head

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "head" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as either a noun or a verb in almost any context. Example Sentence: The head of the company made the decision to hire more staff.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Even the angel Gabriel would struggle to survive with that hanging over his head.

The Guardian

Jan Crosby, the head of housing at KPMG, said: "These figures make for frightening reading and show that housing affordability is no longer just a problem for lower wage earners.

The Guardian - Business

Neil Craig, head of operations for HSE in the Midlands, said that a specialist team of inspectors were at the scene in Staffordshire making inquiries.

The Guardian

He shakes his head.

The New York Times

He acknowledged that the no campaign needed to appeal to the heart as well as the head but argued the big question is what impact separation would have on family finances and whether Scottish people would be able to afford the NHS and pensions.

The Guardian

"I couldn't get my head around why someone would go to the effort of looking someone up, and then sending them a nasty tweet.

The Guardian - Tech

That is not a pleasant position to be in, at least for a German head of government.

The Guardian

Ms. Adams shook her head.

The New York Times

I shake my head.

The Guardian - Music

At the time, players were allowed, but not required, to wear helmets, and most players chose to go helmet-less, despite the risk of severe head trauma.

The Economist

He pointed out that having founded the FN and "led it during a period of 40 years of constant adversity" he considered himself a good "locomotive" to head the local regional election campaign.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "head" as a noun to describe an authority, choose synonyms like "leader" or "chief" to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "head" in highly formal documents when referring to a person. Terms like "director" or "manager" may be more appropriate, depending on the specific organizational structure.

Linguistic Context

The word "head" primarily functions as a noun, denoting the part of the body or a person in charge. It can also function as a verb, indicating movement or direction. Ludwig provides examples showing this versatility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "head" is a versatile term with multiple functions, primarily used as a noun or a verb. It is frequently encountered in various contexts such as news, business, and general communication. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct and widely accepted. When using "head", it's essential to consider the context to ensure clarity, especially when choosing between synonyms like "leader", "chief", or directional verbs. While "head" maintains a neutral register, it's advisable to opt for more formal terms like "director" in highly professional settings to avoid ambiguity. With its widespread use and adaptability, mastering the nuances of "head" enhances effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

leader

Replaces "head" when referring to a person in charge.

chief

Similar to "leader", but often implies a higher level of authority.

director

Specifies a management role.

brain

Used to refer to the organ contained in the head.

top

Indicates the highest part of something.

front

Referring to the foremost part or position.

command

Replaces "head" when referring to the act of directing or controlling.

guide

Similar to command, but often implies a more supportive role.

helm

Indicates leadership or control, especially in organizations.

heading

Refers to a title or direction.

FAQs

How can I use "head" in a sentence?

The word "head" can be used as a noun, as in "The company "head" made an announcement", or as a verb, as in "We need to "head" north tomorrow".

What are some alternatives to the noun "head"?

Alternatives to the noun "head" include "leader", "chief", and "director", depending on the context.

What are some alternatives to the verb "head"?

Alternatives to the verb "head" include "guide", "lead", and "steer".

Is it correct to say "head of department" or "head of the department"?

Both are generally correct, but "head of the department" is slightly more formal and specific. The article "the" implies a particular, well-defined department.