pierce

USAGE SUMMARY

"pierce" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it when referring to an act of making a hole in something, or when referring to something that penetrates something or someone. Example sentence: The nails pierced the wood, allowing it to hold the picture in place.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

I'd come to hate the deep injections of anaesthetic, the needles so long they felt as if they might pierce my brain cavity.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I have long been drawn to the work of writers who – in Emerson's phrase – seek to "pierce rotten diction and fasten words again to visible things".

The Guardian - Books

Football just started to try to pierce it.

The Guardian - Sport

When Gerard Manley Hopkins didn't have a word for a natural phenomenon, he would simply – wonderfully – make one up: shivelight, for "the lances of sunshine that pierce the canopy of a wood", or goldfoil for a sky lit by lightning in "zigzag dints and creasings".

The Guardian - Books

The hooded vandal eventually managed to pierce through the rubber and disabled the water cannon which had to be taken away and replaced later by another.

The Guardian

Don't let him pierce his ears.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Roger Moore was English, Pierce Brosnan Irish and George Lazenby Australian.

The Guardian - Film

Data compiled by The Economist show that of the six Bonds, Pierce Brosnan was the most bloodthirsty, bumping off an average of 19 baddies per film.

The Economist

This year's assembly is thought likely to break it.Non-Hindus who take the trouble to go Madonna and Pierce Brosnan James Bondd) are expected will be awed less by the spectacle than by the fervour that animates it.

The Economist

Franklin Pierce was a drunkard, as was Andrew Johnson (though he claimed his whisky was medicinal).

The Economist

A supposed letter from Chief Seattle to President Franklin Pierce is an entirely fictitious effort by a white screenwriter in 1970, including lots of Earth Day-style balderdash that only sounds moving if you think an Indian chief wrote it in 1855.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the object being pierced when choosing synonyms; "penetrate" might be more suitable for abstract concepts, while "puncture" is more fitting for physical objects.

Common error

Avoid using "pierce" in contexts where "influence" or "affect" would be more appropriate. "Pierce" implies a forceful entry or penetration, which may not accurately reflect the intended meaning in abstract situations.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "pierce" is as a verb, denoting the action of penetrating or making a hole in something with a sharp object. It can also describe the emotional impact of something, as seen in the Ludwig examples. The Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Formal & Business

24%

Science

24%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "pierce" is a versatile verb with a range of applications, from describing physical penetration to emotional impact. Ludwig AI confirms it's a correct and usable term. It's frequently used in news and media, formal business contexts, and scientific writing, making it a common term in English. Remember to consider the context when choosing "pierce" and its synonyms like ""penetrate"" or "puncture" to ensure accuracy and appropriateness. While it is a versatile term, avoid misusing "pierce" in abstract contexts where "influence" or "affect" would be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

penetrate

This alternative refers to enter or pass through something, often with force or effort.

puncture

This verb means to make a small hole in something with a sharp object.

perforate

This implies creating a series of holes or a pattern of holes.

penetrate deeply

It emphasizes the extent of the penetration and effect on the person involved.

break through

This suggests overcoming a barrier or obstacle.

go through

Describes the action of passing through something.

see through

Involves understanding or detecting something that is hidden or deceptive.

infiltrate

Implies entering or gaining access to something gradually or secretly, often with the intention of gathering information or influencing events.

bore through

Suggests creating a hole by drilling or digging.

lacerate

To cut or tear (flesh or skin) roughly.

FAQs

How to use "pierce" in a sentence?

Use "pierce" to describe an action that involves penetrating or making a hole in something. For example, "The needle pierced the skin" or "The truth can "penetrate" even the thickest armor of lies".

What can I say instead of "pierce"?

You can use alternatives like ""penetrate"", "puncture", or "perforate" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "pierce" or "penetrate"?

Both "pierce" and ""penetrate"" are correct, but they have slightly different connotations. "Pierce" suggests a sharp, pointed object making a hole, while ""penetrate"" can refer to entering or passing through something more generally.

What's the difference between "pierce" and "puncture"?

"Pierce" implies breaking through or penetrating something, while "puncture" specifically refers to making a small hole with a sharp object.