glue

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "glue" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the word when talking about an adhesive substance used for sticking things together. For example: "My teacher asked us to bring a tube of glue for the upcoming art project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Teacher Network

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Glue the ends of the strips together to make a ring shaped headband.

The Guardian

Everyone who worked there signed the Official Secrets Act, and they stuck to it like glue.

The Guardian

Stefan Collini is reaching for the gate long after the bolting horse has been caught, minced and boiled into glue.

The Guardian

While the list does include Gemma Jones's beautifully judged performance in Marvellous (which I think should and will win), I'm agog at how Charlotte Spencer, a member of the Glue cast – E4's rural murder mystery, which didn't quite take flight for me – can be voted in ahead of Cavaliero.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"The fumes from the glue gave me constant headaches," she says.

The Guardian

I wait for the glue to dry while I prepare my needles.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Before the Stooges he spent years "watching television and sniffing glue"(it speaks volumes that the friend who inspired his rock-star surname, Jim Popp, sniffed so much glue he lost all his hair) and went on from there.

The Guardian - Music

When times are hard, it's clearer than ever that these are the people who represent the real glue in our society".

The Guardian

Getting glue and glitter everywhere – and filling your classroom with chicks and bunnies – is a staple of the season.

The Guardian

Using green card and scissors, make some grass fringing and glue it to the inside of the punnet (covering the sharp edges of the staples).

The Guardian

We glue two pieces of scrap leather together, and score a line about half an inch from the edge along which we imprint stitch marks to guide our needle.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "glue" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly supports the comparison. For instance, describing someone as the "glue" of a team implies they hold it together.

Common error

While "glue" is acceptable in general writing, avoid excessive metaphorical use in formal academic or professional contexts. Opt for more precise terms like "cohesion", "integration", or "coordination" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "glue" is as both a noun referring to an adhesive substance and a verb meaning to join with glue. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, as showcased in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Lifestyle

20%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "glue" functions as both a noun and a verb, denoting physical adhesion and metaphorical cohesion. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and widely used. Its versatility allows for application across diverse contexts, from practical DIY projects to describing interpersonal relationships. While appropriate in most situations, formal academic or professional settings may benefit from more precise alternatives like "adhesives" or "bonding agents". As such, "glue" remains a robust and effective term in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adhesive substance

Focuses specifically on the material property of being sticky and able to bond things.

bonding agent

Highlights the function of connecting two things together.

cementing force

Emphasizes the action of firmly uniting or solidifying a relationship or situation.

binding element

Stresses the role of bringing different parts into a unified whole.

connecting link

Highlights the role of linking disparate entities.

paste

Specifies a soft, moist adhesive substance.

gum

Refers to a sticky substance, often of natural origin.

mucilage

Denotes a thick, gluey substance produced by plants.

sticky substance

Describes the adhesive nature in more general terms.

joining compound

Focuses on the material used for connecting things.

FAQs

How can I use "glue" in a sentence?

You can use "glue" as a noun, referring to an adhesive substance (e.g., "I need some glue to fix this."), or as a verb, meaning to join or attach with glue (e.g., "Glue the pieces together carefully.").

What are some synonyms for "glue"?

Synonyms for "glue" include "adhesive", "paste", "cement", and "mucilage", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "glued to the screen"?

Yes, "glued to the screen" is an idiomatic expression meaning to be watching something with intense focus and attention. It's a common and acceptable usage.

When is it appropriate to use "glue" metaphorically?

Using "glue" metaphorically is appropriate when describing something that binds or holds things together, such as relationships or teams. For example, "She is the glue that keeps the family together."