crab

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "crab" is correct and usable in written English, depending on the context.
It can be used to refer to the marine animal, as well as in idiomatic expressions or slang, such as "to crab" meaning to complain or grumble. Example: "While walking along the beach, we spotted a crab scuttling across the sand."

✓ Grammatically correct

Food-related articles

Travel articles

Political commentary

Scientific articles

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

Osaka's Dōtonbori district is a Disneyland of food, where the restaurant signage includes a giant mechanical crab, a blowfish the size of a hot air balloon and a giant squid that puffs steam.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I met Lisa here, a Californian backpacker and photographer my own age, and we spent afternoons swimming and walking, evenings lazing in hammocks with cold beers or eating crab (and that fiery pepper sauce) at the quiet restaurants (the two best are part of the family-run bungalow resorts at either end of the beach).

The Guardian - Travel

Kampot pepper stars in this region too, notably at the nearby Kep crab market, where the locals serve it alongside the tasty little critters – well worth a trip.

The Guardian - Travel

Scallops, crab, langoustines, mussels and lobster are all caught in the loch itself; smoked salmon comes from Inverawe, a few miles south.

The Guardian - Travel

And yes, when you remove the top from a bowl of steamed egg custard, the scent is black truffles, at once funky and pure, over the ocean scent of Dungeness crab.

The New York Times - Food

When John Prescott appeared with a crab in a jar in 1997, he ruined the moment by calling it Peter, after his enemy Lord Mandelson.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

According to some estimates, the natural habitat of the crab-eating macaque will be destroyed by 2000.

The Economist

The state is due to get around $4 billion in stimulus money: most will go to health and education.The ailing blue-crab industry, meanwhile, based in eastern Maryland, will receive a paltry $10m.

The Economist

All this has combined to shut down crab-picking houses.

The Economist

At best, coming good will consist of a tapering off of violence, and a crab-wise movement towards a political accommodation between the governments elected under Western supervision and the militias now fighting them.

The Economist

It was not until 1960 that a Polaris missile was successfully test-fired from a submerged submarine, and not until 1965 that Dr Craven converted a nuclear submarine, the Halibut, into a secret spy ship full of cables, strobe lights, giant crab-claws and remote-controlled cameras.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about cuisine, specify the type of "crab" (e.g., Dungeness, blue) to provide clarity and appeal to your audience.

Common error

Be specific about the type of "crab" you are referring to, as different species have distinct characteristics and culinary uses. Using "crab" without further detail can be ambiguous.

Linguistic Context

The word "crab" primarily functions as a noun, referring to a crustacean. It can also function as a verb, meaning to fish for crabs or to complain. Ludwig AI provides examples where it is used in various contexts, including culinary descriptions and scientific classifications.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Travel articles

20%

Lifestyle

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "crab" is a versatile term with applications ranging from culinary descriptions to scientific classifications. It functions primarily as a noun but can also serve as a verb. Ludwig AI's analysis reveals that "crab" enjoys widespread use across diverse contexts, notably in news, travel, and lifestyle publications. While generally neutral, the formality can shift depending on the source. When writing, specificity is key; detailing the type of "crab" enhances clarity and relevance. Being mindful of these nuances ensures precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

crustacean

This is a broader term that includes crabs and other similar creatures; generalizes the reference.

shore crab

Refers to a specific type of crab found near the shore, narrows the focus.

blue crab

Refers specifically to the blue crab species, emphasizing a color characteristic.

decapod

This is a scientific classification specifying a ten-footed crustacean, adding a technical layer.

hermit crab

This specifies a crab that lives in a salvaged shell, changes the type of crab.

fiddler crab

Denotes a crab with one large claw, specifying a visual characteristic.

Dungeness crab

Specifies a particular type of crab popular in cuisine, narrowing the context to food.

stone crab

A species known for its edible claws, focusing on a culinary aspect.

eat crab

This focuses on the action of consuming crab, shifting the emphasis from the animal itself to the act of eating it.

Cancer pagurus

This is the scientific name for a common edible crab, specifies a particular species.

FAQs

How to use "crab" in a sentence?

You can use "crab" in a variety of sentences, such as "The chef prepared a delicious crab cake" or "We saw a crab scuttling along the beach".

What are other words for "crab"?

Synonyms include "crustacean", and depending on the context, more specific terms like "Dungeness crab" or "blue crab" may be appropriate. For alternatives depending on the context, you can also use: "shore crab" or "hermit crab".

What is the difference between "crab" and "crustacean"?

"Crab" refers specifically to creatures within the infraorder Brachyura, while "crustacean" is a broader term encompassing various arthropods including crabs, lobsters, and shrimp.

Is it correct to use "crab" to describe a person?

Yes, "crab" can informally describe a bad-tempered or irritable person. However, it's important to be aware of the potentially negative connotation. A synonym could be "grumpy", depending on the context.