low word

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "low word" is not a standard or commonly used expression in written English.
It may be used in specific contexts, such as discussing language or vocabulary, but it lacks clarity without additional context. Example: "In this context, the author chose to use a low word to convey simplicity."

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Plus, low word count.

The New York Times - Books

The grid has a nice low word count besides".

The New York Times

The white space around the square requires a low word count — 138 words did the trick.

The New York Times

So why is it that some of the more interesting writing experiments online mandate absurdly low word counts?

The New York Times - Tech

But picture the poor lexicographer at the OED who wrote that to bog is a "low word, scarcely found in literature, however common in coarse colloquial language".

The Guardian - Books

More specifically, families that started with low word counts are showing increases of about fifty per cent in daily word counts and thirty per cent in conversational turns.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Some parents and teachers regard comics, with their sentences jammed into bubbles and their low word-to-picture ratio, as part of the problem when it comes to low reading scores and the much-lamented decline in reading for pleasure.

The New York Times

We all need those "low" words.

The Guardian - Books

The IEEE database was used as it contains phonetically balanced sentences with relatively low word-context predictability.

EURASIP Journal on Audio, Speech, and Music Processing

Both lead to lower customer satisfaction, lack of repeat business and a low word-of-mouth referral rate.

Bplans

But she is obviously much happier putting top spins on zingers or delivering low-down words with crisp hauteur.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing vocabulary in technical writing, consider using "low-frequency word" to specifically indicate rarity of usage, rather than simply "low word".

Common error

Avoid using "low word" in formal contexts where precision is necessary. Opt for more descriptive and specific alternatives like "basic term" or "simple word" to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "low word" functions primarily as a descriptor, modifying a noun to indicate a characteristic related to simplicity, frequency, or complexity. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase lacks clarity without context. It is used to denote a word that is either basic or infrequent.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

67%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "low word" isn't a standard expression, but it's used to describe words that are simple, basic, or infrequent. While the grammatical status is acceptable, more descriptive alternatives such as ""basic word"" or ""low frequency word"" are generally preferred for clarity and precision. As Ludwig AI points out, context is crucial for understanding its meaning. Found mainly in news and scientific sources, its usage suggests a neutral register, suitable for analytical discussions. When writing, remember to consider more descriptive options to avoid ambiguity and ensure your message is clearly understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

low frequency word

Implies that word is seldom used.

low complexity word

Indicates a word that is not intricate or difficult to understand.

simple term

This alternative focuses on the ease of understanding and basic nature of the word.

basic word

Highlights the fundamental and uncomplicated nature of the term.

common word

Emphasizes the frequency and familiarity of the word.

infrequent word

Contrasts with commonality, pointing to rarity of use.

unimportant word

Focuses on the lack of significance or impact of the word.

plain language

Refers to easily understandable and straightforward terminology.

colloquial term

Denotes informal or everyday language.

unsophisticated word

Suggests a lack of complexity or refinement in the word's usage.

FAQs

What does "low word" mean?

The phrase "low word" generally refers to a word that is simple, basic, or of low frequency in usage. Its exact meaning depends on the context in which it is used.

How can I use "low word" in a sentence?

You might use "low word" to describe the simplicity of language, for instance: "The author chose a "simple term" to convey a complex idea."

What is a better alternative to "low word"?

Alternatives include "basic word", "simple term", or "low frequency word", depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey.

Is "low word" grammatically correct?

While not strictly incorrect, "low word" is not a standard phrase. It's often better to use more descriptive terms such as "low-frequency word" or "basic vocabulary" for clarity.