unit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "unit" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, such as referring to a single entity or component within a larger system, often in academic, technical, or organizational settings. Example: "Each unit in the course is designed to build upon the knowledge gained in the previous unit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A Minnesota national guardsman faces federal fraud charges in connection with the theft of names, social security numbers and security clearance levels of roughly 400 members of his former army unit in Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

The Guardian

The bed, bathroom, toilet and TV come as a modular unit, the "cubi", which can be quickly and cheaply installed, creating minimal environmental impact and bringing new life to empty buildings.

The Guardian - Travel

The inspection looked at the accident and emergency department and the emergency assessment unit (EAU).

The Guardian

The trust has since resumed normal service after reducing the number of beds in its under-pressure emergency assessment unit to allow staff to focus on priority cases.

The Guardian

Lamb added that if the Lib Dems were part of the next government,"we would go further and introduce minimum unit pricing for alcohol, subject to the outcome of the legal challenge in Scotland.

The Guardian

Dr Mark Porter, leader of Britain's doctors, backed Mann's call for a 50p minimum unit price and called for a total ban on the advertising of alcohol to reduce consumption.

The Guardian

"We no longer wanted to be the place, the repository where those data lived, because we couldn't guarantee that they were methodologically rigorous enough for us to actually publish," said Erica L Smith, chief of BJS's law enforcement statistics unit.

The Guardian

David Cameron has appointed the journalist Camilla Cavendish as the head of the No 10 policy unit.

The Guardian

"I have to find Laust," concludes Peter, little knowing he is nearby with the rest of his unit.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Harmful consumption of alcohol rose from eighth to fifth leading cause of death and disability, worldwide, between 1990 and 2010 and the OECD says that that four in five drinkers would reduce their risk of death from any causes if they cut their alcohol intake by one unit a week.

The Guardian

Priority should therefore be: end the dock strike as quickly as possible, so that the coal dispute can be played as long as possible," advised Peter Gregson, head of the Cabinet Office civil contingencies unit.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a standard measurement, specify the type of "unit" to avoid ambiguity. For example, use "unit of length" instead of just "unit".

Common error

Avoid using "unit" when a more specific term like "component" or "module" would provide greater clarity. Ensure the context justifies the use of "unit" over these alternatives.

Linguistic Context

The word "unit" functions primarily as a noun, referring to a single, identifiable element, quantity, or group. Ludwig AI's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, from military units to units of measurement, confirming its broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Formal & Business

24%

Science

12%

Less common in

Academia

6%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "unit" is a versatile noun with diverse applications, ranging from standard measures and organized groups to single items. Ludwig AI indicates that "unit" is grammatically sound and frequently used. Predominantly found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific contexts, "unit" exhibits a neutral formality suitable for various communication styles. Related alternatives include "component", "module", and "element", providing nuanced options depending on the specific context. When using "unit", clarity can be enhanced by specifying the type to minimize ambiguity. Ludwig's examples highlight the ubiquitous nature of "unit" in modern English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Component

Refers to a part of a larger whole, similar to a unit in terms of being a building block.

Module

Suggests a self-contained part of a system, akin to a unit with a specific function.

Element

Emphasizes a basic or essential part, similar to a unit's role in a structure.

Section

Indicates a distinct part of something, like a unit within a larger organization.

Division

Highlights a separated part or group, much like a unit within a company or military.

Segment

Implies a portion or fragment, similar to a unit being a piece of a whole.

Item

Refers to a single article or object, similar to a unit when referring to a single sellable product.

Measure

Implies a standard quantity or degree, comparable to a unit of measurement.

Group

Denotes a collection of individuals or things, like a military or organizational unit.

Quantity

Refers to an amount or number, similar to a unit representing a specific amount.

FAQs

How can I use "unit" in a sentence?

You can use "unit" to refer to a standard measure (e.g., "a unit of length"), an organized group (e.g., "a police unit"), or a single item (e.g., "selling many units").

What can I say instead of "unit"?

You can use alternatives like "component", "module", "element", or "section" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "unit of measurement" or "measurement unit"?

"Unit of measurement" is generally preferred as it clearly indicates that "unit" is the primary term, specifying what is being measured.

What's the difference between "unit" and "module"?

While both can refer to parts of a larger whole, "unit" is a more general term, whereas "module" often implies a self-contained, interchangeable component with a specific function.