reader

USAGE SUMMARY

"reader" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used as a noun to refer to a person who is reading something, as in: The reader was so captivated by the story that she couldn't put the book down.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It went online on a Sunday, but it was only the following day, a work day, that a reader asked him if he'd thought about warning unsuspecting readers that the photo made the article NSFW – Not Safe For Work. "They explained," recalled Ebert, "that they read the column at work ("during lunch break", of course) and were afraid a supervisor or co-worker might see a nude on their monitor.

The Guardian

All of this is gripping for the reader, but make no mistake: even if every one of those missteps had been avoided, Labour would still have lost.

The Guardian - Opinion

Walker was a skilful propagandist, adept at utilising grisly detail to grab the attention of the reader.

The Guardian

Week 3: Workshop focusing on character and dialogue - Tuesday 22nd September The discussion will include naturalism and authenticity, restriction, identity, reliability, sympathy, time and transformation, cliché, observation and detail, interiority and exteriority, activity and psychology, and reader interpretation.

The Guardian

Even as an avid reader who loves books and the beauty of fictional worlds, sometimes even I get bored and can't concentrate on the book I'm trying to get through.

The Guardian

I feel awful for foisting another article about sexism on this poor beleaguered reader.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Rather than always being news headlines however, the content itself would vary over the day depending on context and history to ensure the reader always gets something fresh and worthwhile.

The Guardian

By this we mean that it's often better to illustrate something rather than to simply tell the reader.

The Guardian

All three were respectable efforts with fun to be had by reader and pasticheur alike – though for a more illuminating angle on Austen, turn to Jo Baker's Longbourn, which cunningly retells Pride and Prejudice from the servants' perspective.

The Guardian - Books

"There has to be a reason you ask your reader to stop living their life and read your book.

The Guardian - Books

This was important because the reader felt a lot closer to the main character and felt more emotionally attached.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always consider the context when using the word. "Reader" can refer to a person who reads or a device that reads data.

Common error

Avoid making assumptions about your "reader's" background knowledge or interests. Tailor your content to the intended audience, but always provide necessary context to ensure clarity and inclusivity.

Linguistic Context

The word "reader" primarily functions as a noun, referring to a person who reads or a device that reads data. Ludwig AI confirms its standard grammatical use, as seen in the examples provided.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Books

20%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Tech

5%

Money

5%

Opinion

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "reader" is a versatile noun with a high frequency of use across diverse contexts. It accurately describes someone who reads or a device used for reading, as highlighted by Ludwig. The term maintains a neutral register and finds prominence in News & Media, Books, and Lifestyle contexts. Ludwig AI validates the correct usage of the term, making it an essential element in effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

person who reads

Emphasizes the action of reading performed by an individual.

audience

Focuses on those who receive and interpret a message or content.

subscriber

Highlights a person who has signed up to receive regular publications or content.

bookworm

Implies a person who enjoys reading very much and spends a lot of time doing it.

page turner

Describes something so interesting you want to read it as fast as possible.

reviewer

Someone who writes their opinion of a book or play.

proofreader

Emphasizes the role of someone who reads to detect and mark errors.

lector

A person who reads out loud in a church service.

user of a reading device

Focuses on someone using a specific device to read content, such as an e-reader.

lay cleric

A non-ordained member of the clergy who reads lessons during church services.

FAQs

How can I use "reader" in a sentence?

You can use "reader" to refer to a person who is reading, such as "The "reader" was captivated by the story". It can also refer to a device, like "a card "reader"".

What can I say instead of "reader"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "audience", "subscriber", or "reviewer".

Which is correct, "reader" or "readers"?

"Reader" is singular, referring to one person, while "readers" is plural, referring to multiple people. For example, "The "reader" enjoyed the book" versus "The "readers" discussed the plot".

What's the difference between "reader" and "viewer"?

"Reader" typically refers to someone who engages with written content, while "viewer" refers to someone who watches visual content. However, both can describe the audience of an online content in some contexts.