the parasol

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the parasol" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a type of umbrella designed to provide shade from the sun. Example: "On a hot summer day, she carried the parasol to protect herself from the harsh sunlight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

The parasol flirtations are even more involved.

The New Yorker

Ponder awhile the wrinkled peach, the parasol, the lilac bonnet – and the dog stinkhorn.

The Guardian

Today the parasol is making a re-entry into the fashion world.

The New York Times

The Parasol contains a market, shops, and a podium for concerts and events.

The Guardian - Arts

Under the parasol of their aunt's hospitality, they enjoy their friends and their shashlik barbecues.

The New York Times - Books

"I used to see this guy around town a lot, always carrying the parasol," Doig said.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

The hottest tables are in the parasol-protected outside fountain court.

The New York Times - Travel

Ms. Tuthill was the parasol-toting dream maiden and Wu-Kang Chen was her Chaplinesque would-be lover.

The New York Times - Arts

The Bristol unit, and two others in the UK, can now help those at-risk patients, using the parasol-shaped MitraClip, developed in the US.

The Guardian

All around Astor Court's old sea lion pool — remodeled after an actual rookery found on the northern coast of California — free-ranging peacocks and peahens now promenade: eerie avatars of the parasol-wielding ladies of New York's elite society who once regularly flocked to Astor Court.

The New York Times

And here the parasols are free.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing outdoor scenes or historical settings, "the parasol" adds a touch of elegance and specificity, distinguishing it from a regular umbrella.

Common error

Avoid using "the parasol" interchangeably with "the umbrella" if the context implies protection from rain rather than sun. A parasol is specifically for sunshade; an umbrella may be for rain or sun.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the parasol" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a specific type of umbrella used for protection from the sun, as evidenced by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Encyclopedias

17%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the parasol" is a noun phrase referring to a lightweight umbrella used for sun protection. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English, highlighting its prevalence in news and media, as well as encyclopedic and wiki contexts. While not extremely common, its use is accurate and often adds a touch of historical or stylistic flair. To avoid confusion, it should not be used interchangeably with "umbrella" when referring to rain protection. Alternatives include "the sun umbrella" or "a sunshade" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the sun umbrella

Focuses on the umbrella's primary function of shielding from the sun.

a sunshade

Emphasizes the object's role in providing shade.

the sun shield

Highlights the protective aspect against the sun.

that shade umbrella

Uses "shade" as an adjective to emphasize what type of umbrella you're talking about.

the shade provider

More descriptive, focusing on the function of providing shade.

the handheld sun protector

Emphasizes the portability and protective function.

that portable sun shelter

Highlights that it is both portable and provides sun protection.

the sun-blocking umbrella

Descriptive phrase emphasizing the umbrella's ability to block the sun's rays.

the lightweight umbrella

Highlights a common characteristic of parasols, their light weight.

the portable shade

More concise, focusing on the function and portability.

FAQs

How does "the parasol" differ from a regular umbrella?

While both provide cover, "the parasol" is designed specifically for sun protection, often being lighter and more decorative, whereas an umbrella is typically for rain.

What is a good alternative for "the parasol"?

Depending on the context, you could use "the sun umbrella" or "a sunshade" to describe an object used for protection against the sun.

Is it correct to use "the parasol" when referring to rain protection?

No, it's more accurate to use "the umbrella" when referring to protection from rain. "The parasol" is specifically for sunshade.

In what contexts is "the parasol" most appropriately used?

"The parasol" is fitting in historical contexts, fashion descriptions, or when specifying protection from the sun, rather than general weather protection.