mode

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'mode' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a particular way or style in which something or someone operates, or to refer to a particular form or type of something. For example, you could say, "Gretchen switched to work mode as soon as she sat down at her desk."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

David Cameron was firmly in Passionate Pumped-Up Cameron mode.

The Guardian

It is with this intention, that "nudity is strategically employed as a mode of social and political action".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He added: "I'm not so much into the attack mode and all that other business.

The Guardian

Newspapers across the political spectrum duly went into outrage mode.

The Guardian

Charles, still in student mode, was selected late to fight Hamish Gray in Ross, Cromarty and Skye.

The Guardian

Instead, Blair has been in familiar mode, repeating the old tunes that stress his sincerity and good faith, his firm belief that he was right and his view that it all comes down to a matter of judgment: "This isn't about a lie or a conspiracy or a deceit or a deception; it's a decision," he said.

The Guardian - Opinion

He said he felt lucky that he had "asserted a space for this sort of non-fiction writing now, but my preferred mode is still to rush into fiction".

The Guardian - Books

"It has to be done before the Germans and French go into election mode," says one senior figure at the heart of the planning.

The Guardian - Opinion

At the weekend, before the party disciplinary hearing, Marine Le Pen said her father was in "provocation" mode, and was acting maliciously and contemptuously towards her.

The Guardian

For a few seconds I put the two phones together to let the spinmeisters hear each other – but then my courage deserted me and we all went back to polite BBC mode.

The Guardian - Opinion

In my mother's case, it was the language and mode of expression that appeared utterly of the moment.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing behavior or approach, select "mode" to emphasize the specific way in which someone or something is operating or functioning.

Common error

Avoid using "mode" when you actually mean "mood". "Mode" refers to a state or method, while "mood" refers to a feeling or emotional state.

Linguistic Context

The word "mode" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a particular way of doing something, a specific state of being, or a setting on a device. As Ludwig AI indicates, its correct usage is widely recognized.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sport

15%

Books

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "mode" is a versatile noun used to describe a particular way of operating, a specific state, or a setting. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in a variety of contexts. It is "very common", especially in News & Media and Sport, with a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. When writing, it's important to differentiate "mode" from "mood", ensuring accurate expression. Alternatives like "method", "manner", and "style" can provide nuanced variations depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

method

Focuses on the specific approach or technique used.

approach

Indicates a way of dealing with a situation or problem.

manner

Emphasizes the way something is done or happens.

style

Highlights a particular way of doing something that is characteristic.

course of action

Indicates a specific plan or method chosen to achieve a goal.

fashion

Refers to a current trend or popular way of doing something.

state

Describes the condition or way of being of someone or something.

condition

Implies a specific set of circumstances or characteristics.

system

Refers to a set of principles or procedures according to which something is done.

avenue

Suggests a way of making progress toward something.

FAQs

How to use "mode" in a sentence?

You can use "mode" to describe a specific state, style, or manner of operation. For example, "The phone is in airplane "mode"" or "The team entered attack "mode"".

What can I say instead of "mode"?

You can use alternatives like "method", "manner", "style", or "approach" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "mode" or "mood"?

"Mode" refers to a state or method, while "mood" refers to a feeling or emotional state. Choose the word that accurately reflects the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "mode" and "method"?

"Mode" often describes a general condition or state of operation, while "method" refers to a specific procedure or way of doing something.