stylus

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'stylus' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as a noun to refer to a small pointed tool used for writing or drawing, or as a verb meaning to write or draw using a stylus. Example sentence 1: The artist used a stylus to create intricate designs on the pottery. Example sentence 2: The stylus on my tablet broke, and now I can't take notes in class. Example sentence 3: The olden days were characterized by writing letters and creating documents using a stylus and ink on parchment.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There Ive designed the Macintosh Folio tablet concept for Apple, which had a stylus and an adjustable angled screen, as well as a sink, toilet and bath for British bathroom firm Ideal Standard.

The Guardian - Tech

Samsung unveiled the Galaxy Note 10.1, a 10.1-inch tablet that is completely different from the iPad, honest, because it has a stylus that can be used to draw or write on the screen.

The Economist

One results from the fact that the stylus exerts a frictional force that is tangential to the groove.

The Economist

The turntable could be used with an arm and stylus made by other firms.

The Economist

"But the input method is much more efficient with touch-screen and stylus," says Horace Luke of HTC, a Taiwanese handset manufacturer.The history of the mobile phone shows, however, that something that is a luxury feature today (a colour screen, a camera) is likely to be widespread tomorrow.

The Economist

When someone presses the sheet with a finger or stylus, however, this "total internal reflection" is disrupted, or frustrated, and some of the light leaks out of the sheet at the point of contact.

The Economist

The lines were drawn by a stylus moving through aluminium powder; but they seemed to appear by magic and take unexpected turns.

The Economist

For these and other reasons some early listeners complained that CDs lacked the "warmth" of analogue vinyl.But still, the days of the precision-engineered turntable, with its sapphire stylus, anti-static brush and strobe for adjusting the speed, seemed over.

The Economist

They will make it possible to digitise two things for which paper is indispensable today: taking notes and filling out forms.Microsoft's Tablet PC, launched on November 7th, has been touted as the long-awaited breakthrough for pen-computing, because it is capable of recognising what users write on its screen with a stylus.

The Economist

IBM has already reached 45 gigabytes per square inch using a heated stylus to make an indentation a few billionths of a metre deep on the surface of a rotating disk.

The Economist

(Performances were captured by an audio horn, which caused a stylus to vibrate and etch wiggles directly into wax discs).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the historical context: "stylus" can refer to ancient writing tools or modern digital pens.

Common error

Avoid confusing the noun "stylus" (a tool for writing or drawing) with the noun "style" (a particular manner or design).

Linguistic Context

The word "stylus" primarily functions as a noun, referring to a handheld tool used for writing, drawing, or interacting with a touchscreen. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its use in describing technology and historical writing instruments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "stylus" is a common and grammatically correct noun used to describe a tool for writing, drawing, or interacting with touchscreens. As confirmed by Ludwig, the term sees frequent usage in diverse contexts like news, encyclopedias, and technology. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal writing. Remember to differentiate "stylus" from "style". When clarity is required, specify the type of "stylus" (e.g., "digital pen"). The diverse examples provided by Ludwig illustrate the word's versatility across different domains and eras.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

touchscreen pen

This describes a stylus specifically designed for use with touchscreen devices.

digital pen

This refers specifically to a stylus used with digital devices.

graphics tablet pen

This type of stylus is designed for use with graphic tablets to create digital drawings and illustrations.

e-pen

Short form for electronic pen.

drawing pen

This alternative specifies the stylus's function as a tool for drawing.

input device

This is a broader term that encompasses "stylus" as a means of providing input to a device.

writing implement

A more general term for any tool used for writing, including a "stylus".

pointing device

A generic expression indicating that the device is mainly used for selecting items on a screen.

engraving tool

Refers to the use of stylus in carving or etching a design on a hard surface

phonograph needle

This refers to the stylus used on a record player.

FAQs

How is a modern "stylus" used?

Modern styluses are commonly used with touch screen devices like tablets and smartphones for writing, drawing, and navigation. They offer more precision than fingers.

What is the difference between a "stylus" and a digital pen?

While often used interchangeably, a digital pen typically has more advanced features like pressure sensitivity and programmable buttons compared to a basic "touchscreen pen".

Can I use any "stylus" on any touchscreen device?

No, some styluses are designed for specific devices or screen technologies. Check compatibility before using a "stylus" with a new device.

What are some alternatives to using a "stylus" on a touch screen?

Alternatives include using your finger, voice commands, or a physical keyboard, depending on the device and task.