moulds

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'moulds' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to refer to the shaping of something into a particular form or figure, as in the sentence, "The sculptor used various moulds to form the clay into the desired shapes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Divide the batter between the moulds.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But by virtue of the airborne yeasts and moulds native to the particular region, variations in humidity, temperature and air quality, the diet and care of the pigs and the storage of the resulting hams, each of them tastes and feels quite different from the rest.

The Economist

In 1906 Thomas Edison declared that he had hit upon the "salvation of the slum dweller"—cheap concrete houses cast from single, reusable moulds.

The Economist

Next, they ducked into a workshop lit by a single weak lamp where two men were making moulds from dirt.

The Economist

GE breaks many moulds, but there are limits to what even the most entrepreneurial arm of a conglomerate can do.That does not undermine the scale of GXS's achievement; rather, it suggests how hard it is for big companies to keep up with nimble newcomers.

The Economist

In this case, the challenge was to design an efficient rail network for the city of Tokyo and its outlying towns.Slime moulds are unusual critters neither animal, nor plant nor fungus.

The Economist

It is created when chlorine (used for purposes such as bleaching) comes into contact with moulds in the cork.

The Economist

Some doctors have argued that indoor air is a cause of illnesses such as asthma, containing as it does household chemicals, spores from moulds, the faeces of house-dust mites and other unappetising particles.

The Economist

Professional-grade 3D printers, costing anything from $100,000 to $1m, remain the Big Iron of the business, earning their keep making prototypes, mock-ups, one-offs, moulds and dies for the aerospace, motor, electronics and health-care industries.

The Economist

The results are sent off to foundries, where they are used to make moulds for the sand-casting of metal objects.According to William Zeng, AFS's deputy general manager, all the parts needed to make a prototype car engine can be printed and cast in this way in under two weeks.

The Economist

On holiday in Alaska, they made moulds of a wolf's pawprint, a "science adventure".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical contexts, ensure you specify the material used for the "moulds" (e.g., plastic moulds, metal moulds) and the process involved (e.g., injection moulds, sand casting moulds) for clarity.

Common error

Be mindful of the British English spelling ("moulds") versus the American English spelling ("molds"). Using the incorrect spelling can detract from your credibility, especially in formal or international contexts. Always check your target audience and adjust your spelling accordingly.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "moulds" is as a plural noun. It refers to the tools used to shape materials, or as a general term for fungal growths, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples. The meaning is also dependent on the context in which it is used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "moulds" functions primarily as a plural noun with diverse applications, ranging from manufacturing processes to fungal biology. As Ludwig AI confirms, the term is grammatically sound and adaptable across contexts. While the British English spelling differs from the American "molds", awareness of the target audience ensures appropriate usage. Its common appearance in news, scientific literature, and encyclopedias underscores its broad relevance. Using this guide ensures precision and clarity, whether discussing industrial production or environmental microbiology.

Alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

casts

Refers to the object created by pouring a liquid substance into a mould, emphasizing the final product rather than the mould itself.

dies

Specifically refers to tools used to cut or shape materials, often metal, and is closely related to industrial manufacturing using moulds.

forms

A broader term referring to the shape or structure of something, lacking the specificity of "moulds" regarding the tool used.

matrices

Similar to "moulds" but often used in a more technical or mathematical context to describe a structure within which something takes shape.

mildews

Refers to specific types of fungal growth, sharing the biological aspect of "moulds" but focusing on a particular kind.

impressions

Focuses on the mark or imprint left by a mould, rather than the mould itself.

More alternative expressions

mold

molding

moulds

producing

templates

transformers

stereotypes

mussel

mussels

FAQs

How are "moulds" used in manufacturing?

"Moulds" are essential tools in manufacturing processes like injection moulding and casting, where materials are poured or forced into "cavities" to create specific shapes and products. They ensure uniformity and precision in mass production.

What is the difference between "moulds" and "mildew"?

"Moulds" refer to various types of fungi that grow in damp conditions, while "mildew" is a specific type of mould, typically appearing as a white or grayish coating on surfaces like plants or fabrics. Not all "moulds" are mildew, but mildew is a type of "mould".

When should I use "moulds" versus "molds"?

Use "moulds" in British English contexts and "molds" in American English contexts. The difference is purely orthographic and doesn't affect the meaning. Consistency with the intended audience is key.

What are some common types of industrial "moulds"?

Common types of industrial "moulds" include injection "moulds" used for plastics, casting "moulds" for metals, and compression "moulds" used in various manufacturing applications. Each type is designed for specific materials and processes.