style

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'style' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a noun to refer to a manner of expression or a type of artistic or architectural design, or as a verb, to refer to the act of designing something in a particular way. Example sentence: "The designer has a unique style that sets her apart from other fashion houses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Sport

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

Pinker calls this offense "a schoolteacher rule" that is "a product of the usual three confusions: English with Latin, informal style with incorrect grammar, and syntax with semantics".

The Economist

While he has dismantled Niyazov's personality cult, he has maintained an authoritarian leadership style and has adopted the honorific title of arkadag – protector.

The Guardian

By the age of 20, Schiele was being recognised as the heir to Klimt and indeed Klimt's early influence on Schiele's graphic style is very obvious and understandable.

The Guardian - Arts

Kennedyesque is still the style, the demeanour, candidates for high office aspire to: slim, energetic, accompanied by a supremely elegant spouse.

The Guardian

As good as it can be to have a foot-long sub to munch on, sometimes it's nice to have a lunch that's a little bit of lots of things, buffet-bar style.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Nuno believes Spanish players are unused to that style and its rarity in Spain can thus make its impact even greater.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

It was a remark that made me think of when Spinal Tap played Rock'n'Roll Creation, each member emerging from pods, Invasion of the Bodysnatchers-style.

The Guardian - Arts

"We need to bring together a coalition of Americans who want to believe again in the miracle of America," said Cruz, in a sermon-style address that attacked the Internal Revenue Service and condemned the employees of the Environmental Protection Agency as "locusts".

The Guardian

Instead it's a land inhabited by continental-style bars and cafes, with a cuisine that's largely Asian, Mediterranean or Japanese and a decor dictated by Ikea-chic.

The Guardian - Film

Think of this, if you like, as a kind of California ranch-style kitchen-sink.

The Guardian - Film

US-style culture wars have broken out – but only within the ranks of the Tory party.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "style" to describe a consistent and recognizable approach, whether in writing, art, or leadership.

Common error

Don't assume that having "style" automatically means being stylish. "Style" refers to a manner or way of doing something, while stylishness implies being fashionable or elegant.

Linguistic Context

The word "style" primarily functions as a noun, denoting a distinctive manner of expression or presentation. According to Ludwig, its usage is considered grammatically correct and versatile across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Lifestyle

20%

Sport

15%

Less common in

Arts

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "style" is a versatile noun used to describe a manner, method, or distinctive form of expression. As affirmed by Ludwig, its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse domains, ranging from media and lifestyle to sports and arts, establish its relevance in the English language. When utilizing "style", precision is key: specify the elements that define the particular "style" you're referring to and avoid conflating it with mere stylishness. To broaden your vocabulary, consider alternatives such as "manner", "approach", or "technique", each offering a nuance that may better suit the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

manner

Focuses on the way something is done, similar to "style" but can be more general.

approach

Emphasizes a method or way of dealing with something.

technique

Refers to a specific method or skill used to achieve a particular task.

fashion

Highlights current trends in clothing and appearance.

trend

Indicates a general direction or pattern of change or popularity.

design

Focuses on the arrangement and aesthetics of something.

method

Highlights a specific procedure or process for accomplishing something.

form

Refers to the shape and structure of something.

character

Emphasizes the distinctive qualities or features of something.

vogue

Indicates something in fashion at a particular time.

FAQs

How can I describe someone's individual "style"?

To describe someone's individual "style", focus on specific characteristics, such as their clothing choices, way of speaking, artistic expression, or personal demeanor. For example, you might say someone has a "bohemian style" or a "minimalist style".

What are some synonyms for "style" in writing?

In writing, synonyms for "style" include "manner", "approach", "technique", and "voice". The best choice depends on the specific context.

How does "style" differ from "fashion"?

"Style" refers to a consistent and recognizable way of doing something, while "fashion" typically refers to current trends and popular tastes. Someone can have a unique "style" that is independent of prevailing fashions.

What does it mean to "style" something as a verb?

As a verb, to "style" something means to design or create it in a particular way. For example, a hair stylist might "style" someone's hair, or an architect might "style" a building in a modern way.