the diameter

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the diameter" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the distance across a circle or sphere, passing through its center. Example: "To calculate the area of the circle, you need to know the diameter."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The thinner the better, about the diameter of a dime.

The New York Times

The diameter of the circle determines the resonating frequency.

The New York Times - Tech

How might measuring the diameter of the tree be helpful?

The New York Times

It gets to about the diameter of your hair.

The New York Times - Science

Low-register pipes approach the diameter of storm drains.

The New York Times - Science

The donor's common carotid was the diameter of a Sharpie; Wiens's was the diameter of a Bic pen.

The New Yorker

"There were other obstacles to women studying science such as the diameter of their big frocks".

The Guardian - Books

Roll out dough and cut in 4 circles the diameter of baking dishes.

The New York Times

The diameter at the bottom is about two inches and at the top about four inches.

The New York Times - Science

At 12,104km across, Venus has 95% the diameter of Earth.

The Guardian

In her black waitress blouse, her arms looked the diameter of fingers.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing circular objects, use "the diameter" for clarity. If referring to a general size, consider "the width" or "the dimension".

Common error

Ensure you're measuring the full distance across the circle through the center (diameter) and not just half that distance (radius). Using the wrong measurement will significantly affect calculations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the diameter" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It specifies a particular measurement or dimension, as confirmed by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the diameter" is a versatile noun phrase used to denote the length of a straight line passing through the center of a circle or sphere. Ludwig's analysis indicates that it is grammatically correct and widely used across diverse contexts, from scientific publications to news articles and general wikis. While alternatives like "the width" or "the dimension" may sometimes be suitable substitutes, "the diameter" offers greater precision when specifically referring to circular objects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the dimension

Focuses on size as a general measurement, applicable beyond circular objects.

the dimension

Refers to the size or extent of an object in a particular direction.

the dimension

Focuses on size as a general measurement, applicable beyond circular objects.

the width

Emphasizes the measurement from side to side, potentially applicable in non-circular contexts.

the relevant dimension

Specifies that the dimension being referenced is pertinent to the topic.

the bore

Implies the internal diameter of a tube or cylindrical object.

the caliber

Refers to the internal diameter of a gun barrel or other tubular object.

the gauge

Indicates a standard measure, particularly for thickness or wire size.

the size

A general term for the magnitude or extent of something.

the path

Highlights the trajectory or course with the largest extent within an object.

FAQs

How is "the diameter" typically used in a sentence?

You can use "the diameter" to specify the length of a straight line passing through the center of a circle or sphere, for example, "Measure "the diameter" to calculate the area".

What are some alternatives to saying "the diameter"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "the width", "the dimension", or "the bore" if referring to an internal measurement.

How do I calculate the circumference using "the diameter"?

The circumference of a circle is calculated by multiplying ""the diameter"" by pi (approximately 3.14159). So, Circumference = π * Diameter.

Is it more accurate to measure "the diameter" or the radius?

Measuring ""the diameter"" directly can sometimes be more accurate, as it involves a single measurement across the entire circle, reducing potential errors compared to measuring the radius and doubling it.