heads

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "heads" can be correct and usable in written English, depending on the context.
It can be used in various contexts, such as referring to the heads of a group, leaders, or in idiomatic expressions like "heads up." Example: "The heads of the departments will meet tomorrow to discuss the new policy changes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The players wanted to have their heads protected, but as individuals they couldn't afford to jeopardize their effectiveness on the ice.

The Economist

Making helmets compulsory eliminated the dilemma: the players could protect their heads without suffering a competitive disadvantage.

The Economist

Gina McCarthy, who heads the EPA, said in a press call last week that her agency had found that 80% of small business owners supported the rule, as did a majority of those individuals and organizations who submitted public comments in the run-up to the rule's introduction.

The Guardian

And he heads a business empire that includes vastly more than just his three television channels.

The Guardian - Opinion

During evidence on the behaviour of nuns from the Sisters of Nazareth order at two Catholic church-run children's homes in Derry, the inquiry heard that children were beaten for bedwetting and had soiled sheets placed on their heads to humiliate them.

The Guardian

I am certain heads of state and governments in the EU, and all Eurocrats, can afford 10 cents a cup.

The Guardian - Opinion

He should have added, for any voters distracted by the recent Lynton Crosby-led mind games, that a coalition of the Tories and UKIP – formal or not – will ignore Scotland, however strong the SNP, as it heads towards exit from the EU.

The Guardian

Welcome to Uzbekistan, a country bigger than Germany, with a population of 31 million, where Islam Karimov is now embarking on a fourth term of office, even though the constitution stipulates a two-term maximum for heads of state.

The Guardian

At Westminster the loyalists look at the likes of Nadine Dorries, "Mad Nad" to her detractors, and shake their heads in despair.

The Guardian

David Hopkins – senior advisory manager: charities and grant making, at CAF philanthropy services David heads up the Charities and Grant-Making Solutions team at the Charities Aid Foundation.

The Guardian

Instead, the plinth has become a place for rubberneckers to congregate, shake their heads and wonder what on earth has become of the club.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "heads" to refer to leaders, ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "heads of departments" instead of just "heads".

Common error

Avoid using "heads" in highly formal documents or speeches where more precise terms like "leaders" or "directors" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "heads" primarily functions as a noun, representing the plural form of "head". It signifies either physical heads, leaders of organizations, or the 'heads' side of a coin, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples. The examples show that it's commonly used in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sport

20%

Politics

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Travel

5%

Lifestyle

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "heads" is a versatile noun with multiple meanings, most commonly used as the plural form of "head". Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts, including news, sports, and politics. While its register is generally neutral, it's essential to choose more formal alternatives like "leaders" or "directors" in professional or academic settings for added precision. As Ludwig AI suggests, paying attention to context is key to effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

leaders

Replaces "heads" when referring to individuals in charge.

chiefs

Similar to leaders, but can imply a more hierarchical structure.

directors

Suitable when referring to those who manage or direct an organization.

managers

Used when referring to individuals responsible for overseeing tasks or teams.

supervisors

Applicable when referring to those who oversee specific operations or activities.

tops

An informal way to refer to the highest-ranking people.

fronts

Used to denote the leading part or aspect of something.

presidents

Specifically refers to the heads of organizations or countries.

governors

Refers to the heads of states or regions.

principals

Suitable when referring to the head of a school or institution.

FAQs

How is "heads" typically used in a sentence?

The word "heads" is used as the plural of "head" in various contexts. It can refer to the physical heads of people or animals, the heads of organizations (e.g., "heads of state"), or the side of a coin. For example, "The players wanted to have their "heads" protected" or "The "heads" of the departments will meet tomorrow".

What are some alternatives to using "heads"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "leaders", "chiefs", or "directors" when referring to people in charge. For the side of a coin, there isn't a direct synonym, but you could say "the face of the coin".

What is the difference between "heads" and "leaders"?

"Heads" can refer to the individuals in charge, but it is less formal than "leaders". The term "leaders" is generally used in more formal or professional settings.

Is it correct to say "the heads of the company" or "the head of the company"?

The correct phrase is "the heads of the company" when referring to multiple individuals who lead the company (e.g., department heads or executives). "The head of the company" is correct when referring to a single person, like the CEO.