text

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "text" is correct and usable in written English
You can use it when referring to a written or printed message, for example: I sent a text to my friend inviting them over for dinner.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They text.

The New York Times

Dishfire Database that stores text messages, for future use.

The Guardian

Redactions marked in the text were made by the US government when Mohamedou Ould Slahi's diary was cleared for public release Listen to live and recorded readings by Brian Eno, Colin Firth and others, as well as a panel discussion with Slahi's lawyer and brother about this remarkable account of imprisonment.

The Guardian

His production of Ben Jonson's The Devil Is an Ass applied the knife to yards of text, and his West Yorkshire Playhouse production of the children's classic Peter Pan was so dark and grim that one set of parents threatened to sue on the grounds that their child had been traumatised.

The Guardian

We do not agree with the present text".

The Guardian - Tech

breadahead.com SM A key text for beer lovers, co-written by Mikkel Borg Bjergsø, founder of the revered Copenhagen microbrewery of the same name.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Until the 1980s, the text of Sister Carrie was invariably based on the first Doubleday, Page edition of 1900 – a text that Dreiser himself amended only once, in 1907.

The Guardian - Books

But in 1981, the so-called "Pennsylvania edition" (Philadelphia: University of Pennsylvania Press) reverted to Dreiser's handwritten first draft, now held in the New York Public Library, and substituted his uncut holograph version as the scholarly text of the novel.

The Guardian - Books

In the text category, Taylor Auerbach of the Daily Telegraph has been nominated for his reports on slum landlords and Amnesty international, and Guardian Australia's own Michael Safi has been recognised for his reporting on terror and asylum seekers.

The Guardian

As he read his speech, crunching the paper hard as though warding off the temptation to improvise, it became clear that the text hammered out with Tony Blair's minions had been amended.

The Guardian - Opinion

Warten Auf Godot incorporates the full text – to be performed in German – but framed as a play within a play.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you intend to talk about SMS messages use the term "text message" to avoid confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "text" interchangeably with "context". "Text" refers to the actual written words, while "context" refers to the surrounding circumstances that give the words meaning.

Linguistic Context

The word "text" primarily functions as a noun, referring to a body of written words. It can also function as a verb, meaning to send a text message. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples of both usages.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "text" is a versatile term with both noun and verb forms, widely used across various contexts. Ludwig AI's analysis, supported by numerous examples from reputable sources like The Guardian and The New York Times, confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage. As a noun, it refers to any written material, from books to documents. As a verb, it describes sending a text message. While generally neutral in register, the specific context dictates the formality level. When communicating use cases of this word, make sure you understand its scope to make sure it applies correctly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

written content

This alternative refers more broadly to any form of written communication.

body of writing

This alternative emphasizes the complete and coherent nature of the written material.

written words

This alternative highlights the individual components of the written piece.

the wording

This alternative focuses on the specific choice and arrangement of words.

the message

This alternative emphasizes the communicative aspect of the written material.

the composition

This alternative refers to the structure and arrangement of the writing.

the document

This alternative highlights the formal and official nature of the written piece.

the passage

This alternative refers to a specific section or excerpt of the written work.

the material

This alternative refers to the general content or substance of the writing.

the scripture

This alternative implies a sacred or authoritative written work.

FAQs

How to use "text" in a sentence?

You can use "text" to refer to a written document, a passage of writing, or a text message. For example, "The "text" of the email was unclear" or "I sent him a "text message"".

What can I say instead of "text"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "written content", "body of writing", or "message".

Which is correct, "text" or "context"?

"Text" refers to the written words themselves, while "context" refers to the surrounding circumstances that give the words meaning. They are not interchangeable.

What's the difference between "text" and "text message"?

"Text" can refer to any written material. "Text message" specifically refers to a brief written message sent via mobile phones using SMS or a similar service.