rope

USAGE SUMMARY

'rope' is correct and usable in written English.
It is a common noun used to refer to a type of material composed of strands of fibers twisted together. Example: We tied the kayak to the dock with a rope.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The term "big wall" is generally used by climbers to describe some of the world's longest climbs – usually predominantly on rock involving up to 30 rope lengths, and on which most climbers would expect to spend days climbing.

The Guardian

Madeline Willis Doubtfully, the four of us look down at the coils of rope affectionately known as the snake pit; then up at the 90ft mast above our heads.

The Guardian - Travel

Once in, I sat on the grass, hoping, hoping, hoping to get a touch of the ball, as it sped over the so, so smooth field, my feet occasionally, rakishly, rebelliously, resting over the rope to show just how cool I was.

The Guardian - Sport

The England No3 then clubs her first boundary straight down the ground, just beating the dive of Jonassen, and follows it up with another, this one singeing the fingers of the bowler before being tossed over the rope courtesy of some pretty miserable fielding down on the boundary, with Jonassen this time the guilty party.

The Guardian - Sport

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 10.52am BST10 52 20th over: England 105-8 (Gunn 7, Shrubsole 0) Gunn does her best to swipe the ball away, but she can't find the rope.

The Guardian - Sport

But haven't we caught you now?" When they'd finished, they tied him with sisal rope and walked him to the main group.

The Guardian

Indeed, their batsmen only found the rope 11 times in their 20 overs although Amjad Javed (19) and Rohan Mustafa (13 not out) ran hard to lift their side's total to a little more than a run a ball.

The Guardian - Sport

Clegg managed to traverse a treetop rope bridge in what appeared to be a pair of mid-range navy chinos.

The Guardian

As a result, each family had a new, cement-built home with running water and electricity instead of a wooden hut held together with sticks and rope.

The Guardian

When I objected to his claim, he tied a rope around my neck and beat me with a plastic cable until I almost passed out.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The hardest climbing has only recently weighed into the new grade of 5.15 and then usually for single-rope-length sport climbs, which even then climbers may spend weeks or months attempting to overcome.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the metaphorical uses of "rope", such as "giving someone enough rope to hang themselves", to add depth to your writing.

Common error

While both are types of line, "rope" generally refers to thicker, stronger lines made of multiple strands, whereas "cord" is typically thinner and less robust. Use "rope" when strength and durability are important.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "rope" is as a noun, referring to a length of thick cord made by twisting together strands of hemp, sisal, nylon, or similar material. As Ludwig examples show, it can also function as a verb, though this is less common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rope" is a very common noun that denotes a thick cord, frequently used in both literal and figurative contexts. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct. It appears predominantly in "News & Media", "Formal & Business", and "Science" contexts. While generally neutral in tone, using related terms like "cordage" or "cable" can provide more specific meanings. Remember to differentiate "rope" from thinner materials like "string" or "twine" for accurate writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cordage

Refers specifically to ropes or cords, often used in a nautical context.

length of rope

Specifies that you're talking about a particular segment or piece of rope.

strand

Implies a single component of a rope, or a rope-like formation.

twine

Suggests a thinner, lighter version of rope used for binding.

cable

Implies a thicker, stronger version of rope, often made of metal.

line

A more general term that can refer to rope, cord, or string used for various purposes.

rajju

Sanskrit word for rope. Use in philosophical context.

ligature

Suggests something that binds or ties, often used in a medical or surgical context.

towline

A rope used specifically for towing vehicles or objects.

binding

Emphasizes the action of tying or securing something with a rope-like material.

FAQs

How to use "rope" in a sentence?

You can use "rope" to describe a physical object used for tying or climbing, as in "The climber secured himself with a rope". It can also be used metaphorically, such as "They gave him enough rope to hang himself".

What can I say instead of "rope"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "cordage", "line", or "cable". The best choice depends on the thickness, strength, and intended use of the material.

Which is correct, "rope" or "string"?

"Rope" and "string" are both correct words, but they refer to different things. "Rope" is thick and strong, while "string" is thin and weak. Choose the word that accurately describes the material you are referring to.

What's the difference between "rope" and "twine"?

"Rope" is generally thicker and stronger than "twine". "Rope" is used for heavy-duty tasks like climbing or towing, while "twine" is used for lighter tasks like tying packages or gardening.