pure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "pure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is free from contamination, mixed substances, or moral impurities. Example: "The water from the mountain spring is pure and refreshing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Opinion

Lifestyle

Sport

Music

Books

Arts

Business

TV & Radio

Travel

Food

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Still, the story ends with a glorious flourish that should be pure feelgood cheese but actually comes across as uncontrived and genuinely emotional (it would be a crime to spoil it).

The Guardian - Film

"Oscar de La Renta sleeveless silk, full-skirted dress with black patent-leather bow belt – now that is pure poetry," the character once said.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"He is just a pure striker and that is what comes out after the transfer requests and him saying: 'It's better for me to leave because I want to play Champions League.' When we heard that Arsenal might be interested in him, obviously we were up for it and we thought, 'Yeah, he would fit in.' But after, we got Özil".

The Guardian - Sport

"Any time with Hillary is pure champagne, pure quality.

The Guardian

By 1933, Adams was writing in the New York Times of the way the American dream had been hijacked: "Throughout our history, the pure gold of this vision has been heavily alloyed with the dross of materialistic aims.

The Guardian - Books

In such moments natural beauty becomes a kind of devastation – it is pure encounter, too compressed in time and space to be properly contained.

The Guardian - Books

He blazed yesterday for an hour and a half, but that was less pure batting than the last clarion call.

The Guardian - Sport

But didn't the follow-up blueprint People and Programmes (which he also helped to write) pull back from the pure Birtism of Extending Choice, blending it with pragmatic populism?

The Guardian

Following publication two weeks ago of proposals for the Scottish Wildcat Conservation Action Plan SNH virtually admitted defeat by stating that using words such as "pure" in respect of the Scottish wildcat "may not be helpful in conservation terms".

The Guardian - Opinion

Indigenous people in the Northern Territory consumed about 16.9 litres of pure alcohol a year, the researchers found, compared with 10 litres in the general population.

The Guardian

But if we look behind actually existing neoliberalism's superficial slogans about pure markets we find a distinct lack of internal coherence.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To avoid redundancy, ensure that the word "pure" adds significant meaning; if the noun already implies purity, consider alternative descriptors.

Common error

Avoid using "pure" as a generic intensifier in technical or scientific writing where precision is key; instead, opt for more specific and measurable terms to enhance clarity.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "pure" primarily functions as a qualifier, denoting a state of being free from impurities, contaminants, or adulteration. Ludwig examples confirm its role in describing substances, concepts, and emotions as unmixed or genuine. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Lifestyle

15%

Opinion

10%

Less common in

Sport

8%

Books

7%

Arts

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "pure" is a versatile term used to describe something free from contaminants or mixtures, often emphasizing its authenticity or simplicity. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usability. It is commonly found in contexts such as News & Media, Lifestyle, and Opinion, highlighting its applicability across various domains. Alternatives like "unadulterated" and "genuine" can be used depending on the desired nuance. When using "pure", consider the context to ensure it adds meaningful emphasis, avoiding overuse in technical or scientific writing. Ultimately, "pure" is best used to highlight the unadulterated nature of a subject, underscoring its integrity or simplicity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unadulterated

Emphasizes the absence of any foreign or inferior substances; stresses the original state.

unmixed

Highlights the absence of blending or combining with other elements.

genuine

Focuses on authenticity and freedom from pretense or deception.

pristine

Suggests a state of original purity and untouched condition.

uncontaminated

Emphasizes the absence of pollutants or harmful substances.

unalloyed

Stresses the lack of admixture, often used metaphorically.

sheer

Highlights the quality's intensity and lack of qualification.

simple

Emphasizes lack of complexity, and being uncomplicated.

authentic

Highlights the quality of being real or true and not fake.

unspoiled

Suggests preservation of natural condition.

FAQs

How can I use "pure" in a sentence?

You can use "pure" to describe something that is unmixed, unadulterated, or genuine. For example, "The artist sought "pure inspiration" from nature."

What words can I use instead of "pure"?

Alternatives to "pure" include "unadulterated", "genuine", and "pristine", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "pure and simple"?

Yes, "pure and simple" is an idiomatic expression used to emphasize that something is exactly as stated and nothing else. For instance, "The 2008 crisis was a banking crisis "pure and simple"."

What's the difference between "pure" and "sheer"?

"Pure" indicates a lack of contamination or mixture, while "sheer" emphasizes the magnitude or intensity of something. For example, "pure joy" refers to happiness without any negative feelings, whereas "sheer volume" refers to the large quantity of something.