units

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "units" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in various contexts, such as measurements, quantities, or components of a system. Example: "The recipe calls for three units of flour to achieve the desired consistency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is believed the ADF has no portable isolation units.

The Guardian

Despite Moscow's statements that troops had been withdrawn to their home bases, only a few units have returned to their place of permanent deployment, the analysts said.

The Guardian

As New York's skyscrapers set new height records, mayor Bill de Blasio has also proposed building 80,000 units of affordable housing over the next 10 years, much of it accomplished by building higher.

The Guardian

'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

In July, SSE shut two units at its 1GW Ferrybridge coal plant in West Yorkshire following a fire.

The Guardian - Business

More than half of the 32 confirmed Ebola deaths in Guinea last week happened in the community, rather than treatment units, while 16% did in Sierra Leone.

The Guardian

While better-educated men in the UK are also more likely to drink a hazardous amount (defined as a weekly consumption of 21 units or more for men, or 14 or more for women) than their less-educated counterparts, the difference is much more pronounced for women.

The Guardian

Electronic warfare, cyber attacks, small groups of commandos and special forces will take the place of traditional army units, just as pilotless drones will take the place of conventional aircraft.

The Guardian

The world community responds predictably: diplomacy, sanctions, supporting the internal dissent in the terrorist "safe haven" countries, eventually ordering special military units to deploy and retaliate.

The Guardian - Opinion

In other words: we do not, as yet, have an adequate response mechanism, an ability to eliminate the threat of terrorism the way decisive steps undertaken by the British SAS, the German GSG-9 and other units succeeded in reducing the number of cases involving hijacked aircraft to almost nil.

The Guardian - Opinion

With military operations inside Ukraine's borders an unappealing prospect for many of the country's professional soldiers, irregular units are springing up as Kiev struggles to wrest back control of Donetsk and Luhansk regions from the grip of pro-Russia fighters.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about measurements, specify the type of "units" you are using (e.g., meters, kilograms, volts) to ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "units" vaguely; always provide context. For example, instead of saying "add two units", specify "add two cups" or "add two liters" to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The word "units" primarily functions as a plural noun, denoting multiple instances of a single entity or standard measure. Ludwig AI indicates this usage is grammatically sound and frequently encountered in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "units", as analyzed by Ludwig AI, functions primarily as a plural noun indicating multiple instances or components. Its grammatical correctness and high frequency across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media, underscores its broad applicability. While versatile, clarity is key; specifying the type of "units" being discussed (e.g., measurement, housing) enhances precision. Alternatives like "components" or "items" offer suitable replacements depending on the intended nuance. By understanding its function, purpose, and contextual usage, writers can effectively employ "units" to convey specific quantities and classifications within their communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

individual items

This phrase is a general term for referring to separate objects or things, suitable for a wide range of contexts.

component parts

Similar to individual components, but emphasizes the role of each part in contributing to a larger whole.

distinct portions

This highlights that items are parts of a larger entity and are clearly demarcated from each other.

individual components

This alternative emphasizes the separate and distinct nature of the items being referred to, focusing on their individuality rather than their collective function.

individual segments

This alternative emphasizes that the items are parts of a larger sequence or division.

separate modules

This term is useful when referring to distinct and self-contained sections of a system or structure, each performing a specific function.

discrete elements

This phrase highlights the separateness and identifiability of the items, suggesting a clear distinction between each one.

single entities

This underscores the individual and unified nature of what is being referenced.

specific quantities

This alternative is useful when the focus is on the measurable amount of something, rather than its structural role.

itemized quantities

When the context is inventories, itemized amounts that are being counted.

FAQs

How can I use the word "units" in a sentence?

You can use "units" to refer to individual items, measurements, or components. For instance, "The building has 80,000 housing units" or "The recipe requires specific units of measurement".

What are some alternatives to using "units" in my writing?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "components", "elements", "modules", or "items".

Is it grammatically correct to use "units" as a plural noun?

Yes, "units" is the plural form of the noun "unit" and is used to refer to more than one unit.

When is it appropriate to use "units" instead of "items"?

Use "units" when referring to standardized measurements, components of a system, or individual entities within a larger group, while "items" is a more general term. For example, "measuring in specific units" versus "counting the items in the box".