kraken

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kraken" is correct and usable in written English, particularly in contexts related to mythology or popular culture.
You can use it when referring to the legendary sea monster from folklore, often in discussions about literature, movies, or games. Example: "In the story, the sailors feared the kraken would rise from the depths to drag their ship under the waves."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Books

Mythology

Literature

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

People grew so fixated, wrote one sarcastic diarist, that if a "kraken" swam into New York harbor, the papers "wouldn't be able to find room for the news".

The New York Times

At Kraken Alley, artists will be working on creations inspired by the mythological kraken, a much-feared sea monster.

The New York Times

Last year's stated goal of doubling production to 4.2m b/d by 2020 looks fanciful, especially with the otherwise sensible decison to cut investment by between $7 billion and $9 billion, announced last week.Then there is the kraken of corruption.

The Economist

China Miéville's London ("Kraken"), because: London was full of dissident gods.

The New York Times

The allure of the crack, the lure of the crackle, the lair of the kraken.

The New York Times - Books

The book's starting point is the kraken (pronounced CRACK-en), or giant squid.

The New York Times - Books

Practice a bit and you can release your own Kraken.

The New York Times

Release the Kraken!

The Guardian - Sport

Though not pursuing an academic course in theatre, she auditioned for and was accepted into a newly formed company on campus, KRAKEN, led by the experimental director and scholar Herbert Blau.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The comic soon returned to more traditional superhero fare and introduced a succession of villains, including Tiger Shark, Stingray, Commander Kraken, and Attuma.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It appears in literature in a poem of Alfred, Lord Tennyson's juvenilia called "The Kraken".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enrich your writing with vivid imagery, utilize "kraken" to symbolize formidable obstacles or untapped potential lurking beneath the surface.

Common error

Avoid mistakenly associating the "kraken" solely with Greek mythology; it originates from Norse sagas and Scandinavian folklore. Understand its true cultural background to use it appropriately.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "kraken" is a proper noun, referring to a specific mythical sea monster. As seen in Ludwig, it's used in literature, news, and even product names, always maintaining its core reference.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

20%

Books

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "kraken", a proper noun, refers to a mythical Scandinavian sea monster often depicted as a giant squid or octopus. According to Ludwig, the phrase is deemed correct and usable across diverse contexts. Its usage spans from literal references in mythology and literature to metaphorical applications in describing immense challenges or corruption. Evident from its presence in sources like The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica, "kraken" maintains a solid presence in contemporary language, with the phrase 'Release the Kraken' also taking on a life of its own in modern pop culture. Ensure to acknowledge its Norse origins. While versatile, adapting the term to various scenarios ensures the impact is both meaningful and engaging.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sea monster

A broader term encompassing various legendary marine creatures.

legendary sea creature

Reiterates its status as part of folklore and legend.

mythical beast

Emphasizes the legendary and non-real nature of the creature.

giant squid

Focuses on the biological basis or inspiration for the mythical creature.

colossal squid

Highlights the immense size, a key attribute of the "kraken".

deep-sea terror

Emphasizes the creature's origin from the depths of the ocean.

maritime nightmare

Focuses on the fear and destruction associated with the "kraken".

untamed oceanic horror

Highlights "kraken's" fearsome and uncontrollable nature.

unleashed chaos

When referring to the phrase "release the kraken" in terms of causing chaos.

corruption's insidious reach

When used metaphorically to describe pervasive corruption.

FAQs

How is the word "kraken" typically used in modern writing?

The word "kraken" is often used to refer to the mythical sea monster, but it can also be used metaphorically to describe something large, powerful, and difficult to control. For example, it might describe a sprawling bureaucracy or an overwhelming challenge.

What are some synonyms for "kraken" when referring to a sea monster?

When referring to the sea monster, you could use terms like "sea monster", "giant squid", or "mythical beast".

In what contexts might I encounter the phrase "release the kraken"?

The phrase "release the kraken" is often used humorously or dramatically to suggest unleashing a powerful force or initiating chaos. It's a reference to the film Clash of the Titans.

Is it appropriate to use "kraken" in formal writing?

While "kraken" is generally understood, its use in formal writing depends on the context. In academic papers or business reports, it may be more appropriate to use more precise language, unless you are specifically discussing mythology or its cultural impact. In creative writing, it is perfectly acceptable.