meter

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "meter" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to a unit of measurement for length or in contexts related to rhythm in poetry or music. An example is: "The room measures five meters in length." Alternative expressions include "measure," "gauge," and "scale."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For the past three weeks, they have been entering daily meter readings on tidystreet.org, to build up a picture of each household's energy use.

The Guardian

The information sent by a smart meter also means that when a storm causes a power cut, the network companies – such as Northern Powergrid – will immediately be able to see who is without power.

The Guardian

The Energy Saving Trust explored the public's preferences in how smart meter information is delivered to them – this will prove important for developers and energy companies.

The Guardian

However, some are concerned that the installation of the smart meter displays is an unnecessary cost.

The Guardian

There's much more to smart meters than being freed from the need to submit meter readings or receiving estimated bills.

The Guardian

Because everyone's got a gas or electricity meter, I end up meeting people from all walks of life.

The Guardian

All the cheapest tariffs are online, he says, and most of these require customers to enter monthly meter readings.

The Guardian - Money

So should you switch to a smart meter now, and will it really save you money?

The Guardian - Money

"If I gave you a smart meter now you wouldn't save a penny," says a spokesman for npower.

The Guardian - Money

"Topping up can be difficult, with customers only able to top up in store instead of being able to add money to their meter online or over the phone".

The Guardian

Ahlquist and her flatmates looked into changing the meter but it seemed like too much hassle.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In poetic or musical contexts, ensure the "meter" aligns with the overall rhythm and structure of the composition.

Common error

Be careful not to confuse "meter", which is a measuring device or a unit of length, with "metre", which is specifically related to the rhythmic structure in poetry or music. While they sound alike, their meanings and contexts differ.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "meter" is a noun, referring to a device that measures something, a unit of length, or a rhythmic pattern in music. Ludwig examples show its use in diverse contexts such as energy consumption and poetry.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "meter" is a versatile term with multiple meanings, primarily functioning as a noun. It denotes a measuring device, a unit of length, or a rhythmic pattern. As shown by Ludwig, it's crucial to distinguish between "meter" and "metre", and the specific context will guide its appropriate usage. The term is very common in news and media and appears in a neutral register. Be mindful to clarify the type of "meter" when discussing measurements to avoid ambiguity. Overall, Ludwig AI confirms that "meter" is grammatically correct and widely used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

measuring device

Focuses on the function of a meter as an instrument for measurement.

measuring instrument

Similar to measuring device, but emphasizes the precision and scientific aspect of the instrument.

parking meter

Specifies a type of meter used for parking time payment.

gas meter

Refers specifically to a meter that measures gas consumption.

electricity meter

Specifically measures electricity consumption.

rhythm

In musical or poetic context, it captures the underlying beat or pattern.

cadence

Refers to the rhythmic flow, especially in poetry or music.

beat

A basic unit of time in music, aligning with one definition of meter.

time signature

Describes the rhythmic pattern in music, indicating the number of beats per measure.

measure

A unit of musical time that corresponds to a specific number of beats defined by the meter.

FAQs

How is "meter" used in the context of energy consumption?

In the context of energy consumption, "meter" refers to a device that measures the amount of gas, electricity, or water used in a building. For example, a "smart meter" provides real-time data on energy usage.

What are some alternatives to using the word "meter" when referring to a measuring device?

Alternatives to "meter" when referring to a measuring device include "measuring device", "measuring instrument", or, depending on the specific context, "gauge" or "monitor".

How does the musical definition of "meter" differ from the measurement definition?

In music, "meter" refers to the rhythmic pattern of a piece, defined by the number of beats in a measure and the emphasis on certain beats. This is different from its definition as a unit of length or a measuring device.

Is there a difference between "meter" and "metre"?

"Meter" and "metre" are variants of the same word, with "meter" being the common spelling in American English, and "metre" being the common spelling in British English. Both can refer to the unit of length, or the rhythmic pattern in music, but it is more common to use "metre" in the context of poetry.