manual

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "manual" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a handbook or guide that provides instructions or information about a particular subject or process. Example: "Please refer to the user manual for detailed instructions on how to operate the device."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

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The Guardian

One was a philosophical argument in a debate with the Government about the BBC's Charter, the other was a practical manual for programme-makers.

The Guardian

O'Donnell published a draft of the chapter of the cabinet manual on the formation of a coalition government in early 2010 because he expected voters to elect a hung parliament.

The Guardian

The former cabinet secretary, who said he would take to the airwaves as soon as the polls closed on Thursday night to remind politicians of the guidelines laid down in the cabinet manual, told the Today programme that the key qualification to enter No 10 was the ability to command the confidence of the House of Commons.

The Guardian

Labour only had a clear lead over the Conservatives among 18- to 34-year-olds, voters in social class DE (the "semi-skilled and unskilled manual occupations, unemployed and lowest grade occupations"), among private and social renters, and black, Asian and minority ethnic (BAME) voters.

The Guardian

Theoretically, problematic tweets get automatically flagged, and then manual review should catch them before they are published.

The Guardian - Tech

The manual also deals with wider constitutional issues, such as the decision to go to war, and acknowledges that a "convention had developed in parliament that before troops were committed the House of Commons should have an opportunity to debate the matter".

The Guardian

Committee chairman Graham Allen said: "We are aware that there is very little understanding of what the Cabinet manual is or does, but it actually performs a central constitutional function in our democracy.

The Guardian

Once I've explained everything and answered all their questions, I leave them with a simple manual.

The Guardian

Before the era of laser theodolites and mobile computing, he depended on endless manual measurements that started respectively from the door of the Old Kirk at Bo'ness and Blair Castle, Culross – both known Ordinance Survey benchmarks.

The Guardian

As early as the 1960s young factory workers, when asked by sociologists, began to say manual work was "absurd".

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a specific manual, be precise. Use the full title or a recognizable abbreviation to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of just saying "the manual", specify "the user manual" or "the service manual".

Common error

Avoid using "manual" interchangeably with "automatic" without clear context. While "manual" implies human operation, ensure the contrast is evident to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The word "manual" serves as both a noun, referring to a handbook or guide, and an adjective, describing something operated by hand or done manually. Ludwig AI confirms this dual functionality, providing numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Academia

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "manual" is a versatile term with both noun and adjective forms, commonly used to refer to a handbook or something operated by hand. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and widespread use across various contexts, from news and media to formal business and scientific publications. As an adjective, it distinguishes actions performed by a person from automated processes. While generally neutral in tone, specifying the context, such as “user manual” or “service manual”, is crucial for clarity. As Ludwig AI confirms, "manual" enjoys broad applicability in modern English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

instruction manual

Emphasizes the instructional aspect of the manual.

operator's manual

Specifically for operating machinery or equipment.

user guide

Highlights the manual's purpose as a guide for users.

training manual

Used for training purposes, providing step-by-step instructions.

handbook

Focuses specifically on a reference book providing instructions or information.

guidebook

Similar to handbook, but often implies a more comprehensive or detailed guide.

service manual

Focuses on the servicing and maintenance aspects.

workshop manual

Specific to manuals used in workshops, often for repairs or maintenance.

reference book

Broader term for any book used for reference purposes.

documentation

A more formal and comprehensive term for manuals and guides.

FAQs

How can I use "manual" in a sentence?

You can use "manual" as a noun to refer to a handbook, or as an adjective to describe something operated by hand. For example, "Refer to the "user manual" for instructions" or "The machine has a "manual override" function".

What is a good alternative to "manual" when referring to a handbook?

Alternatives include "guidebook", "instruction booklet", or "user guide", depending on the specific context.

What does it mean when a car has a "manual transmission"?

A "manual transmission" means the driver must manually shift gears using a clutch and gear stick, unlike an "automatic transmission" which shifts gears automatically.

Is it correct to say "manual labor"?

Yes, "manual labor" is a commonly used phrase to describe physical work done by hand, as opposed to skilled or intellectual work.