the school bell

USAGE SUMMARY

"the school bell" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It refers to the bell that rings to signal the start or end of classes in a school. This phrase can be used in various contexts, such as describing a school setting or discussing a specific event that involves the school bell. Example: As I walked into the school, I could hear the loud ringing of the school bell, indicating that class was about to start.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Missing the school bell already?

The Guardian

At 8 37, the school bell tolled three times.

The New York Times

The school bell should ring for one last time.

The New York Times

The school is solely for the deaf, and the school bell is replaced by flashing lights.

The New Yorker

In a news conference interrupted by the ringing of the school bell, there were two news developments.

The New York Times - Sports

Sure, bullying happens; but it's silenced with the school bell and doesn't carry across apps into blue-screened evenings.

The Guardian - Opinion

I saw the film as a child, and the final shot of Pinky triumphantly ringing the school bell is still fresh in my memory.

The New York Times

LUCIE, Fla .— Every morning around 8, the school bell rings in the Mets' clubhouse, the catchers gather in their seats, and class begins.

The New York Times - Sports

As the school bell rings, a sea of girls in cheesecloth dresses files out into the afternoon sun, their playful banter drowning out the clatter of the city.

The Guardian

The clanging of the school bell -- an abandoned car wheel rim hanging on a stick -- brings the children rallying from their mud houses and tents.

The New York Times

Violet Markey encounters Theodore Finch on top of the school bell tower and he's on the other side of the fence.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the school bell" when describing routine events, school traditions, or memories associated with school life. It is a common cultural reference.

Common error

Avoid overusing "the school bell" as a mere time marker. Instead, leverage its symbolic weight to evoke feelings of nostalgia, routine, or the passage of time within a narrative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the school bell" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often acting as the subject or object of a sentence. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English, commonly used to refer to the bell that signals the start or end of classes. Examples from Ludwig show it in contexts like "missing the school bell already?" or "the school bell rings at 3:05 p.m."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Formal & Business

18%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the school bell" is a grammatically correct and widely used noun phrase that signifies the bell in a school that indicates the start or end of classes. According to Ludwig AI, it is commonly found in various contexts, with examples spanning from news articles to personal narratives. The phrase is most frequently used in News & Media sources and has a neutral register, making it suitable for a broad audience. While semantically related phrases can offer alternative expressions, "the school bell" remains a clear and universally recognized symbol of school life.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the school's bell

Uses a possessive to indicate the bell belonging to the school.

the bell for school

Reorders the words while maintaining the core meaning.

the ringing school bell

Adds the auditory detail of 'ringing' to emphasize the sound.

the end-of-class bell

Focuses specifically on the bell that signals the end of a class.

the start-of-school bell

Highlights the bell that indicates the beginning of the school day.

the dismissal bell

Emphasizes the bell that signals the end of the school day and dismissal of students.

the recess bell

Specifies the bell indicating recess.

the tardy bell

Specifies the bell indicating lateness.

the school chime

Substitutes "bell" with "chime", a softer and more melodic sound.

the bell that signals class

Provides a descriptive alternative, explaining the bell's function.

FAQs

How can I use "the school bell" in a sentence?

You can use "the school bell" to describe the start or end of a school day, or as a symbol of routine. For example: "The students rushed out as soon as "the school bell" rang."

What's a more descriptive alternative to "the school bell"?

Consider using "the ringing school bell" to emphasize the sound, or "the dismissal bell" to specify its purpose.

Is it ever appropriate to use a metaphor related to "the school bell"?

Yes, "the school bell" can be used metaphorically to indicate a clear signal or the end of a phase. For instance, "For him, turning 30 was "the school bell" signaling the end of his carefree youth."

Does the meaning of "the school bell" change based on context?

While "the school bell" generally refers to the bell in a school, its connotation can vary. It might represent freedom at the end of the day, or a return to routine after a break. Understanding the context is key to interpreting its meaning.