word

USAGE SUMMARY

'word' is a correctly spelled and usable word in written English.
You can use it to refer to a single unit of language or to an expression or phrase, as in: "The word 'salutary' is not in common use."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Not a word?

The New York Times

In a word, no.

The New York Times

"They gave me their word a year ago and now I want them to honour that.

The Guardian - Sport

Don't believe a word of it.

The Economist

Tampon is not a dirty word, and neither is vagina".

The New York Times

In a word: yes.

The New York Times

Idiots, in a word.

The New York Times - Books

"He was a man of his word.

The New York Times

The commission report contains a word not often heard in governing circles in the United Kingdom - research.

The Guardian

Meanwhile Mrs Prada – the living, breathing personification of the word zeitgeist – sent out invitations to view her new collections (notice the plural).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Many of the interactions were not "conversations" in a meaningful sense of the word: did you vote Labour last time?

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a "word" in a linguistic analysis, ensure you're clear about whether you're discussing its form, function, or meaning.

Common error

Avoid using a "word" without considering its connotations or the specific context it's being used in. Misapplication can lead to miscommunication or unintended offense.

Linguistic Context

The primary function of the noun "word" is to denote a basic element of language that carries a specific meaning. Ludwig confirms this, showing diverse examples ranging from discussions about specific vocabulary to expressions of promises and intent.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "word" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a fundamental unit of language. As Ludwig highlights, its usage spans various contexts, from formal analysis to informal conversation. Given its widespread application, understanding its contextual nuances is key. Common pitfalls include neglecting the connotations of a "word" or overlooking the specific context in which it's employed. In essence, mastering "word" involves recognizing its multifaceted nature and employing it judiciously across diverse communication scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

term

Focuses on a specific label or designation, often technical or academic.

expression

Emphasizes the act of conveying a thought or feeling through language.

utterance

Highlights a spoken statement, often brief or spontaneous.

remark

Suggests a comment or observation, typically in a conversation.

statement

Implies a formal or official declaration of facts or opinions.

vocabulary

Refers to the collection of words known and used by a person or group.

phrase

Indicates a group of words forming a conceptual unit, shorter than a sentence.

news

Refers to new information or reports about recent events.

promise

Indicates a declaration assuring that one will do something or that a particular thing will happen.

discussion

Emphasizes the act of talking about something with another person or people.

FAQs

How to use "word" in a sentence?

The usage of "word" varies depending on the context. It can refer to a unit of language, like in "The "word" 'hello' is a common greeting", or a promise, as in "He gave me his "word"".

What's the difference between "word" and "term"?

"Word" is a general unit of language, while "term" often refers to a specific or technical expression used in a particular field or context.

What can I say instead of "my word is my bond"?

You can use alternatives like "I give you my "promise"", "I guarantee it", or "You have my "assurance"".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "a man of his word"?

The phrase "a man of his word" is used to describe someone who is trustworthy and keeps their "promises". It's appropriate when you want to emphasize someone's reliability and integrity.