the attire

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the attire" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to clothing or dress, often in a formal or specific context. Example: "The invitation specifies formal attire for the gala event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nor is the attire.

The Guardian - Travel

And the attire can look uncomfortably pageantlike.

The New York Times

At Giorgio's, the attire is flamboyant.

The New York Times

(a) The attire is simple and modest.

The New Yorker

Elsewhere, the attire has an imported flair.

The New York Times

The policing of the attire of young people also leads to problematic situations.

The Guardian - Opinion

THE wedding invitation was for 6 30 p.m.; the attire, black-tie.

The New York Times

The attire of the young greeters at the front began to look surprisingly appealing.

The New Yorker

The low-riding jeans of a photographer contrasted sharply with the attire of her subjects, above.

The New York Times

Quotes her on the return of elegance evident in the attire of her clientele".

The New Yorker

He also had some observations on the attire of both mobsters after their arrests.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the attire" when you want to sound slightly more formal than using "the clothing" or "the outfit". It's often appropriate for invitations, official announcements, or descriptions of formal events.

Common error

Avoid using "the attire" in very casual contexts. It can sound overly formal or pretentious if used when simpler terms like "clothes" or "outfit" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the attire" functions as a noun phrase, where "the" is a definite article specifying a particular set of clothing or a style of dress. It's often used when referring to a specific dress code or the clothing worn in a particular context. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the attire" is a grammatically correct and commonly used noun phrase that refers to clothing or dress, often in a specific or formal context. As confirmed by Ludwig AI's analysis and examples, it is frequently used in news and media, as well as in more formal announcements and descriptions. While it can be used interchangeably with terms like "the clothing" or "the outfit", it often carries a slightly more formal tone. When using this phrase, consider the context and audience to ensure it is appropriate. Avoid using it in casual situations where a simpler term would suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the clothing

Replaces 'attire' with a more common synonym, making the phrase slightly less formal.

the apparel

Similar to 'attire', but can also refer to items for sale.

the outfit

Refers to a complete set of clothes worn together, slightly more informal.

the garments

A more formal and slightly old-fashioned synonym for 'clothing'.

the wardrobe

Refers to a collection of clothes, rather than a specific set being worn.

the costume

Implies a specific set of clothing worn for a particular purpose or occasion, such as a performance or themed event.

the garb

A literary term referring to clothing, often associated with a particular group or profession.

the ensemble

Suggests a carefully coordinated set of clothing.

the mode of dress

A more descriptive and formal way of referring to clothing style.

the raiment

A very formal and archaic term for clothing.

FAQs

How do I use "the attire" in a sentence?

"The attire" is used to refer to clothing, especially in a formal or specific context. For example, "The wedding invitation specified black-tie attire."

What can I say instead of "the attire"?

You can use alternatives like "the clothing", "the outfit", or "the apparel" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "attire" or "the attire"?

Both are correct, but "the attire" refers to specific clothing being discussed or required. "Attire" on its own can refer to clothing in general.

What's the difference between "the attire" and "the costume"?

"The attire" refers to clothing in general or for a specific occasion, while "the costume" implies clothing worn for a specific role, performance, or theme.