knot

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "knot" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as a noun or verb. Example sentence: She tied the rope in a tight knot.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

This time it was Suárez bursting through a knot of static Bayern defenders after a sublime pass from Messi.

The Guardian - Sport

And although he will cheer himself hoarse this summer supporting Giovanni Trapattoni's side in Poland at the European Championships, he is not the kind of person to wrap himself up in a tricolour or knot a green, white and gold scarf around his neck.

The Guardian

Nor do you see many cars flash on to a footpath behind a tight knot of pedestrians and proceed to ring their bell furiously until everyone jumps out of their way.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"This sentiment shocks me deeply – considering that I really am to be tied by the conjugal knot & actually to be blessed by the Church of England: but then the truth always is so shocking and probably nobody is monogamous".

The Guardian

Her friend and fellow Cambridge resident Helen Macdonald – the author of H is for Hawk – came round and looked at the picture and told Smith that the knot at the waist was "a falconer's knot – that he has just let the bird free; so it is an image of freedom".

The Guardian - Books

The most recent interview I did was for the first same-sex marriages in the UK, as John Coffey and Bernardo Marti officially tied the knot at on 29 March, becoming the first same-sex couple in the UK to marry.

The Guardian

But EU policymakers face a tangled knot of "push factors" – war, economic crisis, political repression and environmental degradation.

The Guardian

Someone should act as the wise man and undo this knot.

The Guardian

Shape them into a triangle and tie a knot.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Like The League Of Gentleman without the funny faces and jokes, it also shares the knot-stomached dread of Black Mirror's gradual descents into madness, only done on a tiny budget.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"When I am on the dohyo (wrestling ring) I have the spirit of Japan laced in my top-knot", declared Hakuho upon winning.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "knot" in a nautical context, ensure you're referring to the unit of speed or a literal tied knot, not just any entanglement.

Common error

Be cautious when using "knot" figuratively (e.g., "a knot of worry"). Ensure the context clearly conveys the intended meaning of entanglement or complication.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "knot" is as a noun, referring to a fastening made by looping a piece of string, rope, or similar material. It can also function as a verb, meaning to tie or form into a knot, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Formal & Business

22%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "knot" functions primarily as a noun or verb, denoting a tie or entanglement, according to Ludwig AI. It's commonly used across various contexts, including News & Media and Formal & Business settings. When using "knot", be mindful of both its literal and figurative meanings. While grammatically correct and frequently employed, it's essential to ensure clarity in its intended usage, especially in figurative contexts. As Ludwig's examples show, "knot" is versatile, but its effective application depends on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tie

Replaces "knot" by focusing on the action of fastening or securing.

tangle

Similar to "knot" when describing a confused or complicated situation.

bond

Emphasizes the connection or link, like a figurative "knot".

clump

Used when "knot" refers to a mass or group of things.

snag

Implies a difficulty or obstacle, resembling a "knot" in a plan.

problem

Replaces the figurative sense of "knot" as a complex issue.

difficulty

Similar to "problem", referring to a challenging situation.

complication

Highlights the intricate nature of a "knot" as a complex issue.

bind together

Conveys the action of joining or uniting, analogous to tying a "knot".

intertwine

Describes the act of weaving or linking closely, like strands in a "knot".

FAQs

How can I use "knot" in a sentence?

As a noun, you can say "Tie a secure knot". As a verb, you can say "Knot the ends together". The specific usage will depend on the context of your writing.

What does it mean to "tie the knot"?

To "tie the knot" is an idiom that means to get married. For example: "They decided to "tie the knot" after dating for five years".

Which is correct, "knot" or "not"?

"Knot" and "not" are entirely different words with different meanings. "Knot" refers to a tie or tangle, while "not" is a negation. Using one in place of the other would be incorrect.

What can I say instead of "a knot of people"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a "group of"", "a "cluster of"", or "a "gathering of"".