guardian - Books

"There are some tumours that require radiotherapy to the whole brain and whole spinal cord," said Dr Yen-Ching Chang, a specialist in paediatric radiotherapy and lead on proton beam therapy at University College London hospitals, which will have one of the UK's two machines from 2018.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Does the company plan to turn it into an independent streaming service, where cord-cutters can watch great original shows and top-shelf network repeats?

The Guardian - Film

Comcast now has 21.6m subscribers, 1.6% fewer than a year ago.As well as cord-cutters Comcast and other cable providers must defend their turf from a pack of new entrants.

The Economist

Stem-cell therapy has been suggested as a way of dealing with arthritis, angina and Parkinson's disease, as well as spinal-cord injury and blindness a range of conditions that makes it look like a panacea.

The Economist

Rip-cord economics Pro logo Romney the revolutionary ReprintsThese companies valued analytical skills above all else certainly above experience or golf handicap.

The Economist

There are biological applications, too; a team at the Michigan Technological University is experimenting with a graphene-bound polymer that regenerates nerve cells in patients with spinal-cord injuries.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to electrical appliances, ensure you specify the type of "cord", such as power "cord" or extension "cord", for clarity.

Common error

Using "cord" without context can be ambiguous. Specify what kind of "cord" you're referring to (e.g. electrical "cord", climbing "cord") to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "cord" is a noun, referring to a long, flexible material made of twisted strands. It can also function as part of compound nouns like "spinal cord" or "umbilical cord", as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Lifestyle

15%

Money

10%

Less common in

Sports

8%

Tech

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "cord" is a versatile noun with a range of meanings, from a simple string to a complex electrical cable or a biological structure. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and widely used. It appears frequently in News & Media and Lifestyle contexts, indicating its relevance across various domains. While using "cord", it's important to provide context to avoid ambiguity, specifying the type of "cord" you are referring to. For alternatives, consider options like "string", "rope", or "cable" depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

String

A thinner, simpler version of a cord, suitable for lighter tasks.

Rope

A thicker, stronger version of a cord, designed for heavy-duty applications.

Cable

Often refers to a thick, strong cord, particularly in electrical or mechanical contexts.

Twine

A type of cord made of twisted strands, typically used for tying or binding.

Wire

Specifically refers to a metal cord used for electrical conduction.

Flex

A flexible electrical cord, commonly used for appliances.

Umbilical cord

Refers to the cord connecting a fetus to the placenta.

Spinal cord

Refers to the major column of nerve tissue that is connected to the brain and runs through the vertebral column.

Tendon

A cord of fibrous tissue that connects muscle to bone.

Electrical cord

A cord specifically designed to carry electrical current.

FAQs

How to use "cord" in a sentence?

You can use "cord" to refer to a length of twisted strands, like "The burglar tied up the victim with a cord", or an electrical cable, like "Make sure to unplug the electrical cord before cleaning the appliance."

What can I say instead of "cord" when referring to a thin rope?

You can use alternatives like "string", "twine", or "rope" depending on the thickness and strength required.

Which is correct, "spinal cord" or "spinal chord"?

"Spinal cord" is correct when referring to the bundle of nerves that runs through the spine. "Chord" is a musical term.

What's the difference between "cord" and "cable"?

"Cord" generally refers to a flexible, elongated material used for tying or connecting. "Cable" often implies a thicker, stronger cord, especially in electrical or mechanical contexts.