mold

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "mold" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a noun or a verb. Example: The humidity in our basement caused mold to form on the walls.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Questions also circulate concerning DeRosario as still offers many qualities, but he obviously doesn't fit into the young player mold and he comes at a high cost.

The Guardian - Sport

Its leading contender for the papacy, the Ghanaian cardinal Peter Turkson, is widely regarded as a conservative in the mold of Benedict.But one of Father da Silva's older colleagues stakes out a more radical position.

The Economist

Inbuilt air filters help trap pollutants like dust, pollen, animal hair and mold.

The Economist

Rather than suggest, however, that low-skill men would be more inclined to favor formal employment were formal employment rendered more attractive through, e.g., higher pay or more dignified working conditions, Mead suggests -- really -- that we deploy the coercive apparatus of the criminal justice system in order to mold such men into a more readily pliant worker class.

The Economist

To that end, the duo want to get their hands on the physical goods as soon as they're ready.Tom and I are both flying to South Dakota next week to watch them, to get the sample run fresh out of the mold to evaluate it.

The Economist

The less-expensive mold would have cost $5,000; the steel-tooled version they've decided on is instead $15,000-$15,000-$20,000n be used to create vastly greater quantities in future.With the cheaper method, Mr Provost and Mr Gerhardt had planned to insert the metal bushing into which the tripod screwed by hand, with a heat gun.

The Economist

(It is put in the mold, and the substance is injected around it).

The Economist

Ronald Reagan was well liked but was criticised because he did not fit the mold of a hands-on manager.

The Economist

In a sport hankering for a recognisable face and ambassador in the mold of Ms Witt, Ms Kim was the obvious candidate.

The Economist

But as much as Mr Willetts would like to see more establishments in BPP's mold, he isn't likely to get his wish.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The designers had originally planned to use ProtoMold, a firm that uses an inexpensive injection-mold system, but which is best for runs of a few thousand.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Be mindful of the spelling variation "mould", which is prevalent in British English.

Common error

Avoid using "mold" in British English contexts where "mould" is the accepted spelling for the same concept.

Linguistic Context

The word "mold" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a type of fungus or a hollow form used for shaping. It can also function as a verb, meaning to shape or influence. Ludwig provides various examples showcasing both usages.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

8%

Wiki

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "mold" is a versatile term with distinct meanings depending on the context. As Ludwig AI confirms, it can function as both a noun, referring to fungal growth or a shaping form, and as a verb, signifying the act of shaping or influencing. Its usage spans various registers, from the formal scientific domain to neutral news reporting. While the spelling "mold" is standard in American English, it's important to recognize "mould" as the British English variant. Examples from sources like The Economist, Encyclopedia Britannica and The Guardian demonstrate its widespread and varied applications. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively and accurately employ the word "mold" in their work.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mould

Variant spelling commonly used in British English.

cast

Refers to shaping something by pouring a substance into a mold.

shape

Indicates giving a particular form to something.

form

Describes the act of creating or developing something into a specific shape or structure.

mildew

Specifically refers to a type of mold or fungus that grows in damp environments.

fungus

A broader term encompassing various types of mold and related organisms.

influence

In the context of shaping opinions or behavior.

determine

Implies guiding or controlling the outcome or development of something.

model

Creating a representation or example to follow.

soil

When referring to a specific type of fertile earth.

FAQs

How to use "mold" in a sentence?

You can use "mold" as a noun to refer to a fungus or a hollow form, or as a verb to describe shaping something. For example, "The bread developed mold" or "The sculptor used a mold to create the statue".

What are the different meanings of "mold"?

"Mold" can refer to a fungal growth, a hollow form used for shaping materials, or the act of shaping something. The specific meaning depends on the context in which it is used.

What can I say instead of "mold" (fungus)?

Depending on the specific type and context, you can use alternatives like "mildew" or "fungus".

What can I say instead of "mold" (shape)?

You can use alternatives like "shape", "form", or "cast", depending on the context.