ivory white

USAGE SUMMARY

'ivory white' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe something that has a very pale, off-white color. For example, "The walls in this room are painted in a creamy ivory white, giving the space a soft, inviting atmosphere."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

In another month, the bloodroot would open its ivory white flowers.

The New York Times

Initially livid, after several months the striae become ivory white and firm because of the formation of scar tissue.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Ivory white, slick pages, colorful, full of things that could take you from here to there and back again.

The New York Times

Technical examination suggests that Rembrandt was responsible for the man's half-shadowed face and ivory white collar.

The New York Times - Arts

Backhouse's masterpiece was "Weardale Perfection", a famously robust, late-flowering Narcissus with tall stems and large blooms, composed of an ivory white perianth and outsized lemon yellow trumpet.

The Guardian

The accomplice in the passenger seat is a young woman whose "face was ivory white" and whose "blue eyes were positively glowing with excitement".

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

The fourth, in golds, beiges and ivory whites, gives the impression of a gaudy theater set.

The New York Times - Arts

Warm skin tones (dark brown, light brown, or even pale provided that there are golden or yellow undertones) go best with cream or ivory whites and either gold or silver accessories.

WikiHow

They are ivory-white and enormous.

The Economist

Houston had loved those ivory-white bucks.

The New Yorker

C. grandiflora, which is native to Suriname, has larger flowers and ivory-white central stamen masses.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "ivory white" to evoke a sense of elegance or vintage charm, as it suggests a color that is not stark white but has a warmer, softer tone.

Common error

Avoid using multiple color adjectives when "ivory white" is sufficient to convey the intended shade. For example, instead of saying "a slightly yellowish ivory white", simply use "ivory white".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ivory white" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective. It is used to specify the color of a noun, indicating a particular shade of white reminiscent of ivory. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

22%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "ivory white" is a descriptive adjective phrase used to specify a particular shade of white reminiscent of ivory. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. It is most commonly found in News & Media, Science, and Wiki contexts, indicating a neutral register. Alternatives to "ivory white" include "off-white", "cream-colored", and "eggshell", which offer subtly different connotations. When using "ivory white", it's best practice to utilize it to evoke a sense of elegance or vintage charm, and to avoid using additional color adjectives that might create redundancy. Overall, "ivory white" is a versatile and widely accepted term for describing a specific shade of white.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

off-white

General term for shades close to white, but not pure white.

cream-colored

Refers to a color resembling cream, slightly yellow.

eggshell

Describes a color similar to the inside of an eggshell, a muted white.

bone white

Describes white with a hint of grey, like the color of bone.

pale white

Indicates a light shade of white.

milky white

Describes a white color with a translucent quality like milk.

antique white

White with a slightly aged or yellowed tone.

pearl white

White with a lustrous, iridescent quality.

alabaster

A fine-grained, typically white form of gypsum.

winter white

Refers to a softer white shade suitable for winter clothing.

FAQs

What does "ivory white" mean?

"Ivory white" refers to a shade of white that is similar to the color of ivory, often described as an off-white or a creamy white.

When is it appropriate to use "ivory white"?

It's appropriate to use "ivory white" when describing objects, surfaces, or materials that have a pale, warm, and slightly yellowish-white hue. It's often used to convey elegance or a vintage aesthetic.

What are some synonyms for "ivory white"?

Some synonyms for "ivory white" include "off-white", "cream-colored", or "eggshell". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "ivory white" a formal or informal term?

"Ivory white" is a neutral term suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its use depends more on the subject matter than the setting.