crowbar

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "crowbar" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a tool used for prying or lifting objects, often in construction or demolition contexts. Example: "He used a crowbar to pry open the old wooden door."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Leon Lotz was once a member of the Koevoet – "crowbar" in Afrikaans – a paramilitary police unit created by South Africa's apartheid regime to root out guerrillas in what is now Namibia.

The Guardian

Someone has to crowbar Wales into British political discourse because its absence has had terrible consequences for the country.

The Guardian - Opinion

Imagine what you and your friends could do with a crowbar, a guitar, a few sacks of lentils and a place like that.

The Guardian - Opinion

This is because the logic of Mr Cameron's gambit that reform of the euro zone will require changes to the EU treaties and therefore an opportunity for Britain to crowbar in freedoms for itself just about holds.

The Economist

Later in the week, at an event that was controversial for other reasons, Nick Clegg, the deputy prime minister, managed to crowbar a reference to the Olympic spirit into a speech on gay marriage.

The Economist

The aid-workers and diplomats who come to his shop to buy ethnic bedspreads and crockery occasionally part with $48 for a tin trunk containing a crowbar, plastic sheeting, bottled water and medicine, but there have been no extra sales since the Kashmir disaster.

The Economist

Despite frequent tough talk, his Treasury department has, in its twice yearly currency reports, declined officially to label China a "currency manipulator .Congressional threats are a useful crowbar for extracting concessions.

The Economist

Dr Gold's discovery would still be a useful pointer, though, to the molecular-biological crack into which a suitable pharmacological crowbar might be inserted.

The Economist

Companies' purse strings, which once required a gentle tickle to loosen, now often require a crowbar.

The Economist

There is also a danger of an increasing reliance on grapes from over-productive regions like Riverlands where, according to local legend, "you plant a nail and grow a crowbar".

The Economist

But it would be a chink in the armour of the Standard Model into which an explanatory crowbar could yet be inserted.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about using a "crowbar", specify the purpose or target of the action to provide context. For example, instead of just saying "He used a crowbar", say "He used a crowbar to pry open the crate".

Common error

Avoid using "crowbar" metaphorically when a more nuanced term like "force", "coerce", or "insert" would be more appropriate. Overuse can weaken your writing and make it sound less precise.

Linguistic Context

The word "crowbar" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a specific tool. It can also function as a verb, describing the action of using the tool to force something open. Ludwig examples show it used both ways.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "crowbar" is commonly used both as a noun and a verb, primarily in neutral contexts such as news and media. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct, with various examples showing its application in real-world scenarios. While synonyms like "pry bar" or "lever" exist, "crowbar" specifies a particular kind of tool. Avoid overuse in metaphorical contexts to maintain clarity and precision in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pry bar

A synonym referring to the same tool, but emphasizing the prying action.

wrecking bar

A larger, heavier version of a crowbar, often used for demolition.

lever

A more general term for a tool that uses leverage, encompassing crowbars.

jemmy

A small crowbar, often used by burglars.

force open

A verb phrase describing the action of using a crowbar to open something.

pry apart

Describes the action of separating items using a levering tool.

lever open

Similar to "force open", but specifically using a lever.

prise open

Synonymous with 'pry open', emphasizing the use of force.

insert forcibly

Describes applying significant effort to make something enter a space.

strong-arm

A more figurative term implying the use of strong force, not necessarily with a tool.

FAQs

How can I use "crowbar" in a sentence?

You can use "crowbar" as a noun to refer to the tool itself, such as, "The thief used a crowbar to break into the store." Or, you can use it as a verb, as in, "He tried to crowbar the door open, but it wouldn't budge."

What are some synonyms for "crowbar"?

Some synonyms for "crowbar" include "pry bar", "wrecking bar", and lever. The specific choice depends on the context and the type of tool being described.

Is it correct to use "crowbar" as a verb?

Yes, it is acceptable to use "crowbar" as a verb, meaning to force something open with a crowbar or similar tool. For example, "They attempted to crowbar the window open."

When should I use "crowbar" instead of "lever"?

"Lever" is a more general term for a tool used for gaining mechanical advantage, while "crowbar" is a specific type of lever typically made of iron or steel. Use "crowbar" when you want to specify the exact tool being used.