household term

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "household term" is not correct; the correct expression is "household name." You can use it to refer to a person, brand, or product that is widely recognized and familiar to the general public.
Example: "With her groundbreaking work in science, she has become a household name in the field of environmental research."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

37 human-written examples

"Double-digit inflation" became a household term.

The New York Times

In recent years, polyamory is working its way to becoming a household term.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And Alzheimer's disease was not the household term it is today.

The New York Times - Health

But if the economy keeps slowing, credit default swaps, like subprime mortgages, may become a household term.

The New York Times

Strapped consumers crowded budget clothing stores like Uniqlo, H&M and Forever 21, making "fast fashion" a household term.

The New York Times

Kevlar has become a household term, associated with police in bulletproof vests or soldiers in body armour.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

23 human-written examples

Many people can do the equivalent in household terms: They plan, save, rely on family wealth, and use credit and insurance.

Harvard Business Review

But in the age of Bernard L. Madoff and the Galleon Group, when "expert networks" and "front-runners" are becoming household terms, it's no longer enough to get the product placement right.

The New York Times

These emerging jobs aren't household terms yet, but they are a natural fit for older people looking for new career opportunities, said Phyllis Segal, vice president at Civic Ventures, a nonprofit research group based in San Francisco.

The New York Times

Think of the country's financial crisis in household terms.

Forbes

For example, machine learning and data mining have become household terms in just the past five years.

Forbes

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for clarity and correctness, consider using "household name" instead of "household term" to describe something widely recognized. Use "common term" or "well-known concept" when referring to phrases or ideas that are generally understood.

Common error

Avoid using "household term" when you mean "household name". The latter refers to a person, brand, or product widely known, while the former is grammatically incorrect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "household term" functions as a noun phrase, often used to describe a word or phrase that is widely known and commonly used. However, Ludwig indicates the phrase is not grammatically correct and suggests using "household name" instead when referring to a person or brand.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

15%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "household term" is commonly used to describe a word or phrase that is widely known. However, according to Ludwig, it's not grammatically correct, and the more appropriate phrase to use is "household name" when referring to a person, brand, or product that is widely recognized. In cases where you're describing a common phrase or concept, consider using alternatives such as "common term" or "well-known concept". While the phrase appears frequently in News & Media, it's essential to recognize the distinction and use the correct terminology to ensure clarity and grammatical accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

widely known phrase

Focuses on the extent of recognition rather than the setting.

common expression

Emphasizes the linguistic aspect, referring to a phrase frequently used.

well-known concept

Shifts the emphasis to the idea being familiar, not necessarily the term itself.

familiar term

Highlights the ease of recognition and understanding.

everyday language

Focuses on the use of the term in daily communication.

popular saying

Highlights a phrase that is commonly quoted or repeated.

ubiquitous phrase

Emphasizes the widespread presence and frequent use of the phrase.

generally accepted term

Highlights the consensus and widespread agreement on the use of the term.

conventional term

Highlights the term as a standard and accepted form of expression.

ordinary term

Highlights how unremarkable and commonplace the term is.

FAQs

What is the difference between "household term" and "household name"?

"Household name" refers to a person, brand, or product widely recognized by the public. According to Ludwig's feedback, "household term" is not correct; consider alternatives such as "common term" or "well-known concept".

How can I use the idea of "household term" correctly?

Instead of using "household term", describe something as a "well-known term" or a "common concept". For recognizable figures or brands, use the phrase "household name".

What are some alternatives to "household term"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "common expression", "familiar term", or "well-known concept".

Is "household term" grammatically correct?

Ludwig indicates that "household term" is not grammatically correct. It's more appropriate to use "household name" or other alternatives such as "common term" or "widely known phrase".