ring

USAGE SUMMARY

The word “ring” is correct and usable in written English.
It has various meanings and can be used to refer to a sound, a symbol, a device, or a shape. For example: She heard the phone ring and realized it was her mother calling.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Lifestyle

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Glue the ends of the strips together to make a ring shaped headband.

The Guardian

Related: Le Pen family feud is a battle for the soul of the Front National – and France In an interview with the centre-right Le Figaro newspaper on Monday, Le Pen, who had threatened to leave the political ring "only at the end of the bout, whether victor or vanquished", seemed almost conciliatory as he said he would withdraw his candidature to avoid further damage to the party.

The Guardian

The Alliance MP's call comes as a victim of abuse at Kincora speaks out on Tuesday night's Channel 4 News alleging that he was taken from the east Belfast home to London where he was molested by members of a VIP paedophile ring.

The Guardian

The former certainly looks like a prizefighter who has been battered senseless by a meaner, leaner opponent; the latter has endured an equally bruising encounter in the ring but has walked away bleeding badly but still standing after a 12-round points draw.

The Guardian

Another painting he created at this time, The Fortune Teller, shows a young woman deftly removing a man's ring as she pretends to read his palm.

The Guardian - Arts

Nor do you see many cars flash on to a footpath behind a tight knot of pedestrians and proceed to ring their bell furiously until everyone jumps out of their way.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Johnson has faced the likes of Vitali Klitschko, Tyson Fury and Dereck Chisora in his 36-fight career without being stopped but, in truth, he is man more renowned for what he says outside the ring then what he does inside it.

The Guardian - Sport

How do I deal with friends who pressure me to ring in the New Year with a glass of champagne?

The Guardian - Opinion

Then, lightning struck, and his fighting spirit and verbal acuity brewed into the perfect storm, providing voters with a glimpse of what Newt might bring to the ring in a general election match against President Obama.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was a lovely night watching the fireworks and then to have this beautiful ring given to me made it so special.

The Guardian - Sport

It all came to a head on Sunday night, though, when she appeared on the red carpet in an ice-blue number with a delicate gold and diamond headband, and a froggy ring on the little finger of her right hand.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a telephone call, use "give someone a ring" for an informal tone.

Common error

Avoid confusing "ring" (to sound or encircle) with "wring" (to twist and squeeze). For example, it's correct to say "The phone will ring" not "The phone will wring."

Linguistic Context

The word "ring" functions as both a noun and a verb, denoting a circular object, a sound, or the act of encircling or telephoning. As shown in Ludwig, it adapts to diverse sentence structures to convey varied meanings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Sport

20%

Lifestyle

15%

Less common in

Arts

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "ring" is a versatile term with multiple meanings, functioning as both a noun and a verb. It can refer to a circular object, a sound, or the act of telephoning someone. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. While highly versatile, it's crucial to differentiate "ring" from its homophone "wring". Usage varies from formal to informal contexts, with common appearances in News & Media, Sports, and Lifestyle content. Mastering these nuances will enhance clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

encircle

Focuses on the action of surrounding something.

call

Highlights the action of telephoning someone.

peal

Specifically refers to the loud ringing of bells.

sound

Emphasizes the auditory aspect of a "ring".

band

Implies a circular strip or loop.

border

Indicates the boundary or edge of something.

arena

Refers to a specific enclosed space for sports or performances.

halo

Refers to a luminous circle around an object.

mob

Suggests a group of people acting together, often with negative connotations.

crime syndicate

Specifically refers to a group involved in organized crime.

FAQs

How can I use "ring" in a sentence?

You can use "ring" in various contexts. For example, "I'll give you a "call" later", "The church bells "peal" every Sunday", or "The city is encircled by a "bypass"".

What are some synonyms for "ring"?

Depending on the context, synonyms for "ring" include "encircle", "sound", "call", or "band".

What's the difference between "ring" and "wring"?

"Ring" refers to a sound, a circle, or to make a telephone call. "Wring", on the other hand, means to twist something to squeeze out liquid or to express distress.

When is it appropriate to use "give someone a ring"?

"Give someone a ring" is an informal expression that means to telephone someone. It's suitable for casual conversations and friendly contexts.