the sieve

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the sieve" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a kitchen tool used for straining liquids or sifting dry ingredients, or metaphorically to describe a process of filtering information. Example: "She used the sieve to separate the pasta from the boiling water."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The sieve is full!

The New York Times

Strain the milk mixture through the sieve.

The New York Times - Magazine

In ballet competitions the sieve can be very fine indeed.

The New York Times - Arts

Scrape the seeds and pulp into the sieve.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Zhang succeeded partly by making the sieve less selective.

The New Yorker

Never mind the sieve, this has been through fine mesh muslin.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Run the votes through the sieve again and again and you will get different outcomes.

The New York Times

"When the input of water is greater than the output, the sieve is full.

The New York Times

"The holes in the sieve were just as fine for her films as for anything else".

The New York Times

Tip any wheat bran that's left in the sieve into the mixture.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Cover the yoghurt with the muslin ends, then place the sieve over a bowl.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the sieve" when describing a physical tool for separating materials of different sizes.

Common error

Avoid using "the sieve" repeatedly in metaphorical contexts within the same piece of writing. Vary your language to maintain reader engagement and clarity. Consider using synonyms such as "filter" or "screen".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the sieve" functions primarily as a noun phrase, referring either to a physical tool used for separating materials or, metaphorically, to a process of filtering or selecting. Ludwig's examples show it used in both concrete and abstract contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

32%

Wiki

22%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the sieve" is a versatile noun phrase commonly used to describe a tool or process of filtering. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and applicable across diverse contexts, ranging from culinary arts to abstract selection processes. Its frequency and distribution across news, science, and wiki sources indicate its broad applicability. When using the phrase, be mindful of the context to ensure clarity, especially when employing it metaphorically. Remember to consider alternative phrases like "the strainer" or "the filter" to avoid repetition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the strainer

Replaces "sieve" with a synonym, focusing on liquid separation.

the colander

Similar to "sieve", used for draining solids from liquids.

the filter

Broader term encompassing various filtering mechanisms.

the screening process

Highlights the act of filtering or selecting.

the winnowing

Implies separating valuable from less desirable components.

the mesh screen

Emphasizes the physical structure of the filtering device.

the filtration system

Refers to a more complex filtering setup.

the purification method

Focuses on removing impurities.

the selection criteria

Shifts focus to the standards used for selection.

the refining technique

Highlights the process of improving or purifying.

FAQs

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

You can use "the sieve" literally, such as "She used the sieve to sift the flour", or metaphorically, such as "The admissions committee acted as the sieve, filtering out unqualified candidates".

What is another word for "the sieve"?

Alternative terms for "the sieve" include "the strainer", "the colander", or "the filter", depending on the specific context.

How does a sieve work?

A sieve works by allowing smaller particles or liquids to pass through its mesh while retaining larger particles. This separation is achieved by shaking or pouring the mixture over the sieve.

Is it appropriate to use "the sieve" in formal writing?

Yes, "the sieve" is appropriate in formal writing, particularly when describing a scientific or methodical process, or when used metaphorically to represent a filtering mechanism.