hole

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "hole" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a physical opening in something, or an empty space, or a condition of deficiency or need. For example, "John fell into a deep hole in the ground."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Lifestyle

Opinion

Tech

Business

Travel

Film

World

UK

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But there is no time pressure, the sun is beating down through the hole in the Ozone layer, and the Essex batsmen led by Cook made the pitch look eminently playable.

The Guardian - Sport

It was a stupendous piece of skill, but it only earned him par for the hole.

The Guardian - Sport

We end up in a hole and we're so headtired".

The Guardian - Sport

Luxury breaks offering great food and smart hotels are being created by firms such as Fusion Escapes, a three-year-old specialist operator which founder, Rachel Harvey, says was launched "to fill the gaping hole in the travel market for single professionals used to the finer things in life".

The Guardian - Travel

Attach a piece of elastic or string at each hole, adjusting it to fit the wearer Show us your Dollys and Jacks – we'd love to see pictures of what they get up to.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There is no point wondering if this announcement came shortly after he followed a white rabbit down a hole; he has lived so long in his moral Bizarro World now that to apply even his own logic to his utterances is as pointful as reasoning with a fart.

The Guardian - Opinion

Labor should not succumb to the 2013 equivalent of the 1996 "Kim Beazley black hole".

The Guardian

The failure to push legislation through the Stormont assembly leaves the Northern Ireland executive with a £600m black hole in its budget.

The Guardian

Taxes were hiked and public spending slashed as Brian Cowen's government sought to plug a widening black hole in Irish public finances.

The Guardian

And it was always the same dream: in the dream I'd be asleep, I'd wake up, sit up in my bed, and he'd be sitting there on the edge of my bed, staring at me, with the bullet hole still in his chin, about the size of a nickel.

The Guardian

He has a red Black Diamond down jacket and brown Karrimor walking boots with a hole in the left boot.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "hole" in a figurative sense, ensure the context clearly conveys the intended meaning, such as "filling a hole in the market" or "digging yourself into a hole".

Common error

Avoid using "hole" casually when a more precise term like "gap", "void", or "deficiency" would better convey the intended meaning. For example, instead of a "hole in the plan", consider a "flaw in the plan".

Linguistic Context

"Hole" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a physical opening, cavity, or deficiency. It can also function as a verb, meaning to make a hole in something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and varied applications.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sport

15%

Business

10%

Less common in

Lifestyle

10%

Tech

8%

Travel

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "hole" is a versatile term, primarily functioning as a noun or verb, with diverse applications ranging from physical openings to abstract concepts like deficiencies or difficult situations. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage across various contexts. As evidenced by Ludwig, it appears most frequently in News & Media and Sport contexts, with a neutral register suitable for broad communication. While generally correct, it's important to consider more precise alternatives like "gap", "void", or "deficiency" for specific figurative uses. The frequent occurrence of "hole" in authoritative sources highlights its established place in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

opening

Focuses on the physical aspect of an entrance or aperture, a more generic term.

gap

Emphasizes a space or interval, often used in a figurative sense like a gap in knowledge.

cavity

Highlights an empty space within a solid object, often referring to a natural formation or a defect.

void

Implies a complete absence or emptiness, often used in philosophical or emotional contexts.

lacuna

Refers to a missing part or gap, particularly in a text or series.

breach

Suggests a break or violation, often used in security or legal contexts.

fissure

Indicates a narrow opening or crack, typically in rock or earth.

perforation

Describes a series of small holes, often for tearing or ventilation.

deficiency

Highlights a lack or shortage, often used in a figurative sense like a lack of resources.

shortcoming

Emphasizes a weakness or flaw, often used to describe a person's character or a system's design.

FAQs

How can I use "hole" in a sentence?

"Hole" can refer to a physical opening (e.g., "There's a hole in the wall"), a flaw (e.g., "a hole in the argument"), or a difficult situation (e.g., "He's in a deep hole").

What are some synonyms for "hole"?

Depending on the context, you can use synonyms like "opening", "gap", "cavity", or "void". For instance, instead of a "hole in the ozone layer", you might say a "gap in the ozone layer".

Is it correct to say "hole in one" in golf?

Yes, "hole in one" is a standard term in golf, referring to hitting the ball into the hole in a single shot.

What's the difference between a "hole" and a "gap"?

While both refer to an empty space, "hole" typically refers to a physical opening through something, whereas "gap" often implies a broader space or interval, like a "gap in knowledge".