What is clothes? Pronunciation and usage in English

clothes means . Learn how to pronounce and use clothes through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of clothes

clothesnoun

/kləʊðz/
Definition & pronunciation of clothes

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "clothes" in English. Here's a breakdown and a few ways to approach it:

The most common and generally accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈkluːz/ (This is phonetically how it's written)

Let's break that down:

  • ˈkluː - This is the main part.
    • k - Pronounced like the "k" in "kite."
    • l - Pronounced like the "l" in "light."
    • uː - This is the long "oo" sound, like in "moon" or "blue." This is the most important part to get right!
  • z - Pronounced like the "z" in "zebra." It's a soft "z" sound, not a harsh "zz."

Here’s how it sounds (using online resources):

Tips for getting it right:

  • Focus on the long "oo" sound: Many people struggle with this vowel. Really stretch your mouth like you're saying "moon."
  • Keep the 'z' soft: Don't overemphasize the 'z' sound.
  • Listen and repeat: The best way to learn is to listen to native speakers and imitate them.

A slightly less common, but still acceptable pronunciation (more common in British English):

  • /ˈkloʊz/ (The 'uː' is replaced with a 'oʊ' - like "go")

Resources for hearing the difference:

  • YouTube: Search "clothes pronunciation British English" and "clothes pronunciation American English" to hear the nuances.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation for you?
  • Give you some example sentences using the word "clothes"?

Usage and examples with the word clothes in English

Let's break down how to use the word "clothes" in English. It's a very common word with lots of different ways to use it!

1. Basic Definition:

  • Clothes refers to items of clothing that people wear. This includes things like shirts, pants, dresses, shoes, socks, jackets, etc.

2. Common Uses & Phrases:

  • "I need to buy some clothes." (General statement about needing to purchase items of clothing)
  • "She’s wearing beautiful clothes." (Describing what someone is wearing)
  • "Do you have any clothes to spare?" (Asking if someone has extra clothing)
  • "I'm washing my clothes." (Referring to clothing needing cleaning)
  • "Clothes are expensive these days." (A general observation about the cost of clothing)
  • "Clothes hangers" (Items used to hold clothes)
  • "Clothes shop/store" (A place where you buy clothes)

3. Different Types of Clothes:

You can be more specific about the types of clothes you’re talking about:

  • Formal Clothes: Suits, dresses, ties, blouses – clothing for special occasions or work.
  • Casual Clothes: Jeans, t-shirts, shorts, sneakers – clothing for everyday wear.
  • Work Clothes: Uniforms, overalls, safety vests – clothing specific to a job.
  • Underclothes/Underwear: Things worn beneath other clothes (bra, boxers, etc.)
  • Outerwear: Jackets, coats, hats – clothing worn over other clothes.
  • Swimwear: Swimsuits, trunks – clothing worn for swimming.

4. Using "Clothes" in Sentences – Examples:

  • “Could you please put your clothes in the laundry basket?” (Giving a request)
  • “My favorite clothes are my blue jeans.” (Expressing a preference)
  • “The weather is so cold, I need to put on more clothes.” (Talking about warmth)
  • “She packed a lot of clothes for her trip.” (Describing what was included in a bag)
  • "I'm running late; I need to change my clothes." (Meaning you need to get dressed)

5. Related Words & Phrases:

  • Wardrobe: The collection of clothes a person owns. (“My wardrobe is overflowing.”)
  • Closet: A room or space where clothes are stored (“I keep my clothes in my closet.”)
  • Outfit: A complete set of clothes worn together ("She wore a lovely outfit to the party.")
  • To dress (someone): To put clothes on someone. ("I’m going to dress my daughter for school.")
  • To change clothes: To exchange one outfit for another.

Resources for More Information:

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What specifically are you wanting to know about using "clothes"? (e.g., are you struggling with a particular sentence, do you want to know how to describe a specific type of clothing, etc.)

Synonyms for the word clothes

Idioms of the word clothes

the emperor's new clothes
used to describe a situation in which everybody suddenly realizes that they were wrong to believe that somebody/something was very good, important, etc.
  • Is this artist's white canvas a case of the emperor's new clothes or is it something beautiful, even moving?
  • Soon investors will realize that the emperor has no clothes and there will be a big sell-off in stocks.

Practice with vocabulary clothes

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. She decided to donate her old _________ to charity before moving to a new house.
  2. The weather is so cold that I need to wear multiple layers of _________ to stay warm.
  3. After the hike, his _________ were covered in mud, so he had to wash them immediately.
  4. The tailor measured her carefully to ensure the gown would fit perfectly.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. What do you call the items people wear on their bodies?
    a) Furniture
    b) Clothes
    c) Accessories
  2. Which of the following are essential for a formal event?
    a) Shoes
    b) Clothes
    c) Jewelry
  3. What should you pack for a winter trip?
    a) Clothes
    b) Books
    c) Food
  4. Which word refers specifically to items like scarves and hats?
    a) Outfits
    b) Accessories
    c) Fabrics
  5. What is the best word to describe a person’s style of dressing?
    a) Wardrobe
    b) Fashion
    c) Outfit

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: She bought a new outfit for the party.
    Rewrite: She purchased new clothes for the party.
  2. Original: The laundry room is full of dirty garments.
    Rewrite: The laundry room is full of dirty clothes.
  3. Original: He folded his shirts neatly before putting them in the drawer.
    Rewrite: He folded his wardrobe neatly before putting it in the drawer.

Answers

Exercise 1:

  1. clothes
  2. clothing
  3. clothes
  4. gown

Exercise 2:

  1. b) Clothes
  2. b) Clothes
  3. a) Clothes
  4. b) Accessories
  5. b) Fashion

Exercise 3:

  1. She purchased new clothes for the party.
  2. The laundry room is full of dirty clothes.
  3. He folded his wardrobe neatly before putting it in the drawer.

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