label

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "label" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a tag or identifier that describes or categorizes something. Example: "Please make sure to label all the boxes before moving them to the new office."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Music

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Also, the supporters of the reforms have appropriated "Obamacare" – originally intended as a derisive label by its opponents – and are now using it with enthusiasm.

The Guardian

To imply that Susan Sarandon, who has dedicated much of her life to human-rights activism, objects to the feminist label because she is "right-wing" is disingenuous.

The Guardian - Opinion

The wine, which can be found in shops and restaurants around London, including Noble Fine Liquor on Broadway Market (the label is an arrow pointing upwards), is extraordinary.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He claimed people from his label were "shaken up" after getting the call and were unsure whether to offer him a record deal.

The Guardian - Music

Ebert was conflicted – it offended him to preface his article with such a warning, not least because the NSFW label was, as he put it, an "unsightly typographical offence", but mostly because it "would contradict the point I was making", namely that he was opposed to American puritanism, preferring Europe's supposed festive nudearama.

The Guardian

James Holden leads the charge with the deep, ambient vision of techno his acclaimed Border Community label has long championed, but it's the diversity elsewhere that piques the ears.

The Guardian - Music

I can assure you that twerking does what it says on the label: there is a lot of squatting, popping, and jiggling.

The Guardian - Opinion

That said, some folk might argue that if you're happy to publicly refer to yourself as a 'Spurs fan', it's difficult to imagine how you could find any other label more demeaning, offensive or derogatory.

The Guardian - Sport

Is it, as you suggest, like saying: tuck in that label.

The Guardian - Books

Pritchard, by his own reckoning, was too young for the Britpop moment, which "had all curdled" by the time he reached his teens, but he was certainly aware of the label and with all its associations, "the lads' mags and beers that came along with it".

The Guardian - Music

Record label Merge said Policy was recorded at Electric Lady Studio in Jimi Hendrix's old living room, the same New York building where Arcade Fire mixed much of their latest record.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "label" to accurately represent the category or characteristic being assigned to something. Ensure it aligns with the intended meaning and avoids misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "label" in excessively broad or vague ways that do not provide meaningful categorization. Being overly general can create ambiguity and diminish clarity. Instead, provide sufficient details about the characteristics that are being used to assign labels.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "label" is as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it identifies a tag or identifier. As a verb, it describes the action of assigning a name or category. Ludwig AI confirms the word is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Music

16%

Lifestyle

14%

Less common in

Sport

8%

Opinion

8%

Travel

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "label" is a versatile term functioning as both a noun and a verb, widely used across various contexts to identify, categorize, or provide information. Ludwig AI validates its correct and broad usability. While its register is generally neutral, it appears most frequently in news and media, music, and lifestyle content. Alternatives like "tag", "categorize", and "identify" offer similar semantic options depending on the intended nuance. When using "label", ensure precision and avoid overgeneralization to maintain clarity in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tag

Focuses on attaching a marker or identifier to something.

categorize

Emphasizes the act of placing something into a specific group or class.

identify

Highlights the act of recognizing or establishing something's identity.

designate

Implies assigning a specific role, purpose, or name to something.

name

Simple and direct way of indicating what something is called.

classify

Similar to categorize, but can imply a more formal or scientific approach.

mark

Highlights physically marking or indicating something.

ticket

Focuses on providing a piece of paper as a sign or label.

brand

Emphasizes the commercial aspect of a label or identifying mark.

style

Focuses on applying a name/label that indicates a style or way to do/define something.

FAQs

How can I use "label" in a sentence?

You can use "label" as a noun to refer to a tag or identifier (e.g., "The product has a clear label") or as a verb to describe the act of assigning a category or identifier (e.g., "They labeled the files for easy access").

What are some synonyms for "label"?

Alternatives to "label" include "tag", "categorize", "identify", "mark", and "designate", depending on the specific context.

What is the difference between "label" and "tag"?

"Label" often refers to a printed or descriptive piece of information attached to something, while "tag" can refer to a physical marker or identifier. While they are often interchangeable, "label" tends to be more descriptive, and "tag" more functional.

Is it correct to say "labeled as" or "labelled as"?

Both "labeled as" and "labelled as" are correct. "Labeled" is the standard spelling in American English, while "labelled" is preferred in British English. The choice depends on the writing style being used.