verse

USAGE SUMMARY

"verse" is a correct word to use in written English.
It can be used as either a noun or a verb. For example, as a noun: "The poem was beautifully written in two verses". As a verb: "He versed himself in the language before he traveled to the country".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I sing the second verse and maybe the middle eight, then there's a key change, a gospel choir and some ad-libs, the end".

The Guardian - Music

His written prose, including many sensible reviews were more normal but his verse, which shows some influence of A E Housman who taught him at Cambridge, clearly indicates the romantic urge driving him.

The Guardian

Verse by Shakespeare, Wordsworth and Longfellow replaced the love notes.

The Guardian

It was a prophetic choice: The Moment, by Margaret Atwood, which begins, "The moment when, after many years/ of hard work and a long voyage…" Distracted by the Ben Howard track playing in his ears, Mushy managed to read the verse, unsteady at first but building in confidence.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Carter's great love of verse was evident at her funeral when Salman Rushdie read Andrew Marvell's poem On a Drop of Dew at her own request.

The Guardian - Books

And after we finish the first verse, I look over at Leigh, and she has that same look on her face that she had before, and I can tell she knows what's coming.

The Guardian

"From Hell, Hull and Halifax, good Lord deliver us," pleaded a 17th-century verse that helped colour Britain's view of the city for the next four centuries.

The Guardian

He could have been distinguished in academic life his work on Herodotus suggests that he could have made his mark as a classical scholar but his excursions into English verse, collected, in 1990, from several slim volumes, hardly suggest that we lost a poet when we gained a politician.

The Guardian

But government employment agencies aren't really geared to finding work for applicants whose job skills are "light comedy, Shakespearean verse and anything requiring a creamy baritone".

The Guardian

And there was a whole long verse after that and the chorus.

The Guardian

Their experimental, vernacular early works reinforced the impression Iain and I assimilated from school and university in the early 70s: that poetry had evolved away from contrived artificialities of rhythm and diction to free verse, and that the high points were TS Eliot's The Waste Land and the rugged, ragged lines of Hugh MacDiarmid.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing poetry, consider specifying the type of "verse", such as free "verse", blank "verse", or rhyming "verse", to provide clarity and context.

Common error

Avoid using "verse" when you mean "versus". "Verse" refers to poetry or a section of scripture, while "versus" indicates opposition or competition.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "verse" is as a noun, referring to a unit of poetry or a section of scripture. It can also function as a verb, meaning to compose or educate in. As per Ludwig, the word is correct to use in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Academic

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "verse" is a versatile term primarily functioning as a noun to describe a section of poetry or scripture. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound. The term is commonly used across various contexts, from news and media to formal writing. When using "verse", consider the context to ensure clarity and avoid confusion with "versus". Furthermore, explore related phrases such as "poetic composition" or "lines of poetry" to enhance your writing. Whether you're analyzing Shakespeare or referencing scripture, understanding the nuances of "verse" will contribute to more precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

poetic form

Stresses the structure and conventions employed in creating poetry.

poetic composition

Focuses more on the act of creating poetry rather than a specific form.

stanza

Refers to a group of lines forming a unit within a poem, often with a recurring metrical or rhyme scheme.

metrical composition

Highlights the structured, rhythmic aspect of poetic writing.

lines of poetry

Emphasizes individual lines as components of poetic work.

poetic stanza

Specifies a group of lines forming a division in a poem.

lines of scripture

Highlights the individual lines composing sacred texts.

biblical passage

Refers specifically to sections within the Bible, similar to a "verse" in scripture.

scriptural text

Highlights the authoritative nature of the written religious material.

chapter and verse

Emphasizes providing exact references or details, often in a persuasive way.

FAQs

How is "verse" used in poetry?

"Verse" in poetry refers to a unit of lines, a style of writing, or poetry in general. It often implies a structured form with rhythm and rhyme.

What is the difference between "verse" and "poetry"?

"Verse" can refer to a specific section or form within "poetry", or "poetry" in general. "Poetry" is the broader art form, while "verse" can be a component or a specific style within it.

How do I use "verse" when referring to the Bible?

In the context of the Bible, a "verse" is a numbered section within a chapter. You can refer to a specific "verse" by citing the book, chapter, and "verse" number.

What can I say instead of "written in verse"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "written in "poetry"", "in "poetic form"", or "in "metrical composition"".