hog

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "hog" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a verb, a noun, or an adjective. Example sentence: The farmer had to use a special tractor to move the big hog out of the mud.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There was comedy, music, dancing, fresh hog, pints for a pound, broth and bread and more hog.

The Guardian

Did you go the full hog and buy awful-looking running shoes?

The Guardian - Music

Related: Republicans pay court to Ernst, Iowa kingmaker who won't hog the spotlight In the audience, Terry and Karen Whipple of Ankeny were trying to make up their minds.

The Guardian

Related: Republicans pay court to Ernst, Iowa kingmaker who won't hog the spotlight If only navy Seals voted, Rick Perry would win the White House in a landslide.

The Guardian

This book displays the breadth of his knowledge – it has in-depth guides to breeds and cuts – as well as the extraordinary range of things you can do with a hog.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Richard was then stripped naked and trussed like a hog, in a crude mockery of his emblem, the silver boar.

The Guardian - Film

The party will want to hog the stage at Stormont, apparently setting the agenda.

The Guardian

Sorting out the billing for a play is an archaic and labyrinthine business, the rules of which are understood only by a very few: but basically, the more famous you are, the more you can hog the advertising and the light bulbs.

The Guardian

If you want, you can go the whole hog and develop the images yourself, with a homemade darkroom and sheets of glass and bottles of chemicals.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The shadow of Macaulay Culkin rests uneasily and the showbiz parent attracts bad press in a town where embarrassing mothers hog borrowed spotlight and spew inanities at the gawpers and stalkers.

The Guardian - Film

The hog was later seen being chased around a car by a disgruntled cow and recklessly swimming in the river before passing out under a tree.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hog" as a verb, be mindful of the negative connotation associated with greediness or selfishness. Use it when you want to emphasize someone taking more than their fair share.

Common error

Avoid confusing "hog" with similar-sounding words like "hug". "Hog" typically refers to a pig or the act of greedily taking something, while "hug" is a gesture of affection.

Linguistic Context

The term "hog" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a type of animal (pig). It can also function as a verb, meaning to take greedily or monopolize. This duality is supported by Ludwig's examples, showing its versatile application in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "hog" is a versatile word that functions primarily as a noun referring to a pig. It also serves as a verb, describing the act of greedily taking something. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, supported by numerous examples across various contexts. While "hog" is prevalent in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific domains, it's crucial to consider the register and potential negative connotations associated with greediness. To diversify your language, consider alternatives like "monopolize" or "dominate" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pig

A more common and general term for a swine, often interchangeable in some contexts.

swine

A broader term for pig-like animals, sometimes used to imply dirtiness or unpleasantness.

be greedy

Focuses on the act of taking more than one's fair share, synonymous with the verb form of "hog".

dominate

Implies control or command over resources or a situation, similar to "hogging" attention or resources.

monopolize

Specifically refers to exclusive control, particularly in a business or economic context.

hogtie

A method of restraint, also, as verb could mean to restrain someone from doing something.

gobble up

Suggests consuming something rapidly and greedily.

hogget

A young sheep that has not been shorn, a specific usage of "hog".

engross

Refers to taking up all of someone's attention or time.

take precedence

To be more important than something else, which is similar to hogging something.

FAQs

How can "hog" be used as a verb?

As a verb, "hog" means to greedily take more than one's share or to dominate something. For instance, "Don't "hog" the blankets" means don't take all the blankets for yourself.

What are some synonyms for "hog" when it means to be greedy?

Synonyms include "monopolize", "dominate", "be greedy", or "gobble up", depending on the specific context.

What does it mean to "go the whole hog"?

To "go the whole "hog"" means to do something completely or without reservation; to go all out.

Is it appropriate to use "hog" in formal writing?

While "hog" can be used in formal writing, it's crucial to consider the context. When referring to an animal, it's generally acceptable. However, using "hog" to describe someone as greedy might be perceived as informal or pejorative, so consider alternatives like "monopolize" or "dominate".