steel

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "steel" is correct in written English.
It is commonly used to refer to a strong, hard metal made of iron and carbon, or metaphorically to describe strength or resilience. Example: "The bridge was constructed using high-quality steel to ensure its durability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Elma is the sister-in-law of one of the original members of Taspo, the first steel band to come to Britain from Trinidad in 1951.

The Guardian - Travel

Clegg has made Coppard's job easier, not just by reneging on his pledge not to increase tuition fees but by being in the highest echelons of a government that, shortly after its formation in 2010, cancelled a £80m loan to Sheffield Forgemasters, which the steel company had hoped to use to buy a new forging press for producing nuclear plant components, creating jobs.

The Guardian

One piece, a vast six-foot high sculpture made from steel by Conrad Shawcross, dominates the RA courtyard, while a specially commissioned work by Turner-nominated Jim Lambie sees the gallery's central staircase transformed into a multi-coloured artwork.

The Guardian - Arts

It's part steel, part silk, and I'm not bored of it yet.

The Guardian - Sport

So is the smallish union that represents steel and textile workers and now calls itself Community.

The Guardian - Opinion

Those with more steel (and perhaps safer seats) say the era of the leadership silver bullet is over.

The Guardian

The wonder material graphene – a lightweight conductor 200 times stronger than steel – was discovered by scientists in Manchester, and yet the thousand-plus registered patents harnessing it in China, America and South Korea are matched by only a few dozen in Britain.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

But the price outlook remains bleak, with an extra 200m tonnes of the steel-making ingredient expected to be dumped on the market over the next few years.

The Guardian - Business

Behind closed doors, she admits that she is tired of being branded a money-hoarding sadist, steel-hearted and merciless.

The Guardian - Opinion

It consists of 144 sprucewood columns that mark out and populate Mies's steel-and-glass pavilion.

The Guardian - Arts

The coaster is touted as the tallest steel-hybrid roller coaster in the world.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "steel" metaphorically to describe someone's resolve or strength, but ensure the context is clear to avoid confusion with the material itself.

Common error

Avoid using "steel" and "iron" interchangeably. While "steel" is derived from "iron", it contains carbon and other elements that enhance its properties, making it a distinct material. "Iron" is the base element, whereas "steel" is an alloy.

Linguistic Context

Noun: The primary function of "steel" is to denote a hard, strong metal alloy of iron and carbon. It can also function adjectivally, as in "steel door". Ludwig's examples show its use in describing physical objects and metaphorical strength.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "steel" is a very common noun used to refer to a strong alloy of iron and carbon, or metaphorically to describe resilience. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and broad applicability. While generally neutral in register, specific types of "steel" require more technical contexts. Usage analysis reveals its prominence in news, business, and scientific domains. To write effectively with "steel", know the difference between it and "iron", and be precise when describing types of "steel" for technical purposes. It's mostly used in the field of mechanics, construction and metallurgy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stainless steel

Specifies a particular alloy of steel known for its resistance to corrosion.

carbon steel

Refers to steel where the main alloying constituent is carbon.

structural steel

Steel that is produced with a particular shape and chemical composition in order to suit a structural engineering application.

high-strength steel

Describes steel with a higher yield strength than regular steel.

metal

A broader term that encompasses steel, but also includes other materials like aluminum and copper.

case-hardened steel

Steel that has been surface hardened through heat treatment.

iron

The base element from which steel is derived; less specific.

alloy

A mixture of metals, where steel can be one example.

sheet metal

Metal formed into thin, flat pieces; steel is one kind.

armored plating

Specialized type of steel used for protective purposes.

FAQs

How is "steel" typically used in a sentence?

The word "steel" is used to describe the material itself, as in "The bridge is made of steel", or metaphorically to represent strength, like "He had nerves of steel".

What are some materials similar to "steel"?

Similar materials include "iron", "metal", "stainless steel", and "aluminum", each having different properties and applications.

What's the difference between "steel" and "stainless steel"?

"Steel" is a general term for iron alloys containing carbon, while "stainless steel" is a specific type of "steel" that contains chromium, making it resistant to rust and corrosion.

When should I use "metal" instead of "steel"?

Use "metal" when referring to materials generally, as "steel" is a specific type of metal. "Metal" is appropriate when the specific type of material doesn't matter.