crafts

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "crafts" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to any activity that involves making things with one's hands or with tools. For example: "My hobby is making crafts using everyday materials."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Or the reverential: Una Pizza Napoletana in SoMa, where tattooed Anthony Mangieri crafts his naturally-leavened pies in the centre of the tall, stark former garage before briefly blasting them in the huge wood-fired oven.

The Guardian - Travel

Floating Market, Regent's Canal, Mile End Park, E3, to 16 Aug, canalrivertrust.org.uk Part of London's much-loved community of barges and narrowboats becomes a vintage, crafts and foodie dream on water.

The Guardian - Travel

Whether you're covering eggs with a coat or two of paint, making handmade cards or decorating bonnets, Easter is a time for arts and crafts in school.

The Guardian

Farm shops such as Zadruga Dobrina Trgovina, on narrow Tkalski prehod, sell local food and wine, and nearby at Gosposka 7, Art Mar sells contemporary Slovenian arts and crafts.

The Guardian - Travel

The interior is all fleece, posh fabrics and Mapuche crafts.

The Guardian - Travel

Multi-coloured houses line hilly streets, and the town is full of arts and crafts shops and noted for its music scene, hosting two festivals a year.

The Guardian - Travel

To concentrate on the things they do not do misses the amount of work they put into getting other things done, from the maintenance of their social networks to the various crafts with which they occupy their free time.

The Economist

They are also the recipients of a vast and varied selection of arts and crafts: juke boxes, sledges, stained-glass windows, phonographs, tea cups, model aeroplanes and lots of paintings and books.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

And they are urged to bring their ministries to special events such as football games, car races, state fairs, parades, boat races, arts-and-crafts exhibitions and seafood festivals.

The Economist

MINISTERS, attending a conference in the state-owned arts-and-crafts centre in the medieval city of Fez, sip mint tea.

The Economist

The combination of imperial pomposity, neoclassical grace and arts-and-crafts inventiveness makes "Sculpture Victorious" an absorbing and often surprising tour.The art of the Victorians was roundly despised by the modernists who followed them.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about specific types of "crafts", use descriptive adjectives to provide clarity. For example, specify "wood crafts" or "paper crafts" rather than just "crafts".

Common error

Avoid using "crafts" as a catch-all term. Be specific about the type of craft you are discussing to avoid confusion. For example, instead of saying "I enjoy crafts", specify "I enjoy pottery and knitting".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "crafts" is as a plural noun, referring to multiple items made by hand or with tools. Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, highlighting its role as a tangible object or activity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

18%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "crafts" functions primarily as a plural noun denoting items made by hand. As validated by Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and enjoys widespread use in diverse contexts, especially within news, business, and general informational spheres. When using "crafts", ensure specificity to avoid overgeneralization and enhance clarity. This usage is marked by a neutral register, making it appropriate for a variety of writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Handicrafts

Focuses specifically on items made by hand, often with traditional techniques.

Arts and crafts

Emphasizes both artistic and practical handmade items.

Handmade goods

Highlights the creation of items by hand rather than by machine.

Artisan products

Stresses the skill and artistry involved in creating the items.

Craftwork

A general term for the activity of making crafts.

Manual arts

Highlights the physical skill and labor involved.

Folk art

Refers to traditional and cultural handmade items.

Craft skills

Focuses on the abilities needed to create crafts.

Creative projects

Emphasizes the imaginative aspect of making things.

Do-it-yourself projects

Highlights the act of making things oneself.

FAQs

How can I use "crafts" in a sentence?

You can use "crafts" in a sentence to refer to handmade items or activities, such as "She sells her "handmade crafts" at the local market" or "He enjoys doing "various crafts" in his free time".

What are some alternatives to saying "crafts"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "handicrafts", "artisan products", or "handmade goods".

Is it correct to say "crafts" or "craft" when referring to multiple items?

"Crafts" is the plural form of "craft" when referring to multiple handmade items or activities. Use "craft" when referring to the general skill or a single item.

What is the difference between "arts and crafts" and just "crafts"?

"Arts and crafts" typically refers to a broader range of creative activities, while "crafts" can refer to more specific, often functional, handmade items. For example, painting and sculpture fall under "arts and crafts", while knitting and woodworking can be considered "crafts".