shells

USAGE SUMMARY

"shells" is a correct and usable word in written English.
For example, you could use the sentence, "We collected seashells on the beach."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There were sets for spinsters, boxes commemorating the First World War (contents: naval and military headdress, iron crosses, a Kaiser moustache and shells), even crackers for Masons.

The Guardian

Earlier, Hatay's governor said a total of six Syrian shells had hit the Turkish side of the border on Monday, without causing any casualties.

The Guardian

Priests at the Yakuo-in temple, which is situated on the mountain, create a mystical soundscape as they blow conch shells and perform prayers for Geikosai – the festival to welcome the light.

The Guardian - Travel

Unaccompanied children hurry excitedly back from the shoreline where they have been rockpooling or shrimping, with buckets full of shells and crabs.

The Guardian - Travel

Usually only one hatchling in 90 survives, but if they get protection for that early period, their shells will grow hard enough to save them from local predators.

The Guardian - Travel

In a neighbour's home Roberts' DNA was found on a sock that contained a further five shells, it is claimed.

The Guardian

I have heard more than six shells so far.

The Guardian

The final product went into gun cartridges which, when fired, released the gases that propelled bullets and shells.

The Guardian

The most coveted and expensive pearls are judged on their roundness, perfection and lustre, and come in shades dictated by their shells, from white to pistachio green, pink, gold and aubergine.

The Guardian - Arts

The embassy's reinforced five-storey structure survived but its rear-facing rooms were reduced to blackened shells.

The Guardian

Even the complexity of his blueprints and the experimenting that went into them, like his famous solution to the problem of the shells construction (as segments of a single sphere, thus enabling the components to be mass-produced) and a similar solution to the acoustic ceilings based on the cylinder; and one for the soaring glass walls on the structure of a bird's wing.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about marine life, use "shells" to refer specifically to the exoskeletons of mollusks. For military contexts, consider using more specific terms like "artillery shells" or "mortar shells" to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "shells" interchangeably with "mantles" or "reservoirs" unless the context clearly indicates a protective outer covering or explosive projectile. Using the wrong term can confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "shells" is a plural noun. It refers to multiple instances of a shell, whether it's a marine animal's exoskeleton, a type of ammunition, or the outer structure of something. Ludwig confirms this usage is common.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Arts

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Travel

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shells" functions primarily as a plural noun with diverse applications. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it appears frequently across various contexts, from describing marine life and military actions to architectural structures. While grammatically correct and commonly used, it's important to be mindful of the specific context to avoid ambiguity. For example, in military contexts, specifying "artillery shells" can provide greater clarity, but in marine biology contexts "sea shells" is more appropriate. Remember to consider these nuances for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sea shells

Refers specifically to the exoskeletons of marine mollusks.

artillery rounds

Focuses specifically on ammunition used in artillery.

explosive projectiles

Specifies that the shells contain explosives.

bombardments

Highlights the act of heavy shelling or explosive attacks.

protective coverings

Highlights the function of providing a shield or barrier.

casing

Emphasizes its nature of protective container.

outer layers

Emphasizes the external or surface aspect.

contour

Highlights the shape that defines something.

empty husks

Implies something that was once full but is now vacant.

structures

Focuses on the architectural form or construction.

FAQs

How is "shells" used in military contexts?

In military contexts, "shells" typically refer to artillery projectiles. For example, "The area was bombarded with "artillery shells"" indicates a heavy explosive attack.

What are some common types of "shells" found on a beach?

Common types of "shells" found on a beach include those from snails, clams, and other mollusks. Collecting "seashells" is a popular activity for beachgoers.

Can "shells" refer to structures or buildings?

Yes, "shells" can describe the outer framework of a building, especially if it's incomplete or ruined. For example, "The fire left the building a blackened "husk"".

What is the difference between "shells" and "explosives"?

"Shells" are the containers that hold explosives, while "explosives" are the materials that cause the explosion. "Shells" carry the explosives to the target.