free software

USAGE SUMMARY

The term "free software" is correct and usable in written English.
It refers to programs or applications that are available for free (without charge). For example: Many people prefer to use free software when creating websites, because they don't have to pay a subscription fee.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Tech

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's fucking free software".

The New Yorker

I'm completely free software now".

The Guardian

But the trend is toward free software.

The Economist

I started the free software movement to replace user-controlling non-free software with freedom-respecting free software.

The Guardian - Opinion

He is a booster of free software.

The New York Times - Books

"It's free software," Jones, the hacker, said.

The New Yorker

Ofoto also offers free software, called Ofoto Now, for editing.

The New York Times - Tech

How do you get free software like that?

The Guardian - Tech

But free software is bad for DTLA compliance.

The Guardian - Tech

They're part of a free software upgrade called iPhone 3.0.

The New York Times - Tech

Completely free software, of course, will not pay the rent.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing "free software", clarify whether you mean software that is free of charge or software that grants users freedoms to use, study, modify, and distribute the software.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by specifying whether you are referring to "free software" as in zero price or "free software" as in liberty, using terms like 'gratis' or 'libre' respectively, when necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "free software" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as a subject or object in sentences. Ludwig examples show it describing a category of software with specific characteristics. As Ludwig AI explains, it refers to software available without charge.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

30%

Tech

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "free software" is a grammatically correct and very common noun phrase. It primarily functions to describe software that is available without charge or grants users specific freedoms. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's crucial to specify whether you mean 'free' as in 'no cost' or 'free' as in 'freedom'. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Tech contexts, understanding the nuances of "free software" is essential for clear communication in the tech world. Always ensure clarity to avoid confusion, especially when discussing alternatives like "open source software" or "complimentary software".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

no-cost software

Emphasizes the absence of financial cost associated with the software.

zero-cost software

Directly states that the software has no associated expenses.

freeware

Commonly used term for software available without charge, though it may have usage restrictions.

gratis software

A more formal way to indicate software provided without charge.

open-source software

Highlights the accessibility of the source code for modification and distribution, often associated with "free software".

libre software

Focuses on the freedom to use, study, modify, and distribute the software.

complimentary software

Indicates software offered without charge, often as part of a promotion or bundle.

at-no-charge software

A more verbose but clear way to state that there is no cost involved.

unpaid software

Highlights the absence of payment required for the software's use.

public domain software

Refers to software with no copyright restrictions, allowing unrestricted use and modification.

FAQs

What is the difference between "free software" and open source software?

"Free software" emphasizes the user's freedom to use, study, modify, and distribute the software, while open source focuses on the accessibility of the source code. In practice, the terms often overlap.

How can I use "free software" in a sentence?

You can say, "Many developers contribute to the creation of "open source software" projects", or "The company decided to use only "no-cost software" to reduce expenses".

What are some examples of "free software"?

Examples of "free software" include the Linux operating system, the LibreOffice office suite, and the Firefox web browser.

Is "free software" always safe to use?

While many "free software" projects are reputable, it's important to download software only from trusted sources and to ensure your system has adequate security measures in place. Do research before installing any "complimentary software".