hook

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "hook" is correct and usable in written English.
It has a few different meanings. For example, it can refer to a curved piece of metal used for catching or holding things, such as a fishing hook. It can also refer to something that interests you and makes you want to continue reading or listening, such as a movie with a great hook. It can also refer to a short musical phrase that is repeated to make a song sound more interesting. As an example, you might write: "The catchy guitar hook really made the song stand out".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Lifestyle

Film

Music

Business

TV & Radio

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But back he came, and after one punch a short right hook Tyson's knees wobbled a fraction.

The Guardian - Sport

The finish this time was far more spectacular, Totti going airborne to hook José Holebas's delivery back across the goalkeeper Federico Marchetti and into the far corner.

The Guardian - Sport

Then, at the opening of the 21st century, a US administration that will go down in history for its tendency to think last and shoot first bought – hook, line and sinker – the entire "denying sanctuary", pervasive surveillance, "total information awareness" scheme.

The Guardian - Tech

He describes it in the ­book's title poem: elephants, broken-hearted and clumsy, "hook up bones with their trunks and chuck them this way and that way".

The Guardian - Books

"We need to educate the kids," Palmer says – that it's never a victim's fault, that it's OK to hook up with someone who's unsure of his sexuality ("It's a conquer thing," she tells me), as long as you take the necessary precautions.

The Guardian - Opinion

Whenever we hook up, we slip into the way things have always been – it's an easy friendship, and not high on drama.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

None of these examples, needless to say, shines much light on what would happen if a country with 65 million people and such a huge economy decided to sling its hook.

The Guardian

To climb in this fashion a climber will hammer a peg (or "piton") into a crack, wedge chocks – pieces of metal of various sizes and shapes – into it or place a skyhook (a very small grappling hook) over flakes of rock and edges.

The Guardian

The standout singles were actually Dreadlock Holiday and The Things We Do for Love, which hint at this band's real strengths: wit, musicianship, invention and more often than not a melodic hook that got under the skin.

The Guardian - Music

If families plan eventually to see all four of these films, they might prioritise the two with a strong Christmas hook, as they will both feel like stale leftovers after Christmas Day.

The Guardian - Film

With guitars, pianos and the odd horn, the tunes are gloriously breezy, heartfelt affairs but pack a crafty left hook in a velvet glove.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hook" purposefully to grab the reader's attention at the beginning of your writing. A strong "hook" is key to drawing your audience in.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on the word "hook" in your writing, especially in close proximity. Diversify your vocabulary with synonyms like "catch", "snare", or "entice" to maintain reader engagement and avoid repetition.

Linguistic Context

The word "hook" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a curved device used for catching or holding. It also serves as a verb, indicating the act of attaching or catching something with a hook. Ludwig showcases examples of both usages.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Sport

12%

Lifestyle

8%

Less common in

Film

7%

Music

5%

Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "hook" is a versatile term with both noun and verb forms, commonly used across various contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it can refer to a physical object, a captivating element, or a means of connection. Predominantly found in News & Media, its usage spans from sports and lifestyle to film and music. When writing, it's important to consider the specific context to ensure clarity. Common errors include overuse, so diversifying vocabulary with synonyms is recommended. The phrase "hook" showcases its adaptability and relevance in everyday language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

catch

Refers to the act of seizing something, similar to how a "hook" is used to grab or secure objects.

snare

Implies trapping or ensnaring, aligning with the "hook"'s function of capturing something.

entice

Highlights the act of attracting or luring, mirroring the "hook"'s purpose in capturing attention.

captivate

Suggests holding someone's interest or attention, analogous to a "hook" grabbing and retaining something.

secure

Emphasizes the act of fastening or holding firmly, resembling the "hook"'s function of providing stability.

fasten

Focuses on the action of joining or connecting, similar to how a "hook" links objects together.

connect

Stresses the link between two or more things, akin to a "hook" joining elements.

attach

Highlights the action of joining or affixing, aligning with the "hook"'s function of linking objects.

grapple

Implies seizing or struggling to hold, mirroring the "hook"'s engagement with an object.

lure

Suggests attracting or tempting, similar to the "hook"'s role in capturing interest or attention.

FAQs

How can I use "hook" in a sentence?

You can use "hook" as a noun to refer to a curved object (e.g., "Hang your coat on the hook"), or as a verb to describe attaching something with a hook (e.g., "Hook the trailer to the car"). It can also refer to something that grabs your attention, like a song with a great "catchy melody".

What are some synonyms for "hook" when referring to a captivating element?

When "hook" refers to a captivating element, you can use alternatives like "lure", "enticement", or "draw". For example, instead of "The movie had a great hook", you could say "The movie had a compelling lure".

What does it mean when someone says they are "off the hook"?

To be "off the hook" means to be released from a difficult situation or obligation. For instance, "He was "let off the hook" when his colleague took responsibility for the error".

Which is correct, "by hook or by crook" or "by hook and by crook"?

"By hook or by crook" is the correct and commonly used idiom, meaning by any means possible, fair or unfair. "By hook and by crook" is not a standard expression.