kidneys

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'kidneys' is correct and commonly used in written English.
It refers to a pair of organs located in the lower back responsible for filtering waste products from the blood and producing urine. Examples: 1. "The doctor examined my kidneys and advised me to cut down on my salt intake to improve their function." 2. "Kidney disease affects millions of people worldwide and early detection is crucial for proper treatment." 3. "The recipe calls for two cups of kidney beans, which I'll need to soak overnight before cooking."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Take a couple of kidneys with a healthy layer of their suet attached.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Treatment was tough so the last day of chemotherapy was the best ever but seven years on I'm still living with some side-effects: my fingers feel weird, my body does ache and I get pain in my kidneys".

The Guardian

She was hit on the head twice with a chair, leaving a scar over her right eyelid, and was thrown on the floor, causing pain to her lower back, waist and kidneys.

The Guardian

Johnson wonders if dehydrated workers with already sugary kidneys are rehydrating with soft drinks or fruit juice, thus piling on a potentially explosive fructose load.

The Guardian

And it attacks the kidneys in an unusual way.

The Guardian

Concerns that tap water contains oestrogens from contraceptive pills being peed out or that it has passed through the kidneys of 10 people are not valid, says Younger.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He rubs the sides of his lower back, in the region of his kidneys.

The Guardian

It all had to do with his kidneys," he said.

The Guardian

MK At the world and his wife's favourite opening of 2014, you won't go far wrong with crab toast, croquetas, pinchos and basically everything else on Nieves Barragán Mohacho's brilliant menu, but it's the milk-fed lambs' kidneys you'll come back for again and again.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I agree that dehydration is a factor, but you would have to be very, very dehydrated for it to damage your kidneys".

The Guardian

When they were fed vast amounts of sugar, an enzyme in their kidneys reacted with the fructose in a way that was "like a little bomb".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about "kidneys", be specific about their function or condition to provide clarity. For example, specify 'kidney function', 'kidney disease', or 'kidney transplant' to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that all back pain is related to "kidneys". While kidney issues can cause back pain, many other factors can be the cause. Always consult a medical professional for diagnosis.

Linguistic Context

The word "kidneys" functions primarily as a plural noun, referring to the two bean-shaped organs that filter waste from the blood. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is commonly used to describe these organs in various contexts, like health or function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

44%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "kidneys" is a very common and grammatically correct plural noun used to refer to the two vital organs responsible for filtering waste from the blood. As Ludwig AI confirms, its primary function is to describe or discuss these organs in various contexts, including health, anatomy, and medical procedures. The term appears most frequently in news and media and scientific writing, suggesting a neutral to formal register. While generally straightforward, it's important to be specific about the context (e.g., kidney disease, kidney function) to avoid ambiguity. Related terms like "renal organs" or "excretory organs" can be used depending on the level of formality and the aspect you wish to emphasize.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

renal organs

Emphasizes the medical or scientific aspect using "renal", which is the adjective form related to the kidneys.

renal system

Focuses on the system in the body that includes the kidneys, emphasizing the broader function.

excretory organs

Highlights the primary function of the kidneys, which is excretion of waste.

filtering organs

Describes the function of kidneys in a more general way, suitable for explaining the organ's role.

organs of filtration

More formal version of 'filtering organs', emphasizing their filtering role.

nephrons

Refers to the functional units within the kidneys responsible for filtration.

body's filters

Informal and metaphorical way to describe kidneys.

renal structures

Refers to the anatomical structures within the kidneys.

the body's waste management system

Broader description, encompassing the function the kidneys perform as part of a larger system.

the paired renal glands

A more technical and anatomical way to refer to the kidneys.

FAQs

How do I use "kidneys" in a sentence?

You can use "kidneys" to describe their function (e.g., 'The "kidneys filter blood"'), their health (e.g., 'He has "kidney disease"'), or their role in the body (e.g., 'The "kidneys regulate blood pressure"').

What are some alternative terms for "kidneys"?

Alternatives include "renal organs", "excretory organs", or "filtering organs", depending on the context. The term "renal system" refers to the broader bodily system involving the kidneys.

Which is correct, "kidneys" or "kidney"?

"Kidneys" is the plural form, referring to both organs, while "kidney" is singular. Use "kidney" when referring to a single organ (e.g., 'a "kidney transplant"') and "kidneys" when referring to both (e.g., 'The "kidneys filter blood"').

What's the difference between "renal" and "kidneys"?

"Renal" is an adjective that relates to the kidneys (e.g., '"renal function"'), while "kidneys" is a noun referring to the organs themselves. You can't replace "kidneys" directly with "renal" but can use it to describe aspects of the kidneys.