utensil

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "utensil" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to tools or implements used in the kitchen or for eating, such as forks, spoons, and knives. Example: "Make sure to set the table with the appropriate utensils before dinner."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She recommended the construction of cupboards, shelves and drawers adapted to each sort of utensil.

The Economist

When the utensil was removed, Dr Zhu decided to try culturing the tissue that came out with it, to see whether there were any stem cells there.Waste not, want notTo his delight, the extracted tissue thrived and grew, and many of the cells in the resulting culture did indeed contain proteins known to be characteristic of neural stem cells.

The Economist

The spongy injera serves as both plate and utensil; it is topped with meat and vegetable stews.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Common examples include tub benches, reachers, large-print or talking devices, and adapted utensils or utensil or tool holders that can be used across many activities.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The ding was often used in divinatory ceremonies for sacrificial offerings, or it was buried with its owner in a tomb as a spiritual utensil (mingqi).

Encyclopedia Britannica

The dough for beaten biscuits, also a Southern specialty, is literally beaten with a mallet or other utensil for about 30 minutes to produce a fine texture.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Paella takes its name from the paellera, the utensil in which it is cooked, a flat round pan with two handles; paella is traditionally eaten from the pan.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In England such a utensil was called a standish from the 15th to the 18th century.

Encyclopedia Britannica

One "outer garment" worn was "soiled with possible contaminant", while one food worker failed to use the "proper utensil to eliminate bare hand contact with food that will not receive adequate heat treatment".

Independent

They offer a pain-free alternative to the 'just try and use your teeth' method, and must be the first example of a mouth-based kitchen utensil.

Independent

A co-incidental show at the British Museum, which held a remarkable exhibition of Jomon "dogu" three years ago, displays several masterpieces of vase and utensil from this fascinating culture.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a set of items, consider using more specific terms like "flatware" or "tableware" to provide clarity about the type of "utensils" being discussed.

Common error

Avoid using "utensil" when a more precise term like "tool", "implement", or a specific name (e.g., "spoon", "knife") would better convey the intended meaning. "Utensil" is most effective when referring to kitchen or dining implements.

Linguistic Context

The word "utensil" functions primarily as a noun, referring to an instrument or tool, especially one used in a kitchen or at a table. This aligns with Ludwig's definition and the various examples provided, which highlight its role in describing implements for cooking, eating, or writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

35%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "utensil" is a noun commonly used to describe a tool or implement, particularly in kitchen or dining contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the word is grammatically correct and widely applicable, spanning from formal encyclopedic entries to informal news articles. While generally neutral in tone, it's crucial to consider more specific terms when precision is required. Remember to use the word "utensil" appropriately when referring to kitchen and dining implements and rely on authoritative sources to refine its usage. Its widespread presence in sources like The New York Times, Encyclopedia Britannica, and The New Yorker underscores its reliability and versatility in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

kitchen implement

Focuses specifically on tools used in a culinary context, emphasizing function over general use.

eating implement

Specifically refers to tools used for consuming food, highlighting the act of eating.

cooking tool

Emphasizes tools used in the preparation of food, specifying their role in the cooking process.

serving tool

Specifically designates tools used for serving food, focusing on the act of distribution.

tableware

Refers collectively to items used at the table for serving and eating, broadening the scope.

flatware

Specifically refers to eating and serving utensils like knives, forks, and spoons.

instrument

A more general term, instrument is used when emphasizing the functionality of the tool for completing a task.

device

Refers to the practicality of its design for a specific purpose.

tool

Generic term referring to its usage in completing a task.

implement

Similar to tool, implement emphasizes the action or process being carried out.

FAQs

How can I use "utensil" in a sentence?

You can use "utensil" to refer to a tool or implement, especially in the kitchen. For example: "She placed the silverware in the utensil drawer".

What are some synonyms for "utensil"?

Some synonyms for "utensil" include "implement", "tool", "device", or "instrument", depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "utensil" to describe a writing instrument?

While less common, "utensil" can refer to a writing implement. However, it's more common to specify "writing utensil" or use "writing implement".

What's the difference between "utensil" and "appliance"?

"Utensil" generally refers to hand-held tools, especially for kitchen or dining use, while "appliance" refers to larger, often electrical, devices used in the home.