screw

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "screw" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used both as a noun and a verb. For example, "He screwed in the new lightbulb" or "I'm not sure where the screws go".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Screw it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Brooker turned the screw on the Lib Dem leader right from the start of the live show, warning him: "This ain't going to help your poll ratings".

The Guardian

You want to poke them with a stick, make them do stuff, screw and eat each other," wrote the Guardian's art critic Adrian Searle.

The Guardian - Arts

The screw tightens on benefits, while a ratchet of bankrupt hospitals and rushed closures will stir local protests.

The Guardian - Opinion

The polls were always likely to be subject to bias, and now we have learnt that this bias proved all-important More concrete still, what if the sort of person who only ever thinks about politics once every five years, whose vote might turn on a hazy sense of which leader they most trust not to screw up the economy, is disinclined to join internet panels?

The Guardian - Opinion

Very carefully screw your lid firmly back on to your jar.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

After serene progress bringing the Tarva into being, I felt once again fully qualified for modern life, my family bonds as happily tight as a cam lock nut and screw system.

The Guardian - Opinion

"It shouldn't be about 'how can I make the most money right now?' and screw the fans.

The Guardian - Tech

You've often got hours to wait before your brief moment of anonymity, and it's all too easy to screw it up in your excitement to get on.

The Guardian

Sterne warns that capital controls, whereby limits are placed on what savers can withdraw from banks, could be around the corner for Greece: One more turn of the financial screw and Greece would be in capital controls; a terrible symptom of political failure of a six-year attempt to restore sustainability".

The Guardian - Business

"If we screw up or do something wrong, it will be under the most enormous scrutiny".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "screw" in a technical context, ensure you're using it correctly to refer to the specific type of fastener or mechanism involved. Clarity is key to avoid confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "screw" as a synonym for 'cheat' or 'exploit' in formal writing. Opt for more professional terms like 'defraud', 'take advantage of', or 'misappropriate' to maintain a respectful tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "screw" functions primarily as both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it denotes a helical fastener or a mechanical device. As a verb, it describes the action of fastening with a screw or, informally, ruining something. Ludwig confirms these usages.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "screw" is a versatile term used both as a noun and a verb, with varying degrees of formality depending on the context. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and widely used. Its primary functions include describing a type of fastener or the act of using one, but it also carries informal meanings related to ruining something or cheating someone. While common in News & Media and Formal & Business settings, it's less frequent in academic writing, with the best practice being to use it carefully and be aware of the implications in different situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fasten

Emphasizes the act of fixing something securely, often with a mechanical device.

assemble

Specifically refers to putting parts together to create a whole.

tighten

Focuses on making something more secure or increasing pressure.

cheat

Refers specifically to deceiving someone, often in a business or competitive context.

exploit

Suggests using someone or something unfairly for personal gain.

ruin

Highlights the act of destroying or spoiling something completely.

dupe

Focuses on tricking or deceiving someone, making them feel foolish.

oppress

Implies subjecting someone to harsh and unfair treatment.

swindle

Implies cheating someone out of money or possessions.

have sexual intercourse

A more formal way of expressing the act of engaging in sexual activity.

FAQs

How can I use "screw" in a sentence?

You can use "screw" as a verb, such as "to "screw in" a lightbulb", or as a noun, like "the "screw" came loose".

What is a less vulgar synonym for "screw"?

Depending on the context, you might use "fasten", "assemble", or "ruin" as a substitute for "screw".

Which is correct, "screw up" or "screwed up"?

"Screw up" is the infinitive form of the verb, while "screwed up" is the past tense or past participle form. Use "screwed up" when referring to something that has already gone wrong.

What does it mean to "turn the screw"?

To "turn the screw" means to increase pressure on someone, either literally or figuratively, to force them to do something.