strand

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "strand" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a noun to refer to a coastal area, part of a rope, or a single thread of something such as hair or DNA. For example, "She stood on the beach, looking out at the strand of white sand before her."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

But it will be one strong strand in any argument to counter the really fundamental question of the pre-election period – whether a coalition produces the worst of all possible worlds.

The Guardian - Opinion

Which then means other religions can legitimately press the ruling elite for their bit of power, their strand of hair.

The Guardian - Opinion

Features is my favourite strand of radio, and there have been some crackers this year, most notably Heel, Toe, Step Together (December, Radio 4), a tenderly composed programme about an unlikely dancing friendship.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Harris is being dealt with under the "others" strand, meaning the allegations have no link to Savile.

The Guardian

But it ended badly: the strand was photographed trying to take steroids, which was doubly tragic since, a) it had no discernible mouth and, b) the steroid pill was approximately 3,000 times its size.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

BBC1's flagship arts strand Imagine will return in the autumn with an exclusive interview with Salman Rushdie, access to Ian Rankin to talk about bringing back his crime character Rebus and a look at British choreographer Matthew Bourne.

The Guardian

One strand we're particularly looking forward to, a hit of previous events, is WhatWorks.

The Guardian

The 63-year-old performer, who has hinted that he will release two albums in 2014, will top the bill during a new strand of the Hard Rock Calling event, which takes place on Clapham Common from Saturday 28 June to Sunday 29 June.

The Guardian - Music

It will always be a major strand of progressive activism, but never the entire fabric of it.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Each prominent character has been given meaty storylines to gorge on, and while some haven't panned out quite as well as others (Jimmy's sideline as a sex worker was introduced and wisely dropped, as was an ill-advised plot-strand about drug-induced rape), the web of intrigue that's been constructed so far doesn't have any major weaknesses in it at all.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Dr Longmier says the system could allow a constellation of satellites to remain in the correct position relative to one another, move satellites to polar orbit from less-expensive launch insertions or increase an orbit.Surrey Satellite Technology's STRaND-1 also contained a couple of experimental propulsion systems.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to DNA or other biological contexts, use "strand" to denote a single chain of nucleotides. For example, "a single strand of DNA".

Common error

Avoid using "strand" loosely in contexts where "aspect", "element", or "thread" would be more appropriate. Overusing it can make your writing less precise.

Linguistic Context

The word "strand" primarily functions as a noun, referring to a single string, thread, or element of something. It can also function as a verb, meaning to run aground or leave someone in a difficult situation. The Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correct and varied usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

21%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "strand" is a versatile term with both noun and verb forms. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used, primarily in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific contexts. It denotes either a single string-like entity or an element within a larger framework. To avoid misuse, be mindful of the specific context and choose synonyms like "element", "thread", or "aspect" when a more precise term is needed. Using "strand" correctly enhances clarity and precision in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fiber

Emphasizes the small, thread-like nature of the object in question, just like one "strand" of hair.

thread

Emphasizes the linear and connected nature, like a single "strand" in a larger narrative.

string

Focuses on a sequence of things or events, similar to a series of interconnected "strands".

cord

Focuses on the object having a rope-like structure, in comparison to one "strand" in the rope itself.

element

Focuses on the component or part of something larger, similar to one aspect of a "strand".

aspect

Highlights a particular feature or facet, akin to examining one "strand" of a complex issue.

component

Stresses the role of being a building block or constituent part, like a "strand" contributing to a whole.

vein

Implies a connecting course or trajectory like a "strand" of thought.

streak

Indicates a continuous, narrow line or band, comparable to a distinct "strand".

tendril

Highlights a slender, threadlike appendage of a climbing plant, similar to the concept of a "strand".

FAQs

How can I use "strand" in a sentence?

You can use "strand" to refer to a single string of something, like "a strand of hair", or to an element of a larger concept, like "a strand of thought". Check Ludwig's examples to see more "examples".

What can I say instead of "strand"?

You can use alternatives like "element", "thread", or "aspect" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a strand of" or "a string of"?

Both "a strand of" and "a string of" can be correct, but they have different meanings. "A strand of" typically refers to a single, thin piece, while "a string of" refers to a series or sequence.

What's the difference between "strand" and "fiber"?

"Strand" is a more general term that can refer to various types of strings or threads. "Fiber" typically refers to a fine, thread-like piece, especially in textiles or biological contexts. Think of "fiber" as being a finer, thinner version of "strand".