screen

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "screen" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an object such as a computer monitor or a movie screen, or to describe an act of filtering or blocking something. For example, "I had to screen my calls to avoid telemarketers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Film

Tech

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Pop mogul Cowell will be absent from the judging lineup when the X Factor returns to the small screen for its 10th year on Saturday night.

The Guardian

If it were, I'd have my pick of going out or to the gym, traveling home, cooking and still have a window of time to escape through a screen into whatever imaginary medieval/criminal/ New York-ad-industry world takes my fancy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Having enjoyed your singing in Beyond the Sea, I wondered if you have any plans for a role in a musical in the future, either on stage or screen?

The Guardian

ID3051408 asks about books: What's your favourite book for reading and what book would be top of the list for you to bring to the screen one day?

The Guardian

In this week's Avengers: Age of Ultron, Ruffalo returns to the greenest green screen in the business, to alternate between brooding and smashing.

The Guardian - Film

Back then cricket had only a few weeks of Grand Slam tennis with which to compete for the entire summer and a single screen on which most of our eyes remained focused, even during the adverts.

The Guardian - Sport

Gangways and food outlets that had been rammed all week were suddenly deserted as all of those not on a show court crowded in front of the giant screen on Murray Mound or onto the 4,000 seats on the new No 2 court, where the match was also being screened.

The Guardian - Sport

This year it rolled out projections on to the outside of Broadcasting House and three different sets of analysis — from Sophie Raworth outdoors, Emily Maitlis at the big screen and of course Jeremy Vine, this time performing among some slightly spooky breathing avatars of politicians and a literal House of Cards.

The Guardian

Not a drop of blood is seen on the screen.

The Guardian - Film

Most of Grimble's youthful cast were first-time screen actors.

The Guardian - Film

Dr Denver D'Rozario, who has written several academic papers on the post-mortem life of dead celebrities on screen, coined the term 'Delebs' to describe the digitally resurrected icons and said the practice still remained a moral minefield.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to digital devices, specify the type of "screen" if necessary, such as "computer screen", "phone screen", or "television screen" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "screen" interchangeably with "display" in all contexts. While a "screen" is often a display, the term "screen" can also refer to a barrier or filter, unlike "display", which strictly refers to visual output.

Linguistic Context

The word "screen" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a physical barrier or viewing surface. It also operates as a verb, meaning to filter, examine, or display. As Ludwig AI confirms, the term is grammatically correct and versatile in its usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Sport

12%

Film

12%

Less common in

Tech

10%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "screen" is a versatile term functioning both as a noun and a verb. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct, and it finds frequent usage across varied contexts, particularly in news, sports and films. When referring to devices, specifying the type of "screen" enhances clarity. Remember, as a noun, "screen" indicates a physical object for either blocking or displaying, while as a verb it describes filtering, examining, or showing something. Common authoritative sources for examples of usage include The Guardian and The New York Times.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

display

Refers specifically to the visual output device, narrower than "screen" which can also mean filter or shield.

filter

Emphasizes the function of separating or blocking elements, focusing on a specific aspect of "screen".

shield

Highlights the protective aspect, applicable when "screen" is used to guard against something.

project

Implies showing content onto a surface, focusing on the presentation aspect of a "screen".

sift

Suggests separating elements by size, applicable when "screen" is used as a sieve.

vet

Highlights the process of evaluating information or people, similar to screening applications or candidates.

cover

Indicates providing protection or concealment, related to the shielding function of a "screen".

test

Implies evaluating or examining something, such as screening for diseases.

sort

Suggests organizing or classifying items, akin to screening applications or data.

examine

Implies inspecting carefully, relating to the process of screening items or people.

FAQs

How can I use "screen" as a verb in a sentence?

You can use "screen" as a verb to mean filter or examine. For example, "They need to "screen all applicants"" or "The water was "screened for impurities"".

What are some common synonyms for "screen" when referring to a movie screen?

When referring to a movie "screen", you can use synonyms like "silver screen" or "big screen".

How does the meaning of "screen" differ when used as a noun versus a verb?

As a noun, "screen" refers to a physical object or surface. As a verb, it means to filter, examine, or show something, such as to "screen a movie".

What's the difference between "screen" and "filter"?

"Screen" can refer to both a physical barrier and the act of filtering. "Filter" more directly refers to the process of "filtering out" unwanted elements, though a screen is often used as a filter.