tailor

USAGE SUMMARY

'tailor' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used as a verb (to alter clothing to fit specific measurements) or as a noun (a person who makes, alters or repairs clothing as a profession). Example Sentence: My grandmother is a talented tailor and has been making custom garments for years.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

We must tailor programmes to meet specific needs; something we can only achieve if we have enough data about the girls' nutritional status, food consumption patterns and information about their access to community and health services.

The Guardian

The beauty of making your own is that you can tailor the ingredients to match your favourite craft gin, which can cost at least £30 a bottle, for a fraction of the price.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

You have to tailor your application to the institution.

The Guardian

"Whatever they are doing is nothing to do with God," said Ruth Joseph, a tailor, who had popped in to visit her sister who worked at a roadside restaurant.

The Guardian

Plenty of excellent off‑the-peg suits are available, and you can – and should – take them to an independent tailor after purchase so they can be fitted to you.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

However, because of its high impact, we needed to adapt the toolkit and tailor it to mental health.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

Vicki Leah, University College Hospital, London The young people we see are so vulnerable, and at a stage in their life when a tailor-made timely intervention can make a massive difference: leave them for 18 months and the impact on them socially and educationally will be huge.

The Guardian

One very tame example: Wife: 'A letter came for you marked Very Personal.' Husband: 'What did it say?' What the archive really shows is that, where cracker mottos were once tailor-made for particular social groups, now they're universal.

The Guardian

Periscope seems tailor-made for the generation of online video stars that have emerged on YouTube, who'll be able to use it for impromptu live broadcasts and Q&As with fans, for example.

The Guardian - Tech

It is a case almost tailor-made for Smith.

The Guardian - Tech

We're sure to see him on our TV screens soon; his mix of accessibility and originality means he's tailor-made for the panel shows of 2015.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "tailor" as a verb, ensure the object is something that can be modified or adapted to meet specific needs or requirements. For example, "tailor your approach" or "tailor the program".

Common error

Avoid using "tailor" when the modification is superficial or insignificant. "Tailor" implies a deliberate and purposeful adjustment to suit a specific requirement, not just a minor tweak.

Linguistic Context

The word "tailor" functions primarily as both a noun (referring to a person who makes or alters clothing) and a transitive verb (meaning to adapt something to a specific need or purpose). Ludwig provides examples of both usages, confirming its versatility in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tailor" is a versatile term functioning as both a noun and a verb. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used. As a verb, "tailor" signifies adapting something precisely to meet specific needs, as frequently seen in News & Media and Formal & Business contexts. When you use "tailor", consider the degree of modification you're implying, as it suggests a deliberate and purposeful adjustment. While alternatives like "customize" and "adjust" exist, "tailor" conveys a more specialized and intentional adaptation. Remember, Ludwig's examples offer practical guidance on using "tailor" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Customize

Focuses on making something unique to individual preferences.

Modify

Emphasizes making changes or alterations to something.

Adapt

Highlights adjusting something to suit new conditions or purposes.

Adjust

Implies making small changes to achieve a better fit or result.

Alter

Suggests making changes, especially to clothing.

Fashion

Refers to shaping or creating something, often with skill.

Garment maker

Specifically denotes someone who creates clothing.

Seamster

Implies a professional who works with seams and clothing.

Sartor

Is a somewhat archaic term for a tailor.

Bespoke creator

Focuses on the custom and individualized creation aspect.

FAQs

How can I use "tailor" in a sentence?

"Tailor" can be used as a verb, meaning to adapt or modify something for a specific purpose, or as a noun, referring to a person who makes clothes. For example, "We need to "tailor" the presentation to the audience" or "The "tailor" made a suit that fit perfectly".

What is a synonym for "tailor" when referring to adapting something?

When "tailor" is used to mean adapt, you can use alternatives like "customize", "modify", or "adjust" depending on the context.

What is the difference between "tailor" and "adjust"?

"Tailor" implies a more significant and specific adaptation to meet particular needs, whereas "adjust" suggests making smaller changes for improvement or correction. You "tailor" a suit, but "adjust" a strap.

Is it correct to say "tailor-made"?

Yes, "tailor-made" is a correct and commonly used term. It means something is specifically designed or created to meet particular needs or preferences, similar to "custom-made" or "bespoke".