ward

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "ward" is correct and usable in written English.
Generally, the word "ward" means to be in charge of or responsible for the safety or well-being of someone or something. It can also be used to refer to a district or division of a city or town. For example, "The library is located in the downtown ward of the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

The BBC1 airing trounced rivals on the other channels such as Channel 4's The Island with Bear Grylls, which scored 2.4 million viewers and ITV maternity ward comedy The Delivery Man, which averaged 1.2 million.

The Guardian

The numbers of trolley waits – patients who have been treated in A&E and are waiting to be admitted to a ward – are almost as bad.

The Guardian

New smart cities that have begun to take advantage of these tools include Tanzania's Kigamboni, an administrative ward of the capital, Dar es Salaam, Congo's Cité du Fleuve, Kenya's Tatu and Kozo Tech, Ghana's Hope City and Nigeria's Eko Atlantic developments.

The Guardian

In June 2014 Abdullah joined the anti-Islamic State international coalition to ward off increasing suspicion of Saudi sponsorship of radical jihadi groups in Syria.

The Guardian

After the maternity ward, accident and emergency, and police custody, the often turbulent process of divorce will become the focus of the latest TV documentary series to use Big Brother-style cameras.

The Guardian

To date, research has either focused on the macro level (hospital/trust) performance or on micro level (patient) outcomes, but there is very little work done at ward or clinical team level where the care is actually carried out.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Herrick returns not with lip-smacking vengeance but edgy vulnerability, rescued from the psych-ward and taking up residence as the mad vampire in the attic.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

But leaving behind the Confederate flags and rhinestones are up-and-coming British country acts, including young singer Sasha McVeigh, married couple Claire McArthur-Bain McArthur-Bain and Paul BainRaintofn, and Hampshire twin sisters Catherine and Lizzy of the duo Ward Thomas.

The Guardian - Music

This article was amended on 31 December 2014 to make clear that David Ward was not responsible for the worst-affected services at King's Cross during the Christmas travel problems.

The Guardian

His team had been subjected to some intense pressure during the final moments and the game would have gone to penalties but for a brilliant goalline clearance from Joel Ward after Fernando Forestieri had curled a shot with the outside of his boot past Julián Speroni.

The Guardian - Sport

Masks, by Gillian Flynn (Gone Girl) and Dave Gibbons (Watchmen), is a chillingly dark tale of maternal vigilantism, while up-and-coming talent Christian Ward (Infinite Vacation, Young Avengers) adapted Margaret Atwood's short story Freeforall, a typically dystopian vision of love and marriage.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ward" as a verb, specify what is being warded off (e.g. ward off danger, ward off suspicion).

Common error

Be mindful of the distinction between the singular "ward" and plural "wards". The plural form indicates multiple districts or hospital units, not simply a more intense version of the singular.

Linguistic Context

The word "ward" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a division of a city, a section in a hospital, or a person under guardianship. It also functions as a verb, meaning to protect or defend. Ludwig AI confirms the versatility of "ward" across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "ward" is a versatile term with distinct noun and verb forms, each carrying its own specific meaning. As a noun, "ward" commonly refers to a division of a city or a section in a hospital. As a verb, it signifies protection or defense. According to Ludwig AI, "ward" is grammatically correct and widely used. It's important to consider the context to ensure clarity, especially when distinguishing between the noun and verb forms. While "ward" is generally appropriate for neutral registers, specific contexts may lean towards formal or informal language. Understanding the nuances of "ward" ensures effective communication in both writing and speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hospital unit

Emphasizes the function of a "ward" as a specific section within a hospital.

hospital section

A more direct synonym for the part of a hospital.

hospital bay

Highlights "ward" as a section within a hospital dedicated to patient beds.

administrative division

Focuses on "ward" as a defined geographical or political area.

election district

Highlights the use of "ward" in the context of voting and political representation.

protect

Focuses on the verb sense of "ward", meaning to guard or defend.

shield

Emphasizes defensive or protective action.

looked-after child

Highlights the function of a "ward" as person under someone's care.

child in care

Highlights the function of a "ward" as person under the care of an institution.

defend

Highlights a more active approach to warding off something.

FAQs

How is "ward" used in a sentence?

The word "ward" can be a noun referring to a division of a city or a patient area in a hospital. It can also be a verb meaning to protect or defend. For example: "The library is in the downtown ward" or "The nurse checked on patients in the ward" or "He used a shield to ward off the attack".

What can I say instead of "ward off"?

You can use alternatives like "repel", "fend off", or "avert" depending on the context.

When should I use "ward" versus "warden"?

"Ward" refers to a division, a hospital unit or the action of guarding, whereas "warden" refers to a person in charge of a prison or protected area. They have distinct meanings and should not be interchanged.

What is the difference between a "ward" and a "department" in a hospital?

While both are sections of a hospital, a "ward" typically refers to a patient care area, while a "department" usually refers to a specialized medical service (e.g. radiology department).