pulse

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pulse" is correct and usable in written English, depending on the context.
It can be used in various contexts, such as discussing heart rate, rhythm, or metaphorically to describe the energy or vibe of a situation. Example: "The pulse of the city can be felt in the bustling streets and lively markets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Despite the caveats we have given for these figures, it does seem that Miliband was very much on pulse by pledging more funding for the NHS.

The Guardian

Whether you would rate your health as excellent, good, fair or poor is a better predictor of death in the next five years for men aged 40 to 70 than physical measures including blood pressure and pulse rate, according to scientists writing in the Lancet medical journal.

The Guardian

You can almost hear your pulse winding down.

The Guardian - Travel

The pulse will be racing on Saturday, he concedes, "but I'll sleep well on Friday night – and so will the players.

The Guardian - Sport

But it's hard to suppress a quickening of the pulse, particularly if, like me, you've lost close relatives to the disease.

The Guardian - Opinion

Add the remaining falafel ingredients and pulse, until the puree is soft but still slightly coarse.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Fury at corruption and nepotism, youth unemployment at 28.7%, low wages and limited job opportunities that force qualified Bulgarians to find work overseas, and a sense that those in power have for too long put their own interests above those of the country, have coalesced this year into one long pulse of anger.

The Guardian

There is a community pulse, but towns and villages are small and quiet – until the commuters get home.

The Guardian - Money

Ethan Steifel's solo, to Brother, Can You Spare a Dime, is truly affecting, the ragged energy of the dancing capturing a pulse of tragedy without being mawkish.

The Guardian

Rather than dream of what might happen in 2019, investors should take the current pulse: Asos remains a great pioneering business and Robertson deserves the acclaim.

The Guardian - Business

Sprinkle over the ice-cold water and pulse again until the dough comes together.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "pulse" to describe not only a physical heartbeat but also to characterize the energetic or rhythmic essence of a place, situation, or idea.

Common error

Avoid using "pulse" solely in medical contexts; it can effectively convey the feeling or energy of a non-physical entity. Expand your usage to include describing trends, cultural movements, or even the atmosphere of a city.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "pulse" is a noun, referring to a rhythmic beat or throb, often associated with the heartbeat. It can also function as a verb, meaning to beat or throb rhythmically. Ludwig examples illustrate both uses, from feeling a physical "pulse" to describing the "pulse" of a community.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Lifestyle

15%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

7%

Travel

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "pulse" is a versatile term that functions as both a noun and a verb, widely used to describe rhythmic beats or the energetic essence of something. Ludwig AI confirms that the term is grammatically correct and appropriate in various contexts. Its frequency is high, especially in News & Media, Lifestyle and Sport articles, emphasizing its applicability to both medical and metaphorical scenarios. Whether you're checking someone's heartbeat or capturing the vibrancy of a city, "pulse" provides a succinct and effective way to convey rhythm and vitality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pulsation

Emphasizes the rhythmic expansion and contraction, appropriate for describing physical processes or abstract concepts.

heartbeat

Refers specifically to the rhythmic contraction of the heart, offering a more precise term for cardiac activity.

rhythm

Implies a recurring pattern or flow, applicable in musical or metaphorical contexts where a sense of regular beat is present.

throb

Suggests a pulsating or vibrant sensation, often used to describe physical sensations or intense emotional states.

beat

Denotes a rhythmic unit or emphasis, suitable when referring to musical or temporal aspects.

vibration

Conveys a sense of rapid oscillation or movement, useful when describing physical or energetic phenomena.

cadence

Highlights the rhythmic sequence or flow, particularly applicable in speech or literary contexts.

lifeblood

Metaphorically represents the essential element or driving force, often used to describe the vitality of an organization or system.

energy

Focuses on the vitality and activity, suitable when describing the dynamic state of a place or situation.

vibe

Describes the general atmosphere or feeling, often used informally to capture the overall mood or character of a place or event.

FAQs

How can "pulse" be used metaphorically in writing?

Metaphorically, "pulse" can describe the energetic rhythm or vital essence of a place, situation, or idea. For example, you might describe "the pulse of the city" or "the pulse of a movement" to convey its dynamic character.

What are some synonyms for "pulse" when referring to a heartbeat?

When referring to a heartbeat, synonyms for "pulse" include "heart rate" and "heartbeat". These terms are more specific and medically accurate.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "pulse"?

"Pulse" is appropriate in medical contexts to describe the rhythmic beating of arteries. It is also suitable in non-medical contexts to describe the underlying energy or rhythm of a place, event, or trend. Using it to describe the "community pulse" is an acceptable way to convey trends.

What's the difference between "pulse" and "rhythm"?

"Pulse" often refers to a specific, measurable beat, like a heartbeat, or a strong and regular beat, whereas "rhythm" describes a more general pattern or flow. "Pulse" suggests vitality or liveliness, while "rhythm" implies a structured sequence.