holler

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "holler" is correct and usable in written English, particularly in informal contexts.
It can be used when you want to express the act of shouting or calling out to someone, often in a casual or friendly manner. Example: "If you need anything, just holler and I'll be there to help."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Though the Confederacy lost in 1865, its heirs still holler for war against their own government.

The Guardian - Opinion

The group helped her develop her voice – a holler that sounds an alarm siren against apathy and censorship.

The Guardian - Music

Streaked from head to shoulder with bright powder paint, they dance and holler ahead of a plastic icon of Ganesh, the elephant-headed god, whose birthday fell some days before.

The Economist

Some think Hoosier is a remnant of pioneering days, when curious folks would holler "who's here?" There are also references to "Hoosier's men", labourers from Indiana employed by Samuel Hoosier to work on the Louisville and Portland Canal in Kentucky.Others maintain the term stems from Indiana's fighting past.

The Economist

India's capital is suffering a silent airpocalypse while the noisier citizens of Beijing holler and splutter about dangerous concentrations of particles in every lungful of air.

The Economist

"Apologise!" the Tories holler at Mr Balls, referring to his lack of contrition over past Labour spending.

The Economist

Children holler to (and at) each other as they grab books from lockers or as they move from one classroom to another.

The Economist

All his Republican opponent, Bob Inglis, has done in six years in the House of Representatives in Washington is "whine and complain and holler pork We've been up there for 32 years and whenever anybody needed anything they came to old Fritz .But will they do so for another six years?

The Economist

When catching a fish one is supposed to holler, "Fish on!" and reel quickly.

The Economist

But many fans at Barcelona's Camp Nou stadium will also holler for independence for their Catalan homeland.

The Economist

When the gates are lifted and the hounds bolt, the spectators holler.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "holler" in contexts where a casual or informal tone is appropriate. It's particularly effective when conveying a sense of urgency or drawing attention quickly.

Common error

Avoid using "holler" in formal or professional writing contexts, as it can sound unprofessional. Opt for more neutral alternatives like "shout" or "call out" for a more polished tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "holler" is as a verb, denoting the act of yelling or shouting. It can also function as a noun, referring to the yell itself. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through its numerous examples of the word used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "holler" is a versatile word primarily functioning as a verb or noun, signifying a loud vocalization. Ludwig AI highlights its prevalent usage in informal contexts, especially within news and media. While grammatically correct, it is best suited for casual communication, and it should be avoided in formal writing in favor of alternatives like "shout" or "call out". The examples provided by Ludwig, combined with the authoritative sources where it's found, underscore its role in conveying urgency, emotion, and attracting attention in everyday language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shout

A more general term for speaking loudly, lacking the specific connotations of urgency or informality that "holler" often carries.

yell

Similar to "shout" but can imply a stronger emotional state, such as anger or excitement.

call out

Focuses more on the act of audibly attracting attention or delivering a message.

cry out

Emphasizes a sudden, often involuntary vocalization, typically expressing pain or distress.

scream

Indicates a high-pitched, piercing vocalization, usually expressing fear or intense emotion.

bellow

Suggests a loud, deep vocalization, often associated with animals or expressing anger.

squawk

Implies a harsh, unpleasant vocalization, similar to the sound of a bird.

complain loudly

Focuses on expressing dissatisfaction or grievance in an audible manner.

make an outcry

Highlights a public expression of disapproval or protest.

raise one's voice

A more polite or formal way of saying "holler", indicating an increase in vocal volume.

FAQs

How can I use "holler" in a sentence?

You can use "holler" as a verb to mean "to shout" or "to yell", as in "If you need anything, just "give me a holler"". It can also be used as a noun, meaning "a shout" or "a yell", as in "I heard a "loud holler" from the other room".

What are some alternatives to "holler"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "shout", "yell", "call out", or "cry out". Each alternative has slightly different connotations.

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

No, "holler" is generally considered an informal term. In formal writing, it's better to use more neutral alternatives like "shout" or "call out".

What is the difference between "holler" and "shout"?

"Holler" is often associated with a more casual or urgent tone, whereas "shout" is a more general term for speaking loudly. "Holler" can also imply a sense of informality or a rural setting.