row

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "row" is correct and usable in written English, depending on the context.
It can be used when referring to a linear arrangement of items or people, or in the context of rowing a boat. Example: "The chairs were arranged in a neat row for the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Joe was in the front row with his girlfriend when the incident happened," Hibbert said.

The Guardian

Related: Election night TV – horror, tedium and constipated monologues ITV lost out for the second election in a row to Channel 4's Alternative Election Night fronted by former Newsnight anchor Jeremy Paxman and David Mitchell, among many others.

The Guardian

Bournemouth won their third game in a row after Brett Pitman scored a brace in the 3-0 victoveroveReadingng following Callum Wilson's opener.

The Guardian - Sport

He asked us if we would like to do some shoes for him – it was amazing because I got a front row ticket for his catwalk show.

The Guardian

You know that the only real alternative to watching a dozen How I Met Your Mother repeats in a row is for us to run into the streets screaming until we accidentally clatter into a polling booth.

The Guardian

They have lost five in a row in the league.

The Guardian - Sport

Dad rages and I leave them to have another row.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This time last year they were challenging for promotion under Rösler (they eventually finished fifth) and were about to inflict FA Cup defeat on Manchester City for the second season in a row and give Arsenal a scare in the Wembley semi-final.

The Guardian - Sport

But the Lib Dems' difficulties will not end when and if the tuition fees row dies down.

The Guardian

She admitted the tuition fees row was a "mess", but said it was also evidence that Lib Dems now matter.

The Guardian

The violent protests over the union flag row have now extended to the East Antrim town, which has long-standing historical links to the Ulster loyalist-Protestant cause.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "row" to mean argument, ensure the context clearly indicates a dispute or disagreement to avoid misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "row" without clear context. The word has multiple meanings (linear arrangement, argument, act of rowing), so clarify your intended meaning to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The word "row" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a line or series of objects. It can also act as a verb, denoting the action of propelling a boat. As Ludwig confirms, "row" is correct and usable. Ludwig provides examples where "row" denotes physical arrangements and disputes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Sport

20%

Lifestyle

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "row" is a versatile term, functioning as both a noun and a verb, with meanings ranging from a linear arrangement to a noisy dispute or the act of propelling a boat. As Ludwig AI affirms, "row" is a grammatically sound and widely used word. Its usage spans various contexts, most commonly appearing in news and media, sports, and lifestyle content. While generally neutral in register, understanding the intended meaning is essential to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "line", "series", "dispute", and "quarrel" can provide more specific connotations depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

line

Focuses on the linear arrangement of objects or people, similar to "row".

series

Emphasizes a sequence or succession of items, like a "row" of events.

sequence

Highlights an ordered arrangement, similar to the structure implied by "row".

tier

Suggests a layered arrangement, often used for seats or objects arranged one above another in a "row".

dispute

Refers to an argument or disagreement, another meaning of "row".

quarrel

Implies a heated argument or disagreement, like a "row".

argument

Denotes a discussion or debate, which can escalate into a "row".

controversy

Indicates a situation with conflicting opinions, similar to a "row".

altercation

Refers to a noisy argument or confrontation, comparable to a "row".

paddle

When "row" refers to propelling a boat, "paddle" is a related action.

FAQs

How to use "row" in a sentence?

The word "row" can be used to describe a line of objects (e.g., "The chairs were arranged in a neat row"), an argument (e.g., "They had a heated row"), or the act of propelling a boat with oars (e.g., "I like to row on the lake").

What can I say instead of "row" when referring to an argument?

You can use alternatives like "dispute", "quarrel", or "altercation" depending on the context.

What can I say instead of "row" when referring to a line of objects?

Consider alternatives like "line", "series", or "sequence". Each has slightly different nuances.

Which is correct, "front row" or "first row"?

"Front row" is generally used to describe the seats closest to the stage or performance area. "First row" is also correct but less commonly used in this context. Choose the option that best fits the overall tone and style of your writing.