fairies

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fairies" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to mythical creatures often depicted as small, magical beings with wings, commonly found in folklore and fantasy literature. Example: "In the enchanted forest, the fairies danced under the moonlight, spreading their magic throughout the night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 2.38pm AEST05:38 Now we are onto fairies with a question to the health minister Peter Dutton.

The Guardian

But inside the rehearsal studios of American Ballet Theatre, fairies dance and courtiers amuse themselves in a gentle game of blind-man's buff, as choreographer Alexei Ratmansky directs his dancers through the second act of Marius Petipa's Sleeping Beauty.

The Guardian

He would scrunch up his eyebrows, tilt his head and ask: "Are fairies really real?" "Are pirates really real?" "Are scientists really real?" As December loomed on the horizon, the inevitable occurred: "Is Father Christmas really real?" I certainly hope so, I replied, because otherwise where would all those presents come from?

The Guardian - Opinion

The Guardian helpfully added that Common ragwort (Senecio jacobaea) was formerly associated with witches and warlocks in rural communities and that fairies were believed to ride on ragwort blossom at midnight.

The Guardian

It was once commonly believed that fairies, ghost-dogs and strange creatures roamed the moor or lived beneath the black waters.

The Guardian - Travel

"A lot of people are doing pirates and fairies now," he says, with a slightly heavy heart.

The Guardian

Small children may prefer the charms of The Enchanted Forest where fairies, gnomes and trolls live alongside the woodland animals – spot their houses in among the trees – and they can recreate their own fantasy world in the play area and art room (€5 per child).

The Guardian - Travel

William Shakespeare put his fairies in the forests.

The Economist

Like bad fairies around the crib of a princess, the euro's founders blessed a currency union that contained the seeds of its own doom; unlike other big monetary unions (eg, America), the euro is not an economic union, and still less a political union.

The Economist

Letters are welcome via e-mail to [email protected]—While supporting debt relief ("Do you believe in fairies", December 31st), you argue that "there are serious objections to setting corrupt and spendthrift borrowers free from their obligations".

The Economist

The lovers chased each other around ladders and balconies, and fairies covered the walls with hearts and thunderclouds scribbled in chalk.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Distinguish between different types of "fairies" (e.g., benevolent, mischievous, malevolent) to create nuanced characters.

Common error

Avoid portraying "fairies" solely as benevolent beings; many traditional tales depict them as mischievous or even dangerous.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "fairies" is as a plural noun. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, referring to multiple mythical beings. As Ludwig confirms, it's usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

10%

Wiki

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "fairies" functions primarily as a plural noun referring to mythical beings, as confirmed by Ludwig. Its purpose is to evoke fantasy and the supernatural, and it appears across various contexts, from news articles to encyclopedic entries. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable in written English. While often associated with whimsical tales, it's crucial to remember that folklore often portrays "fairies" as complex and, at times, dangerous creatures. Consider using alternatives like "fae creatures" or "wee folk" depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

faerie folk

A slightly archaic but evocative term for fairies.

fae creatures

A broader term encompassing various magical beings with fairy-like attributes.

fey folk

Emphasizes the magical and often elusive nature of fairy-like beings.

mythical sprites

Combines the mythical nature with the playful and ethereal qualities of sprites.

wee folk

Highlights the small size often attributed to fairies in folklore.

nature spirits

Highlights the connection of fairies to the natural world and the environment.

little people

Focuses on the diminutive stature and human-like qualities of fairies.

elven beings

Draws a parallel to elves, often associated with magical forests and ancient lore.

magical entities

A general term that includes fairies as one type of magical being.

supernatural beings

A broad term including various types of otherworldly entities, including fairies.

FAQs

How can I use the word "fairies" in a sentence?

You can use "fairies" in sentences describing mythical creatures, such as, "The enchanted forest was said to be inhabited by "fairies" and other magical beings."

What are some synonyms for "fairies"?

Synonyms for "fairies" include "fae creatures", "wee folk", and "nature spirits", depending on the specific context.

Are "fairies" always depicted as benevolent?

No, "fairies" are not always benevolent. In folklore, they can be mischievous or even dangerous. It's important to research specific lore for accuracy.

What's the difference between "fairies" and "elves"?

While both are mythical beings, "fairies" are often smaller and more whimsical, while "elven beings" are frequently depicted as taller, more noble, and deeply connected to nature.