scones

USAGE SUMMARY

"scones" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to refer to a type of quick bread, typically made with butter, eggs, flour, and baking powder, and often served with jam and cream. Example sentence: I love to serve scones with my afternoon tea.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Lifestyle

Travel

Food & Drink

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Use a scone cutter to cut 12 scones.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

At the bakery we fill these scones with marmalade and clotted cream or serve them toasted with butter.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Place the scones on your prepared baking tray and brush the tops with the egg. 5 Place the scones in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until well risen and golden.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Breakfast is a buffet of fruit, eggs, scones, iced tea and homemade custard tart, taken on the terrace.

The Guardian - Travel

The baked goods, especially the scones, are superb, and the serious barista does some of the best coffee in town.

The Guardian - Travel

He also does seriously good sticky buns and maple-syrup-and-bacon scones, plus excellent coffee.

The Guardian - Travel

Thousands of scones, slices and first kisses would have been served up here, with its small stage, simple kitchen and dunnies in the back shed.

The Guardian

She describes her happy student days in Bournemouth ("a paradise"), directing Shakespeare for kids, how she makes scones (almost pronounced correctly) for her family and, above all, how much she admires British television.

The Guardian - Film

This Easter, while the hot-cross scones are being devoured at Violet, my husband and I are spending time in Joshua Tree, in the Californian desert.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The yoghurt version is slightly thicker and the flavour creamier, which swings it in the end, though Mother India's one is worth bearing in mind if you have buttermilk to use up – after making scones, for example.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

But I have been told a hundred times how we climbed the steep slope to the Norman keep of Peveril Castle, marvelled at the stalactites that hung from the roof of Speedwell cavern (explored by boat on the subterranean lake) and - with the extravagance of desperation - paid two shillings and sixpence for scones and jam in one of the tea-rooms which still abound in Derbyshire's Peak District.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "scones" with complementary items like clotted cream, jam, or lemon curd for a more descriptive and appealing culinary portrayal.

Common error

Avoid generically mentioning "scones" when a different baked item is more fitting. For example, use "muffins" or "biscuits" if the item lacks the specific characteristics of "scones".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "scones" is as a plural noun, referring to multiple individual baked items. Ludwig provides examples of its use in various culinary and social contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Independent

30%

The Guardian

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

The Economist

1%

Other

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "scones" functions primarily as a plural noun, commonly used to refer to a type of baked good often associated with afternoon tea. Ludwig AI identifies the word as grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, particularly in news media and lifestyle publications. Related terms include "biscuits", "tea biscuits", and "pastries", though each carries slightly different connotations. When using "scones" in writing, specify their flavor profiles and accompaniments for a more descriptive and appealing portrayal. While versatile, it's essential to use "scones" accurately in culinary contexts, avoiding its misapplication to other baked goods with distinct characteristics.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cream tea components

Specifies the common serving style of "scones" with cream.

tea biscuits

Focuses on the specific use of "scones" as an accompaniment to tea.

biscuits for tea

Highlights the use of "scones" as an accompaniment to tea.

biscuits

General term for baked goods, less specific than "scones".

biscuits and jam

Highlights the common way of serving "scones".

shortcakes

Similar baked good, often sweeter and richer than "scones".

afternoon tea treats

Emphasizes "scones" as a part of afternoon tea.

pastries

A more general term that includes "scones".

baked goods

A broader category encompassing "scones".

sweet rolls

Focuses on the sweet pastry aspect, but "scones" aren't always sweet.

FAQs

How to use "scones" in a sentence?

"Scones" are often served with clotted cream and jam, making them a delightful treat for afternoon tea.

What can I say instead of "scones"?

You can use alternatives like "biscuits", "tea biscuits", or "pastries" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "scones" or "scone"?

"Scones" is the plural form, while "scone" is the singular form. Use "scones" when referring to multiple items and "scone" when referring to one.

What's the difference between "scones" and "cupcakes"?

"Scones" are typically denser and less sweet than "cupcakes". Scones are also often served with jam and cream, while cupcakes are usually topped with frosting.