the pike

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the pike" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts referring to a type of fish or as part of a place name, such as a road or geographical feature. Example: "We decided to go fishing at the lake, hoping to catch the pike that are known to inhabit the waters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Books The Pike by Lucy Hughes-Hallett.

Independent

That's right, the Pike in Pikes Peak.

The New York Times

The pike is an ambush predator.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The Pike cars represented the height of postmodernism.

The New York Times

The Pike: Gabriele d'Annunzio Poet, Seducer and Preacher of War.

The Economist

Definitely more of that coming down the pike.

The New York Times

And more pay is coming down the pike.

The New York Times

It's just about to come down the pike.

The New York Times - Books

Skip the original Starbucks in the Pike Place Market.

The Guardian - Travel

I grabbed the net, but the pike was gone.

The New York Times - Sports

"We're fighting this thing all the way down the pike".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "the pike" in a sentence, ensure the context is clear, as it can refer to a fish, a location, or a type of historical weapon. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "the pike" without context. If referring to the fish, ensure that your audience understands you aren't talking about Pikes Peak or the historical weapon.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the pike" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a specific entity, which could be a type of fish, a geographical location (like Pikes Peak), or, less commonly, a historical weapon. As Ludwig AI highlights, clarity is key when using this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the pike" is a versatile noun phrase with multiple meanings, most commonly referring to a fish species, the geographical landmark Pikes Peak, or a historical weapon. Ludwig AI emphasizes the importance of context to avoid ambiguity. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media, Science, and Encyclopedias. When writing, ensure the intended meaning is clear and appropriate for your audience. While generally grammatically correct, careful usage ensures clarity and avoids confusion. The phrase is very common, reflecting its widespread use across various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the northern pike

Specifies the type of fish being referred to, adding a descriptor.

that pike

Uses a demonstrative pronoun to indicate a specific pike.

some pike

Indicates an unspecified quantity of pike.

a pike fish

Clarifies "pike" as a type of fish.

the pikes peak

Refers to the geographical location Pikes Peak.

down the road

Replaces "the pike" in the idiom "down the pike" referring to future events.

the aforesaid pike

More formal way to indicate the pike.

this here pike

Uses colloquial language to refer to a specific pike.

the long spear

A literal description of a pike as a weapon, changing the noun.

along the turnpike

Refers to a specific type of road, rather than future events.

FAQs

How can I use "the pike" in a sentence?

You can use "the pike" to refer to a type of fish, as in "We caught "the pike" in the lake". It can also refer to Pikes Peak: "The Pike's Peak serenity ends at the door" or a historical weapon: "Sound infantry armed with "the pike" could fend off cavalry with ease".

What does "down the pike" mean?

"Down the pike" is an idiom that means "in the future" or "coming soon". For example, "More pay is coming "down the pike"".

Is "the Pike" always capitalized?

Capitalization depends on the context. When referring to Pikes Peak or Pike Place Market, "The Pike" is capitalized. When referring to the fish, it's generally lowercase unless it begins a sentence.

What are some synonyms for "the pike" when referring to the fish?

Depending on the context, you could use "the fish" or specify "the northern pike" if you need to be more precise.