mortar

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "mortar" is correct and usable in written English.
It typically refers to a material used as a binding agent in masonry, or a tool associated with such a material. Example: The ancient wall was built from sandstone blocks held together with mortar.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 2.37pm BST14:37 Horrific aftermath of bombing of Yarmouk in Damascus Very disturbing video footage has emerged purporting to show the aftermath of a mortar bombardment on the Yarmouk Palestinian refugee camp in south-east Damascus.

The Guardian

The camp has received blasts of mortar fire from the village across the meadow to the north, but no one has been hurt.

The New York Times

Pro-Russia forces were already in parts of the city and Sardaryen's unit had exchanged close-quarters machine gun fire with rebels, he said, cutting the conversation short when mortar fire began landing nearby.

The Guardian

"You can't eat bricks and mortar," stakeholders told me.

The Guardian - Opinion

"Laughing gas as a pestle and mortar," Laura Mitchison, an oral historian, murmurs with wonder.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Top with a blob of yoghurt and a squirt of chilli sauce one day, mix with a dash of chilli oil the next, and drizzle with parsley-garlic oil (mash together in a pestle and mortar) the following day.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

We didn't want to get too tied into bricks-and-mortar at that stage so decided on an online business.

The Guardian

The aim was to create a non bricks-and-mortar healthy snacking food business that has a great relationship with the end consumer.

The Guardian

But where Amazon's competitors were once traditional bricks-and-mortar book sellers, now the retail giant is up against Apple, Netflix and Spotify – and Bezos shows no sign of slowing down.

The Guardian

Patel says that unless you use websites that are registered pharmacies (usually with bricks-and-mortar premises too), with a phone number so you can speak to a pharmacist, and ones that ask for a prescription, then you are gambling with your health.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Frank Lavin of Export Now, an e-commerce firm, argues that going directly to online sales lets foreign newcomers build a national brand far more quickly and cheaply than through bricks-and-mortar outlets.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To avoid ambiguity, specify the type of "mortar" you are referring to—whether it's a construction material or a type of weapon—especially in technical writing.

Common error

Avoid using "mortar" alone when you mean the set of tools for grinding spices or herbs. Always specify "mortar and pestle" to clearly indicate the grinding tool, as "mortar" alone could refer to construction material or a weapon.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "mortar" is as a noun. It can refer to a building material or a type of weapon. Ludwig examples confirm its usage in various contexts, showcasing its versatility. As a material, it is used for bonding, while as a weapon, it is a device for launching projectiles.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Lifestyle

20%

Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "mortar" is a versatile noun that can refer to a construction material, a weapon, or part of a culinary tool set. As highlighted by Ludwig, its grammatical status is correct, and it appears very frequently in various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While commonly used, clarity is crucial to avoid confusion, especially distinguishing between the construction material and the weapon, or when referring to the "mortar and pestle" as a culinary tool. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively use "mortar" in their writing, ensuring precision and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cement mix

Refers specifically to the mixture used in construction, emphasizing the ingredients rather than the tool or weapon.

howitzer fire

Specifies a type of artillery fire, focusing on a different kind of weapon with a similar destructive effect.

pestle and grinding bowl

Highlights the culinary use of a mortar and pestle for grinding ingredients.

bonding agent

Refers to the material used to hold building blocks together, but without specifying the type of material.

explosive shells

Focuses on the effect and type of ammunition rather than the weapon itself.

masonry adhesive

Specifies a type of adhesive used in construction, similar to mortar but broader.

field artillery

Indicates artillery used in the field, but does not specify the weapon type.

grinding implement

Highlights the tool used for grinding, but lacks the specific nature of a mortar.

building adhesive

This is more general term than mortar, which is a specific type of adhesive for construction.

close-range artillery

Focuses on the weapon range and type of artillery system.

FAQs

How to use "mortar" in a sentence?

You can use "mortar" to describe a construction material, as in, "The wall was held together by strong mortar". Alternatively, it can refer to a weapon, such as, "The troops were under heavy mortar fire".

What is the difference between "mortar" and "cement"?

"Mortar" is a mixture of cement, sand, and water used to bind building blocks, while "cement" is just one of the components of mortar. Cement acts as the binding agent within the mortar mix.

What can I say instead of "mortar and pestle"?

While there isn't a direct substitute for "mortar and pestle", you could describe it as a "grinding bowl" or a "spice grinder" depending on the context.

When should I use "mortar" vs "grout"?

"Mortar" is used to bind bricks, stones, and other construction materials together, while "grout" is typically used to fill the gaps between tiles. They serve different purposes in construction.