finger

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "finger" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the digit at the end of your hand, or as a verb to indicate a particular action with your fingers. For example: "He pointed his finger at her to show where he wanted her to stand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sport

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You almost certainly have a Dupuytren's contracture, in which the tendon to the finger is caught up in the "sheath" - that is, the tunnel in which it runs from wrist to finger.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The collection answers the endless questions of what to do with the tiny turnips, pink-flushed Florence onions, purple carrots and broad beans the size of a little finger that those of us who use box systems or shop at farmers' markets often find in our kitchens.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Let's not forget that Miley's insta-historic VMAs performance last year drew outraged comment from many quarters, but perhaps most notably from the creator of the foam finger himself, who claimed she had demeaned his oversized invention.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Ed Miliband had put his finger on one of the biggest issues of our time: the need for prosperity to extend beyond the top 1%.

The Guardian - Opinion

Lynch voiced the highs in an inspiring way, giving herself treats to look forward to such as her brother's wedding and time with friends at Glastonbury, calling the festival "Middle-Class-Tonbury" because she was booked to stay in a camper van: "It was time to take my finger off the pause button and press play on my lovely life once more".

The Guardian

The use of barley as the ultimate foundation stone of measurement appears to be another universal element (alongside the forearm, the foot and the breadth of a finger), so that, for instance, you will find it underwriting the system of measurements used by the Vikings.

The Guardian - Books

It's harder, though, to put your finger on what exactly style is.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He was photographed standing over dead bodies with his finger pointing to the sky.

The Guardian

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 12.31pm BST12 31 Labour's Tom Clarke asks Cameron if he agrees that the Nigerian government has not "lifted a finger" to protect its people in the north.

The Guardian

It all came to a head on Sunday night, though, when she appeared on the red carpet in an ice-blue number with a delicate gold and diamond headband, and a froggy ring on the little finger of her right hand.

The Guardian - Film

"She can get men round her little finger," is the consensus, of which she herself is, granted, the loudest proponent.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "finger" to describe the digit on a hand. When referring to digits on feet, use "toe".

Common error

Avoid using "finger" to describe digits on the foot; the correct term is "toe". For example, don't say 'I stubbed my "finger"', say 'I stubbed my toe'.

Linguistic Context

The word "finger" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a digit on the hand. It can also function as a verb, meaning to touch or manipulate with the fingers. Ludwig's examples show both usages, confirming its versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Lifestyle

18%

Sport

12%

Less common in

Arts

10%

Formal & Business

8%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "finger" is a versatile term primarily used as a noun to denote a digit on the hand, but it can also function as a verb indicating physical manipulation. According to Ludwig, the word is grammatically correct and appears frequently in various contexts. Its usage spans from neutral descriptions in news and media to more specialized contexts in lifestyle, sports, and arts. Ludwig's examples and the high source quality underscore its widespread acceptance and appropriate use in both formal and informal communication, making it essential for effective English communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

digit

Refers to a single finger or toe, often used in a more technical or anatomical context.

index finger

Specifies the finger typically used for pointing or pressing.

middle finger

Identifies the longest finger on the hand.

ring finger

Indicates the finger traditionally associated with wearing a ring.

little finger

Refers to the smallest finger on the hand.

forefinger

An alternative term for the index finger.

finger breadth

Describes a unit of measurement based on the width of a finger.

pointing finger

Emphasizes the action of indicating something with a finger.

appendage

A broader term for a body part extending from the main structure, including fingers.

phalange

A technical term for the bones that make up the fingers and toes.

FAQs

How to use "finger" in a sentence?

You can use "finger" as a noun to refer to a digit on your hand, or as a verb, for example, to "finger" something on a musical instrument or to identify someone. Example: "He pointed his "finger" at the map." or "She "fingered" the guitar strings carefully".

What is a synonym for "finger"?

Depending on the context, synonyms for "finger" include "digit" when referring to a specific finger, or "pointer" if referring to the action of pointing.

Which is correct, "finger" or "toe"?

"Finger" refers to the digits on your hands, while "toe" refers to the digits on your feet. Using them interchangeably is incorrect.

What does it mean to put your "finger" on something?

To put your "finger" on something means to "identify", "pinpoint", or "understand" something precisely, often something that is difficult to grasp or define. For example, "I can't quite put my "finger" on what's bothering me".