medium

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "medium" is correct and usable in written English, depending on the context.
It can be used to refer to a means of communication, an intermediate state, or a material used in art, among other definitions. Example: "The artist chose oil paint as the medium for her latest work, allowing for rich colors and textures."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

It is not the only thing I do but it is the perfect medium for me.

The Guardian

Offenders in the medium risk bracket carried out another 50 serious crimes.

The Guardian

"Through the medium of the puppet, the child finds himself/herself able to express thoughts, ideas and feelings that he/she otherwise could not have.

The Guardian

So even if the SDLP's medium has to get hipper, the message will stay the same?

The Guardian

Mohara Gill, Head of Art at Foyles, said: "Photojournalism can often be a more effective and immediate medium for communicating a point of view or observation than the written word.

The Guardian

Go for the selection of fried fish, the surtido, in small, medium, or large.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Lyons notes that globalisation has helped reduce inequality between countries, but is "adding to inequality within countries, as highly skilled workers benefit from new markets, while low- and medium-skilled workers in the west compete with cheaper workers in emerging countries, or with immigrants at home".

The Guardian - Business

But those aberrations and a couple of fresh-air shots aside, the 34-year-old batsman was humming and brought up three-figures with a smashed drive through extra-cover off the medium-pacer Matt Hughes' first ball.

The Guardian - Sport

Production at the Arak heavy-water reactor ceases and Iran depletes much of its stockpile of medium-enriched uranium.

The Guardian

Cook the skewers on a barbecue, or a griddle pan over a medium-high heat, for about 20 minutes until cooked through, turning regularly.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

4 Heat the olive oil in a large frying pan on a medium-high heat.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to art, specify the "medium" to enhance clarity. For instance, "oil painting" or "digital art" offers more context than just "art".

Common error

Avoid using "medium" when you intend to refer to the median value in a dataset. "Medium" describes a means or method, while "median" indicates the central value.

Linguistic Context

The word "medium" functions as a noun, adjective, and adverb, depending on the context. As Ludwig AI shows, it's frequently used as a noun to denote a means of communication or an artistic material. As an adjective, it describes something of intermediate size or degree.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Formal & Business

14%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "medium" is a versatile term used as a noun, adjective, and adverb across a variety of contexts. As clarified by Ludwig AI, it commonly signifies a means of communication, an artistic material, or an intermediate state. It maintains a neutral register and appears frequently in news, business, and scientific sources. Understanding its various applications, from art to cooking, and avoiding confusion with "median", will ensure accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

means of communication

Highlights the role of "medium" as a channel for conveying information.

vehicle for expression

Emphasizes how the "medium" allows conveying an idea or concept.

mode of delivery

Refers to the way something is presented or conveyed.

artistic technique

Focuses on "medium" as a method or material used in creating art.

average

Highlights the sense of "medium" as a typical or normal value.

average size

Refers to the intermediate dimension or extent of something, focusing on physical size.

middle ground

Emphasizes finding a compromise or balance between extremes.

intermediate degree

Emphasizes a middle level or intensity, applicable to abstract concepts.

go-between

Focuses on the intermediary role of someone facilitating communication between others.

spiritual channel

Refers to the use of "medium" in a spiritualistic context, indicating a conduit for spirits.

FAQs

How can I use "medium" in a sentence about art?

You might say, "The artist chose watercolor as their "medium" due to its transparency and delicate effects".

What are some alternatives to "medium" when discussing communication?

Consider using alternatives like "channel", "means", or "platform" depending on the specific context of communication. For example, "platform" is often used when talking about social media.

Is it correct to use "medium" to describe the doneness of meat?

Yes, "medium" is a standard term to describe meat that is cooked to a point where it's neither rare nor well-done, typically still red in the center.

What's the difference between "medium" and "average"?

"Medium" can refer to an intermediate size or degree, while "average" refers to a calculated mean value. While both can imply a central point, "average" is specifically numerical.