uniform

USAGE SUMMARY

"uniform" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used as a noun to describe a distinctive set of clothing worn by members of a particular group or organization, or as an adjective meaning identical or consistent. Example sentence: All of the soldiers were wearing their military uniforms.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Using these figures and the results of the 2010 general election, the exercise modelled the effects of a uniform swing from the old boundaries to new.

The Guardian

(It may have banged another nail into the coffin of elected local authorities with its suggestion that electoral officials need closer central supervision and more uniform standards).

The Guardian

The uniform worn by his commanding officer, General Sir Richard Nelson "Windy" Gale, is now displayed in a museum that Prince Charles opened in 2000 and the old Pegasus Bridge, replaced by a new bridge in 1994 and left to rot in a field, has been cleaned up and preserved.

The Guardian

Alexander Lapko, a senior specialist at the Nato liaison office in Kiev, wrote in October in the New York Times that his family had to spend $2,400 £1,6155) on a uniform, boots, gun sight, flak jacket and helmet for his brother, who was issued only a Kalashnikov assault rifle when he joined the army last year.

The Guardian

By any measure, he was one of the outstanding General officers of his generation, helping our military adapt to new challenges, and leading our men and women in uniform through a remarkable period of service in Iraq and Afghanistan, where he helped our nation put those wars on a path to a responsible end.

The Guardian

Rooms could only be booked through the hotel, but not as part of a package, the traditional if not the uniform way of securing accommodation in Mecca.

The Guardian - Arts

I found the uniform he would have worn and also picked out a medal.

The Guardian - Film

The trenches were littered with the detritus of war – bullet casings, scraps of uniform and empty food tins.

The Guardian

Despite occasionally acknowledging that some academics might be women, his comments betrayed his assumption that academics are male, for apparently their default uniform comprises trousers, a jacket, a shirt and a tie.

The Guardian

Visitors can try on replica uniform coats and vintage helmets, and watch movies about and veterans' videotaped accounts of D-day.

The Guardian

We have marked the very corporate-like environment we work in – all straight lines, uniform spaces, impenetrable concrete, unbending steel – with signs of alternative voices, thoughts-in-the-making and issues up for debate.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the connotations of "uniform". It can imply order and conformity, but also a lack of individuality. Choose alternatives if the latter is undesirable.

Common error

Avoid using "uniform" when describing situations with only partial or superficial similarities. "Similar" or "comparable" are more appropriate when elements share some, but not all, characteristics.

Linguistic Context

The word "uniform" functions primarily as both a noun, denoting a specific set of clothing, and an adjective, indicating consistency or lack of variation. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and versatile usage. The examples demonstrate usage in diverse scenarios ranging from military dress to academic standards.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "uniform" is a versatile term with dual roles as a noun and an adjective, primarily used to denote a specific set of clothing or to describe consistency. Ludwig AI confirms that it is commonly found in news, business, and formal contexts. When writing, it's important to be clear about what is "uniform" and to avoid using the term when describing only superficial similarities. Related phrases offer alternatives for expressing different nuances of sameness or conformity. Understanding these nuances enhances the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

homogenous

This emphasizes the lack of variation or difference.

consistent

Focuses on the reliability and predictability of something.

unvarying

Highlights the absence of change or deviation.

standard attire

Focuses specifically on clothing aspect, highlighting conformity to a set style.

identical

Emphasizes the perfect sameness between things.

regulation dress

Emphasizes adherence to rules in clothing.

official garb

Implies clothing associated with a formal role or position.

consistent pattern

Shifts the focus from clothing to a recurring arrangement or design.

conform

Focuses on the action of adhering to a standard or expectation.

standardized procedure

Highlights conformity to a set method or process.

FAQs

How can I use "uniform" in a sentence?

You can use "uniform" as a noun, referring to a specific set of clothing (e.g., "The school requires students to wear a uniform"), or as an adjective, meaning consistent or unvarying (e.g., "We need to ensure uniform standards across all departments").

What are some synonyms for "uniform"?

Depending on the context, synonyms for "uniform" include "consistent", "identical", "standard", "homogenous", and "standardized".

Is it correct to say "uniformity" instead of "uniform"?

Yes, "uniformity" is a related noun that refers to the state or quality of being uniform. It can often be used interchangeably with "uniform" when discussing consistency or sameness, but it is not an exact substitute in all contexts. For example, you can't use "uniformity" to refer to a set of clothing.

What is the difference between a "uniform" and a "costume"?

A "uniform" typically represents membership in a group or organization and is worn regularly. A "costume", on the other hand, is usually worn for a specific event or performance and is not necessarily indicative of group affiliation.