protrude

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "protrude" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe when something is sticking out in an abnormal way. Example sentence: The sharp branches of the tree protruded from the trunk and posed a hazard for passing hikers.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It's basically like a shop fit-out," says Ranald McInnes, head of heritage management at Historic Scotland, picking at the charred nails that now protrude from these black stumps.

The Guardian - Arts

Sufferers include folk singer Joni Mitchell, who has complained of "this weird incurable disease that seems like it's from outer space... Fibres in a variety of colours protrude out of my skin: they cannot be forensically identified as animal, vegetable or mineral.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

One trick is to trap the blanket of air between two ridges that protrude a few centimetres downward from the port and starboard edges of the hull.

The Economist

These bees will then associate the smell of clover with nectar, and the scent of a clover flower will send them into a frenzy of proboscis-extension.With the help of Brian Smith and Seetha Bhagavan from Ohio State University, Dr Stopfer and Dr Laurent tapped into this natural behaviour by training bees to protrude their tongues in response to a set of simple odours.

The Economist

This swirling slows down the flow, and thus helps the fluid to cling to the surface.Mizuno's principal innovation is a set of vortex generators that protrude just below the bustline of its new swimsuits.

The Economist

This leaves engineers with a big problem: injecting and igniting fuel in a supersonic airstream is like "lighting a match in a hurricane and keeping it lit," says Russell Cummings, a hypersonic-propulsion expert at California Polytechnic State University.One way to do it is to use fuel injectors that protrude, at an angle, into the supersonic airstream.

The Economist

Outside, a horizontal row of two dozen giant, Lego-like boxes protrude from the riverside façade, painted in earthy tones of aubergine, ochre and tan.Geometric shapes meet flowing curves; plate glass meets natural wood; concrete meets vegetation.

The Economist

The vortex generators themselves are pins or vanes that protrude from the surface and set up microscopic eddies in the boundary layer.

The Economist

More expensive "duckbill" designs that protrude from the face work better.

The Economist

American forces fitted some vehicles with extra wheels that protrude from the front (explosions ahead of a vehicle are less destructive than underneath it).

The Economist

THE bones protrude from the earth.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "protrude" when you want to emphasize the act of something extending outwards beyond a surface or boundary, often in a noticeable or somewhat unexpected way.

Common error

Avoid using "protrude" when you mean "intrude". "Protrude" simply means to extend outward, while "intrude" implies an unwelcome or disruptive entry or presence. For example, a branch can "protrude" from a tree, but someone might "intrude" on a private conversation.

Linguistic Context

The verb "protrude" functions to describe the action of something extending outwards beyond a surface or boundary. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, presenting numerous examples where "protrude" illustrates the act of physical extension.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

45%

News & Media

43%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "protrude" is a grammatically correct verb used to describe something extending outward from a surface or boundary. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is very common, appearing most frequently in encyclopedias, news media, and scientific contexts. It's important to differentiate "protrude" from similar words like "intrude". Alternatives include "stick out", ""jut out"", and "project". When writing, ensure the context accurately reflects the meaning of outward extension and avoid confusing it with unwelcome intrusion.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stick out

This alternative is a more informal and common way to describe something extending outwards.

poke out

This is a more casual way of saying something extends noticeably.

jut out

This alternative suggests a sharp, angular projection.

project

This is a more formal and general term for something extending outward.

bulge

This alternative implies a rounded swelling that extends outwards.

extend

This alternative is a more general term indicating something reaching outward without specifying shape.

stand out

This alternative suggests prominence and visibility, not necessarily physical extension.

obtrude

This alternative implies an unwelcome or inappropriate projection.

crop out

This alternative implies something emerging or appearing unexpectedly.

emanate

This alternative describes something flowing outward, often intangible like light or sound, rather than a physical projection.

FAQs

How to use "protrude" in a sentence?

"Protrude" is used to describe something sticking out from a surface or boundary. For instance, "The nail "stuck out" from the wall", or "The building's design features sections that "jut out"".

What can I say instead of "protrude"?

You can use alternatives like "stick out", ""jut out"", or "project" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "protrude from" or "protrude out of"?

"Protrude from" is more concise and generally preferred. While "protrude out of" isn't incorrect, it can often be simplified. For example, "The wires protruded from the wall" is better than "The wires protruded out of the wall".

What's the difference between "protrude" and "extrude"?

"Protrude" generally means to stick out, while "extrude" implies forcing something out through a shaped opening. So, a bone might "protrude" from a wound, while plastic is "extruded" to make pipes.