marker

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "marker" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an object used for writing or drawing, or as a term for something that indicates a position or a point of reference. Example: "She used a bright red marker to highlight the important sections of the document."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The magic marker helped us learn about field placements (sort of) and the late 80s saw the introduction of stump cam ("The older viewer, for the most part," noted Richie Benaud, "was close to apoplexy").

The Guardian - Sport

For much of its first hour, Mad Dogs US seems overly preoccupied with underlining the tension between its leads in thick marker pen, making it seem less like a high-octane thriller and more like a sulky stag night.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Lewis had to ask for it back because there were no others available, pulling on a top he had already autographed with a black marker pen.

The Guardian - Sport

In January the prime minister used a speech at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, to put a marker down on questions of tax structuring by big business.

The Guardian - Business

It laid down a valuable marker before next week's world time trial championship and with his team-mate Ian Stannard coming second and moving into the runner-up slot overall, it put Wiggins and Team Sky in a promising position in their quest to win a first stage race on home soil.

The Guardian - Sport

Then they commandeered the necessary materials and a marker pen to create bright placards bearing slogans about Sir Philip and his tax responsibilities – material too libellous to repeat here.

The Guardian

Carayol looked lively down the left flank in the first half and kept his marker Simon Francis honest while Dale Stephens and the captain Iñigo Calderón played some neat football as if to prove that it is not just Bournemouth who are easy on the eye.

The Guardian - Sport

In addition, we have to hold office hours, complete course admin, attend training (before the course, and during it in the form of marker meetings), and attend the lectures each week.

The Guardian

The opponents were West Bromwich Albion and Best's marker a bulky but effective Welsh international full-back named Stuart Williams.

The Guardian - Sport

The home side scored what proved the deciding goal after 53 minutes at Pittodrie when Barry Robson swung a corner to the near post and Adam Rooney got in front of his marker to head past Stephen Grindlay.

The Guardian - Sport

A customer can have an account in their maiden as well as their married name, and an account can also have a marker with details of another name used by the customer".

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "marker" in technical writing, ensure the context clearly defines whether you're referring to a physical marking tool, a point of reference, or a genetic indicator.

Common error

Avoid using "marker" without clear context. If referring to a specific type of marker (e.g. felt-tip pen), specify it to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The noun "marker" primarily functions as a referential term. It denotes an object used for marking, a point of reference, or an identifying feature. Ludwig shows its usage across various fields from sports to genetics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sport

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The analysis reveals that the term "marker" is a versatile noun with a very common usage across diverse contexts. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability in written English. It can denote a physical tool, a point of reference, or a genetic indicator. Understanding these nuances, as highlighted by examples from sources like The Guardian and The Economist, is crucial for effective communication. When using "marker", ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "indicator" or "benchmark" to fine-tune your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

indicator

Focuses on the function of showing or pointing something out.

benchmark

Emphasizes a standard or point of reference for comparison.

landmark

Implies a significant point of reference, often geographical.

pen

Refers specifically to the writing utensil aspect of a marker.

milestone

Highlights a significant event or achievement.

label

Suggests a descriptive or identifying tag.

signifier

A more formal term for something that represents or indicates something else.

placeholder

Indicates something that reserves a space or position.

symbol

Represents something else by association, resemblance, or convention.

signal

Conveys information or a warning.

FAQs

How can I use "marker" in a sentence?

You can use "marker" to refer to a writing tool, as in "She used a red marker to highlight the text". It can also refer to a point of reference, such as "This event is a marker of progress".

What's the difference between a "marker" and a "pen"?

While both are writing tools, a "marker" typically has a broader tip and uses a more vibrant, often permanent, ink. A "pen" usually has a finer tip and uses ink designed for writing.

What are some alternatives to using "marker" when referring to a point of reference?

Depending on the context, you could use terms like "indicator", "benchmark", or "milestone". Each carries a slightly different nuance.

In genetics, what does the term "marker" refer to?

In genetics, a "marker" refers to a gene or DNA sequence with a known location on a chromosome, used to identify individuals or species. These are crucial in genetic research and diagnostics.