puncture

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "puncture" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the word "puncture" as a verb, meaning to make a hole in something. For example, "He used a needle to puncture the balloon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We are fascinated by historical and contemporary methods of wallpaper making, and by the possibilities for paper to hold a mark, fold or puncture".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Here's our own cycling doyen Will Fotheringham with his preview of today's stage: The Tour won't be won in Steel City but one of the favourites could lose it here, as the series of short steep climbs and some abrupt, narrow and very technical descents – equally difficult, particularly if the roads are wet – will make for a demanding finale, where a crash or a puncture could be very costly.

The Guardian - Sport

No one likes to see a mechanical rob a rider of overall glory – but spare a though for Oscar Gatto, who had been the fastest man in the breakaway that rode away to victory in Forli and who was also the victim of a disastrously timed puncture that robbed him of a stage win.

The Guardian - Sport

Related: Richie Porte's Giro d'Italia hopes deflated by puncture and penalty Some 5km from the finish line, the Sky cyclist picked up a puncture.

The Guardian - Sport

Bike racks on buses, lift-sharing locals and free inner tube repairs when you're left deflated by a puncture; the project has thrown every single idea it can think of at its target – with sometimes more, sometimes less, success.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A trick, a jink, and they're gone: there is a risk, of course, that they will lose the ball – even Messi has been dispossessed in 35% of his dribbles in the Champions League this season – but Luis Enrique's version of Barça is prepared to take that risk: the advantage is that one quick burst can take a couple of opposing players out of the game and so puncture any defensive shield.

The Guardian - Sport

Dr Foster's report reveals that, despite recent improvements, in 2009-10: ■ Almost 10,000 patients suffered an accidental puncture or laceration.

The Guardian

Kittel gets a puncture, and he's now almost three minutes off the leading group.

The Guardian - Sport

Or there might be a crash or you might get a puncture and that is it.

The Guardian - Sport

But WaterAid's ads should puncture such smugness.

The Guardian - Opinion

A puncture can happen to anyone' is it fair that bad luck be mitigated by the good fortune of having a friend to hand?

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "puncture" in a metaphorical sense (e.g., "puncture a myth"), ensure the context clearly establishes the idea of undermining or disproving something.

Common error

While "puncture" is versatile, avoid overusing it in formal writing where more precise verbs like "perforate" or "rupture" might be more appropriate, especially when describing physical processes.

Linguistic Context

The word "puncture" functions as both a noun (referring to a hole made by piercing) and a verb (meaning to create such a hole). Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts. Examples show its versatility in describing both physical and abstract scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "puncture" is a versatile term used as both a noun and a verb, denoting the act of piercing or the resulting hole. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. Its frequent occurrence in news and media, as well as scientific and formal business contexts, underscores its broad relevance. While "puncture" can be used metaphorically to describe undermining or invalidating something, it is important to use more precise terms like "perforate" or "rupture" in formal contexts. The term is generally accessible and widely understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pierce

Focuses on the act of making a hole, similar to the physical aspect of "puncture".

perforate

Implies making a series of small holes, a more specific type of "puncture".

rupture

Suggests a sudden break or burst, akin to a forceful "puncture".

deflate

Specifically refers to reducing pressure by making a hole, commonly associated with tires, similar to one use of "puncture".

undermine

Describes weakening something abstractly, like an argument, paralleling the figurative use of "puncture".

invalidate

To weaken a claim or argument, resembling the figurative sense of "puncture" in undermining an idea.

weaken

Represents a general reduction in strength, akin to the effect of "puncture" on something's integrity.

damage

Indicates harm or impairment, a common result of a "puncture".

impair

Denotes a reduction in function or quality, reflecting the consequence of a "puncture".

sabotage

Signifies deliberate damage, mirroring the intentional act of "puncture" in certain contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "puncture" in a sentence?

"Puncture" can be used as a verb, meaning to pierce something, or as a noun, referring to the hole created. For example: "The nail punctured the tire" (verb) or "The tire had a puncture" (noun).

What are some synonyms for "puncture"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "puncture" include "pierce", "perforate", "rupture", "deflate", or "undermine".

Is it correct to say 'puncture a hole'?

While understandable, "puncture a hole" is slightly redundant. It's more concise to simply say "puncture" something, as the act of puncturing implies the creation of a hole.

Can "puncture" be used metaphorically?

Yes, "puncture" can be used metaphorically to describe undermining or disproving something, such as to "puncture a myth" or "puncture an argument".