food

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "food" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it in any situation, either to refer to food in general or to a specific type of food. Example sentence: I love Mexican food.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The food market, while it shares that trait that everybody's in it, it is not a market in which your participation is often unpredictable and often involuntary".

The New York Times

"Some days I get no food at all.

The Guardian

The techniques inflicted on the detainees included hooding suspects, putting them into stress positions, sleep deprivation, food and water deprivation and the use of white noise.

The Guardian

Food glorious food.

The Guardian - Travel

Food safety!

The New York Times

"This is because the state would not pay for people to buy their food or pay their mortgage or their rent if they were living at home".

The Guardian

TWIST: Use food colouring instead of paint to dye your eggs.

The Guardian

Food banks hold no terror for him any more.

The Guardian

The British peer said the UN Relief and Works Agency had only a finite amount of food and other essential supplies, adding: "We were concerned that over time supplies were running out," prompting the agency and other UN agencies to launch an appeal to get more resources into the area.

The Guardian

Shah chairs a mental health charity and is well known locally in Bradford for campaigning on behalf of her mother, who was released from prison in 2000 after serving 14 years for putting poison into the food of Mohammed Azam, a local drug dealer who she feared was planning to sexually abuse her daughters.

The Guardian

Starbucks and McDonald's are said to be a cut above their competitors in fast food and quick-serve restaurants.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing the nutritional value of "food", be specific about the types of "food" you are referring to, such as fruits, vegetables, or whole grains, to provide clearer and more actionable information.

Common error

Avoid making broad statements about the health benefits or risks of "food" without specifying the type. Generalizations can be misleading, as different types of "food" have vastly different effects on health.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of the word "food" is as a noun. It can act as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence, denoting any substance consumed for nutritional support. Ludwig provides numerous examples where "food" serves these roles effectively.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Travel

20%

Lifestyle

15%

Less common in

Business

10%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "food" functions primarily as a noun, referring to any substance consumed for nutritional support. Its usage spans a broad spectrum of contexts, from everyday conversations to formal discussions in news media, travel guides, and lifestyle articles. Ludwig's AI confirms that "food" is grammatically correct and broadly applicable, a fact reflected in its "Very common" frequency and diverse usage patterns. Common errors involve overgeneralizing about "food" in health contexts, highlighting the importance of specificity. Related terms like "sustenance" or "nourishment" can offer nuanced alternatives, enriching your vocabulary and precision in communication. Authoritative sources like The Guardian and The New York Times frequently employ the term, underscoring its widespread relevance and acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sustenance

Emphasizes the nourishing aspect, suggesting what keeps one alive and healthy.

nourishment

Focuses on the process of being fed and sustained, often implying a more deliberate or healthful intake.

provisions

Refers to a supply of food and other necessities, often for a journey or a specific event.

diet

Implies a specific pattern of eating, often with a particular goal in mind, such as health or weight management.

fare

Suggests the range and quality of food available, often in a restaurant or at an event.

cuisine

Refers to a style of cooking, typically associated with a particular country or region.

groceries

Lists of items bought at a store, emphasizing the raw ingredients rather than prepared meals.

victuals

An old-fashioned term for food, often used in historical or literary contexts.

refreshments

Focuses on light snacks and drinks, often served at meetings or events.

edibles

A general term referring to anything that can be eaten.

FAQs

How can I use "food" in a sentence?

"Food" can be used in various contexts. For example, "The restaurant serves delicious food", or "We need to buy food for the party".

What are some synonyms for "food"?

Alternatives to "food" include "sustenance", "nourishment", or "provisions", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "foods" instead of "food"?

Yes, "foods" is the plural form of "food" and is used when referring to multiple types of food. For example, "We need to buy different foods for the party".

What's the difference between "food" and "cuisine"?

"Food" is a general term for any substance consumed for nutrition, while "cuisine" refers to a specific style of cooking or a type of food associated with a particular region or culture.