guide

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "guide" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a person or document that provides direction or advice on a particular subject or task. Example: "The travel guide provided us with valuable information about the best places to visit in the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Interactive guide Election countdown: the key dates up to June 7 Interactive quizzes Can you be bothered?

The Guardian

He renamed months of the year in honour of himself and his mother, and wrote a lifestyle guide, the Ruhnama, which became required reading for high school and university students.

The Guardian

This outline is a guide to the course.

The Guardian

My guide asked if I didn't want to rest first, or freshen up.

The Guardian - Books

It is cool here!" Bobo, who speaks six languages, was a charming guide with a great sense of humour – and great fashion sense, mixing a batik suit with a modern gilet, or zebra-print shorts with a trendy T-shirt.

The Guardian - Travel

Here's a guide to who they are and their likely game plans.

The Guardian

William was my guide, my inspiration and the gatekeeper to a new and better world.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Here is our guide to good food stops between Melbourne and Brisbane that will only take you on a micro-detour from the barrelling highway.

The Guardian - Travel

Various people claiming to be former lieutenants have spoken out and last year a bunch of hacked emails described in detail how internet commenters in the small town of Ganzhou were instructed to guide conversations on the web.

The Guardian

Nigel looked at his heavily annotated Wainwright guide.

The Guardian - Travel

This is a puzzle game involving moving rocks to guide a flow of energy round a mystic garden – complete with a suitably woozy soundtrack.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "guide" to refer to both physical direction and abstract direction, such as a "guide to investing" or a "tour guide".

Common error

Avoid using "guide" when the context requires a stronger verb like "lead". "Guide" implies offering assistance, while "lead" indicates taking charge and directing.

Linguistic Context

The word "guide" primarily functions as both a noun (referring to a person or thing that shows the way) and a verb (meaning to lead or direct). Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Travel

20%

Lifestyle

15%

Less common in

Sport

5%

Tech

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "guide" is a versatile word functioning as both a noun and a verb, widely used to denote the act of leading, directing, or offering assistance. Ludwig AI validates its proper usage across diverse scenarios. Analysis of various sources reveals its prevalent use in News & Media, Travel, and Lifestyle contexts. While "guide" is generally safe to use, it's important to be mindful of the specific nuance required; alternatives like "lead" or "direct" might be more appropriate in certain contexts. Be sure to choose the word that accurately represents the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lead

Focuses on the action of directing or conducting someone or something.

direct

Emphasizes giving instructions or showing the way.

escort

Implies accompanying someone for protection or guidance.

shepherd

Suggests careful and protective guidance, often in a group setting.

navigate

Highlights the skill of finding a path or course, especially through complex situations.

conduct

Formal term for leading or directing a process or activity.

steer

Focuses on controlling the direction of movement.

influence

Suggests subtle direction or persuasion.

supervise

Involves overseeing and directing activities or people.

instruct

Emphasizes teaching or providing detailed directions.

FAQs

How to use "guide" in a sentence?

You can use "guide" as a noun, referring to a person or thing that shows the way, or as a verb, meaning to lead or direct. For example, "The tour "guide" led us through the city", or "This manual will "guide" you through the installation process".

What can I say instead of "guide"?

Alternatives to "guide" include "lead", "direct", "instruct", or "escort", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "guide" as both a noun and a verb?

Yes, "guide" functions as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to someone or something that provides direction; as a verb, it means to provide direction or assistance.

What's the difference between "guide" and "guidance"?

"Guide" can be a noun referring to a person or thing that leads or a verb meaning to lead. "Guidance", on the other hand, is a noun referring to the act of guiding or the advice given.