crow

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'crow' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as both a noun and a verb. For example: The crows cawed loudly as they flew across the city skyline.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

At this George Osborne – played today, as usual, by Hugh Laurie's Prince Regent from Blackadder the Third – nudged Cameron, prompting the prime minister to crow: "The NS was the only newspaper to back your leadership!" Oh dear.

The Guardian - Opinion

"There's red siskin, bearded tachuri, harpy eagle, crimson fruit crow, cock of the rock, macaw, Rio Branco ant bird," said Duane Junior when I asked him what some of the brightly coloured birds I'd seen were.

The Guardian - Travel

The changes mean the government can crow about the number of students now taking French or history.

The Guardian

And, lest Republicans crow about the decadence of their opponents, precisely the obverse happened when their man won in 2004.That, at least, is the conclusion of a study by Patrick Markey of Villanova University, in Pennsylvania, and his wife Charlotte, who works at Rutgers, in New Jersey.

The Economist

If, on the other hand, China has a hard landing and its oil demand falls, expect prices to plunge.In this section Second thoughts on the third age Finding something to crow about Gas-fired dragon The gatekeeper Sub-prime time On the trail The real picture Reprints.

The Economist

CUBA'S government likes to crow that over 85% of Cubans own their homes.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

Melbourne lost Sam Frost to a left foot injury in the second term and ex-Crow Bernie Vince will be scrutinised for a high third-term hit on Sloane.

The Guardian - Sport

The work became so absorbing, so meditative, that he would try to paint at the deepest hours of night, when only the bark of a dog or distant cock-crow would disturb the southern French hillside where he lived.Heart trouble bothered him, and he once found the little paint-pot almost too heavy to lift, but he never considered stopping.

The Economist

Bob Crow, the general secretary of the RMT union, accused the chancellor of wanting "the workers to keep taking the hit while the rich get richer".

The Guardian

Bob Crow, RMT general secretary, called the plans "a recipe for exploitation" and warned that jobs were at risk, adding: "The assault on jobs and working conditions set up by McNulty, and now mirrored by the government, will be met by a national campaign of resistance".

The Guardian

Those times were the heyday of Jim Crow, eugenics and manifest destiny.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "crow" when you want to evoke a sense of triumphant boasting or the specific sound of a rooster. Be mindful of the context, as it can also refer to the bird.

Common error

Avoid using "crow" in highly formal or professional writing when a more neutral term like "boast" or "declare" would be more appropriate. Overusing informal expressions can detract from the overall tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "crow" varies depending on the context. As a noun, it refers to a specific type of bird. As a verb, it signifies the act of boasting or the sound a rooster makes. Ludwig AI confirms its usability as both a noun and a verb.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Unknown

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "crow" functions both as a noun and a verb, with distinct meanings. As a noun, it denotes a specific bird, while as a verb, it signifies boasting or the sound made by a rooster. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and usable in various contexts. The term is frequently used in News & Media. When considering alternatives, it's essential to choose words that accurately convey the intended nuance of triumph or boastfulness. For instance, "boast", "brag", and "gloat" are appropriate substitutes depending on context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

boast

Replaces "crow" when used to mean bragging or excessive pride.

brag

A more common and general term for boasting, offering a direct alternative to "crow".

triumph

Indicates success and victory, often associated with boasting, like "crow".

gloat

Implies triumph, often in a malicious way, similar to "crow" in some contexts.

exult

A formal synonym that signifies rejoicing greatly; it is related to the verb sense of "crow".

utter a triumphant shout

Explains the meaning of "crow" by using other words, maintaining the exultant tone.

sound off

An informal expression for speaking loudly and often boastfully, akin to "crow".

cock-a-doodle-doo

Mimics the sound a rooster makes, relating to the original meaning of "crow".

caw

Specifically the sound a crow makes, referring to the bird itself rather than boasting.

cry of a rooster

More descriptive way of referring to the sound a rooster makes, connected to the verb form of "crow".

FAQs

How can I use "crow" in a sentence?

You can use "crow" as a verb, meaning to boast or express triumphant satisfaction. For example, "The team will "crow about" their victory." It can also be used as a noun referring to the bird itself, such as, "A "flock of crows" flew overhead."

What does it mean to "crow" about something?

To "crow about" something means to boast or brag excessively about it, often in a loud or triumphant manner. It implies a sense of pride and sometimes arrogance in one's achievement or possession.

Are there synonyms for "crow" when it means to boast?

Yes, when "crow" is used to mean boast, you can use alternatives like "boast", "brag", "gloat", or "exult" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What's the difference between "crow" and "caw"?

"Crow" can refer to the act of boasting or the sound a rooster makes, as well as the bird itself. "Caw" specifically refers to the harsh cry of a crow. Thus, while related to the bird, they have distinct meanings and usages.