leech

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "leech" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as a noun or a verb. Example sentence: The leech had bitten her arm and was now attached to her skin.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

To be published in America by Bloomsbury in November Shy Henry James-loving leech moves into the house of one of Margaret Thatcher's favourite members of parliament and immerses himself in gay sex.

The Economist

Mr Whitley alleges that Coke fiddled a marketing test for a new product, moved $4m into a slush fund to lower the price of expensive new machines, let those machines leech metal residue into dispensed drinks, improperly capitalised payments to bottlers, mis-stated net operating revenues and then fired him when he reported it all to Steven Heyer, Coke's chief operating officer.

The Economist

The capital, they lament, is less a beacon of reform than a blood-sucking leech drawing off talent and money that should be spread around the country.That has not, so far, worried the populist Mr Luzhkov, who has presented Moscow's renaissance as his personal achievement.

The Economist

Everyone was asssessed in detail over the course of a month from the start of treatment, and more generally over the course of three.In this section Thanks for no memory Leeching away pain Bursting with controversy Perishing publishing ReprintsThe result was that leech therapy beat diclofenac for pain relief, particularly in the first week after application.

The Economist

Nectocaris, meanwhile, looked a little bit like a leech, with fins and tentacles.

The Economist

Military men, spies and politicians leech away state resources.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

In "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy", Douglas Adams depicted it as a "small, yellow and leech-like" fish, called a Babel fish, that you stick in your ear.

The Economist

The subsequent stalemate shows why they do not get it: incumbent rulers cling leech-like to power no matter what wishes the people express at the ballot box.The interesting question about this particular moment is: can America use its remaining military, political and economic heft in Iraq to jolt its politicians into heeding the wishes of Iraq's voters?

The Economist

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 12.38pm BST12 38 John Leech, a Lib Dem, goes next.

The Guardian

The Mosque will be made by film maker Robb Leech, whose previous documentaries include the acclaimed My Brother the Islamist and My Brother the Terrorist.

The Guardian

John Leech, the Lib Dem MP for Manchester Withington, said it was nothing more than an attack on the north.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "leech" in a metaphorical sense, ensure the context clearly conveys the exploitative or parasitic nature you intend to communicate.

Common error

Avoid using "leech" casually in formal writing; opt for more professional terms like "drain" or "exploit" to maintain a serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "leech" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a blood-sucking worm, or as a verb, meaning to drain resources. Ludwig examples demonstrate both uses, indicating its versatility in different contexts. Ludwig AI confirms that this word is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

29%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "leech" can function as a noun or verb. As a noun, it refers to a blood-sucking worm, and as a verb, it means to drain resources, often with negative connotations. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in English. The phrase is commonly found in news, encyclopedias and scientific contexts. Related terms include "parasite", "bloodsucker", and "drain resources". When using "leech" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly communicates the exploitative nature. While grammatically sound, avoid casual use in formal settings; instead, choose professional terms like "drain" or "exploit" to keep the tone serious.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

parasite

Replaces "leech" with a general term for an organism that lives off another.

bloodsucker

Synonym emphasizing the blood-draining aspect of a leech or a person.

sponger

Focuses on someone who takes advantage of others for resources.

vampire

Highlights the draining or exploitative nature, often in a metaphorical sense.

drain resources

Verb phrase that captures the action of depleting resources, similar to a leech.

exploit

Emphasizes the unfair advantage taken by someone.

suck dry

Idiomatic expression for completely draining someone or something of resources.

infest

Describes the presence of parasites, including leeches, in an area.

sap strength

Suggests a gradual weakening or draining of energy.

phlebotomize

Technical term for drawing blood, relating to the leech's medical use.

FAQs

How can "leech" be used in a sentence?

You can use "leech" as a noun, referring to the animal, or as a verb, meaning to drain resources. For example, "The "medicinal leech" was used for therapy," or "The company threatened to "leech demand" from smaller businesses."

What are some synonyms for "leech"?

Depending on the context, synonyms for "leech" include "parasite", "bloodsucker", "sponger", or "vampire". When used as a verb, consider "drain" or "exploit".

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

While grammatically correct, the term "leech" can carry a negative connotation. In formal writing, consider more neutral terms like "drain resources" or "exploit resources" to maintain a professional tone.

What is the difference between a "leech" and a "parasite"?

A "leech" is a specific type of segmented worm known for sucking blood. A "parasite" is a broader term encompassing any organism that lives on or in a host organism and benefits by deriving nutrients at the host's expense. Therefore, a leech can be considered a type of "parasite".