seed

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'seed' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a small, hard object, typically with a rounded shape, containing a plant embryo from which a new plant can grow. For example: "The farmer planted the seeds in the fields and waited for the crops to grow."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Squeezing into the No16 spot in the seedings, he drew the highest-possible potential third-round seed in No17 David Goffin.

The Guardian - Sport

For Keys, who was the top seed at the final tuneup event in Strasbourg this week (but pulled out before a quarter-final matchup against Kristina Mladenovic), this isn't a bad matchup.

The Guardian - Sport

If Young wins that, he could face No17 seed David Goffin – another quality opponent, but another against whom he has a shot – if he's having a very, very good day.

The Guardian - Sport

Safarova, who put Sharapova out in the fourth round, was too sure in her ground strokes for the seventh seed Ivanovic, who won this title in 2008, cheered on here again by the German footballer Bastian Schweinsteiger.

The Guardian - Sport

"She played great in the first set and it was really close, every point that we played," the No6 seed said.

The Guardian - Sport

I was in Mali recently where I met a woman, Maimouna Coulibaly, who several years ago left her job in the United States and returned to her home country to start a seed company called Faso Kaba.

The Guardian

Utah hasn't advanced to the Sweet 16 since 2005, when the Utes fell as the No. 6 seed to No. 2 Kentucky.

The Guardian - Sport

Andy Murray left Paris a day earlier than he would have liked, wounded by an eighth straight loss to Novak Djokovic, but he will arrive at Wimbledon this month with his reputation enhanced, his dignity intact, his position as No3 seed secure and his tennis in excellent shape.

The Guardian - Sport

Development officials encouraged their efforts, state shops supplied seed and tools.

The Guardian

My 'Daubenton' perennial kale grew well, but now the plant has gone to seed.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A huge 2-1 win over the Philadelphia was mandatory and necessary as the Impact goes into the last weekend of MLS as the 3rd seed.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "seed" metaphorically (e.g., "the seed of an idea"), ensure the context clearly indicates the figurative meaning to avoid confusion with the literal meaning of a plant seed.

Common error

Avoid using the metaphor of "seed" too frequently in writing, as it can become cliché. Opt for more vivid or specific terms to describe origins, beginnings, or potential.

Linguistic Context

The word "seed" primarily functions as a noun, referring to the reproductive unit of a plant. It can also function as a verb, meaning to plant seeds. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "seed" is a versatile word primarily functioning as a noun or verb with both literal and metaphorical applications. It is used to define plant reproduction or the source of something, like an idea. The grammatical status, according to Ludwig AI, is correct. The analysis of real-world examples indicates that "seed" is frequently used in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business. When employing the term, particularly metaphorically, it's crucial to consider the context, avoiding overuse and potential ambiguity. Alternatives such as "origin" or "source" may provide greater clarity depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seminal fluid

When "seed" is used to refer to semen.

ejaculate

When "seed" is used to refer to semen.

plant

Highlights the action of placing a seed in the ground.

sow

Emphasizes the act of scattering seeds for planting.

germinate

Focuses on the sprouting or beginning of growth from a seed.

grain

Refers to a seed, especially of a cereal crop.

source

Denotes where something comes from, like an idea's 'seed'.

origin

Signifies the beginning or source, similar to the metaphorical use of 'seed'.

beginnings

Refers to the start or initial stage, relating to the 'seed' as the start of growth.

offspring

Implies descendants or progeny, relating to the 'seed' concept metaphorically.

FAQs

How can I use "seed" in a sentence?

"Seed" can be used as a noun to refer to a plant's seed (e.g., "Plant the seed in fertile soil") or metaphorically for an origin (e.g., "The seed of an idea was planted in his mind"). It can also be used as a verb meaning to plant or sow (e.g., "Seed the lawn with grass").

What can I say instead of "seed" when referring to the beginning of something?

You can use alternatives like "origin", "source", or "start" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct: "seed" or "seeds"?

The correct form depends on the context. "Seed" can be singular or uncountable (e.g., "a seed", "covered with seed"), while "seeds" is plural (e.g., "plant these seeds").

What is the difference between planting a "seed" and planting a "seedling"?

A "seed" is the initial, undeveloped form that needs to germinate. A "seedling" is a young plant that has already begun to grow from a seed and has visible leaves and roots.