ledge

USAGE SUMMARY

'ledge' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is usually used as a noun to refer to an edge or a shelf, or a higher area or surface, like a cliff or a mountain ledge. You can also use it to mean a platform or a strip of land protruding into a body of water. Here is an example sentence: We had to be careful not to slip off the edge of the cliff, since it had a sheer ledge.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The ambulance staff have warned the protesters that their legs have got very cold which makes the blood supply pool in their feet, this could lead them to faint and fall off the ledge.

The Guardian

I find the tape on a ledge about three-quarters of the way down the cliff face.

The Guardian - Books

As police officers and bailiffs looked on, the squatters climbed on to the ledge of a first-floor balcony of the grade II-listed building on the corner of Charing Cross Road and St Martin's Lane.

The Guardian

I also liked clambering over the rocky coastline in the north, particularly south of Svaneke, where a craggy ledge pushes out some 50 meters into the sea, meaning you can drop immediately into deep water.

The Guardian - Travel

The US said many of those still on the southern ledge had chosen to remain there.

The Guardian

The sensational 150km dirt track from the remote northern town of Chachapoyas to Celelendín climbed up to a height of more than 4,000m before descending along a crumbling ledge clinging to a sheer precipice.

The Guardian - Travel

Further along, a barn owl sat snoozing on a ledge while the finches around went crazy.

The Guardian - Travel

Most of the activists left the building when the bailiffs turned up with a court order early on Wednesday, but two refused to leave and took to the ledge of a 10-metre-high balcony as a police officer stood nearby.

The Guardian

Most of the squatters left the building when the bailiffs turned up, but two activists refused to leave and took to the ledge of a 30ft-high balcony as a police officer stood nearby.

The Guardian

Last week I spent a few sun-beaten days on a sandstone ledge 250 feet above the sagebrush-flecked floor of an eastern Utah valley.

The Guardian - Opinion

TS Eliot, The Hollow Men From this craggy ledge above the Harad Basin, I can see for miles across the rugged countryside.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing landscapes or architecture, use "ledge" to vividly depict narrow, protruding surfaces that offer support or create a visual break in the structure.

Common error

Avoid using "ledge" when simply referring to the border of something. "Ledge" implies a surface wide enough to support something, while "edge" only indicates a boundary.

Linguistic Context

The word "ledge" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a narrow, horizontal projection or shelf. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage across various contexts, as demonstrated by the numerous examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Encyclopedias

30%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Science

7%

Reference

6%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "ledge" is a common noun used to describe a projecting horizontal surface. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and frequent usage across diverse fields, most notably in News & Media and Encyclopedias. When using "ledge", it's crucial to distinguish it from similar terms like "edge", "shelf", or "ridge", understanding that "ledge" implies a supporting surface. Best practice involves using "ledge" to vividly depict narrow, protruding surfaces in both landscapes and architecture. Avoiding the confusion of "ledge" with "edge" ensures clarity in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shelf

Focuses on a horizontal surface used for storage or display, similar to a "ledge".

projection

Highlights the protruding aspect of a "ledge" from a surface.

ridge

Emphasizes a raised strip or line on a surface, akin to a "ledge".

outcrop

Refers to a rock formation protruding from the ground, resembling a natural "ledge".

sill

Specifically refers to a horizontal piece at the base of a window or door, a type of "ledge".

brim

Implies the edge or border of something, such as a container or hat, similar to a "ledge".

flange

Describes a projecting rim or edge used for attachment or reinforcement, functioning like a "ledge".

mantel

Specifically refers to a shelf above a fireplace, a type of "ledge".

berm

Denotes a raised bank or embankment, similar to a "ledge" in its structural form.

escarpment

Refers to a long, steep slope at the edge of a plateau or ridge, similar to a "ledge" in a geological context.

FAQs

How to use "ledge" in a sentence?

The word "ledge" refers to a narrow horizontal surface projecting from a wall, cliff, or other structure. For example: "The bird built its nest on the window ledge."

What can I say instead of "ledge"?

You can use alternatives like "shelf", "projection", or "ridge" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "ledge" or "edge"?

"Ledge" and "edge" have distinct meanings. "Ledge" implies a supporting surface, while "edge" simply refers to a boundary. For example, you might stand on a "ledge" but be near the "edge" of a cliff.

What's the difference between "ledge" and "shelf"?

A "ledge" is a naturally occurring or structural projection, while a "shelf" is typically a manufactured structure designed for storage or display. A "ledge" might be part of a rock formation, whereas a "shelf" is usually made of wood or metal.