tower

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "tower" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a tall structure or building, often with a square or circular base. For example, "The Eiffel Tower is an iconic landmark in Paris."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

By owning your own property, you get a say in planning law too – your objection to that new tower block counts for far more than the indirect, dissipated unease of all the people hunting desperately for somewhere affordable in the vague vicinity of their work.

The Guardian - Opinion

'You hear the phrase "social cleansing" being used – and that's exactly what this is' Now, they are talking about demolishing this estate and building a 25-storey tower, all private apartments, with 120 low-rise "affordable housing" units around it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Although the control tower collapsed last week and the terminals and runways have been severely damaged by shelling, the airport holds great symbolic and strategic importance for both sides.

The Guardian

From above, like a sea of iron filings pulled by a magnet, the whole city appears to crowd round a core, the vortex of pilgrims giving way to an equally swirling current of tower blocks.

The Guardian - Arts

The 114.5m-tall 114.5m-tallded spectowerar views over London; the providedto reopen it in 2014, a centrepiece for the pospectacular Olympic Park.

The Guardian

It is not yet clear how many tourists were on the tower when it collapsed, though reports indicate that several bodies were later extracted from the ruins.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

The Shed at the National Theatre proved to be one such joyful fleeting visitor to the South Bank last summer, looking as if Lasdun's concrete fly-tower had leapt down and daubed itself with red face-paint to join the riverside fun.

The Guardian - Arts

I'll be writing more about the Tower Hamlets mayoral campaign before the election on 22 May.

The Guardian

We've flown here on a 10-seater charter plane as part of a tour organized by the Hotel Tower in Georgetown, Guyana's capital city.

The Guardian - Travel

Richard Mawrey QC ruled on Thursday that Rahman would be barred from running for office for five years and said the 2014 Tower Hamlets mayoral election would have to be rerun.

The Guardian

The election of a new mayor for Tower Hamlets, prompted by the ejection of the last incumbent for widespread fraud, is already the subject of 16 separate allegations of electoral irregularities, police have confirmed.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tower" to evoke a sense of height, strength, or observation point, aligning with its common connotations.

Common error

Avoid using "tower" interchangeably with similar terms like "building" or "skyscraper" without considering the specific characteristics of a tower, such as its height relative to its base or its intended function.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "tower" is as a noun, referring to a tall, often freestanding structure. As Ludwig shows, it can describe various structures, from communication towers to historical landmarks.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Formal & Business

33%

Science

32%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "tower" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a tall structure often recognized for its height or specific function. Common in news, formal business contexts and Science, its usage spans various structures like communication towers, control towers, and historical landmarks. As Ludwig confirms, the term is grammatically sound and widely applicable. When writing about "towers", specify the tower's purpose or type to give context. Keep in mind it is better suited than similar terms like "building" or "skyscraper" to denote specific characteristics, such as highness related to structure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

high-rise building

Emphasizes the height and building aspect, suitable for urban contexts.

skyscraper

Specifically refers to very tall, multi-story buildings.

tall structure

A more general term, applicable to various tall constructions, not necessarily buildings.

vertical edifice

Focuses on the upward extension and architectural nature.

elevated construction

Highlights the raised nature of the structure.

observation point

Stresses the function of a tower as a place to view surroundings.

lookout post

Similar to observation point, but often implies a more strategic or security-related function.

freestanding pillar

Highlights the self-supporting and column-like aspect of the structure.

bell tower

Specifically refers to a tower housing bells, often part of a church or other building.

water tower

A tower designed to hold a water tank, providing water pressure to a distribution system.

FAQs

How to use "tower" in a sentence?

You can use "tower" to describe a tall structure, like in the sentence, "The Eiffel "Tower" is a famous landmark in Paris."

What can I say instead of "tower"?

You can use alternatives like "high-rise building", "skyscraper", or "tall structure" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "tower" or "building"?

"Tower" and "building" are both correct, but "tower" implies a taller structure relative to its base and can also indicate a specific function, such as a control "tower" or water "tower".

What's the difference between "tower" and "skyscraper"?

While both are tall structures, "skyscraper" typically refers to a very tall, multi-story building, often found in urban areas, whereas "tower" can refer to any tall structure, regardless of its purpose or location.