What is string? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of string

stringnoun/verb

/strɪŋ/
Definition & pronunciation of string

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "string." It's a bit tricky for some learners! Here's a breakdown:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

  • /strɪŋ/ (rhymes with "ring")

Let's break that down further:

  • "str": This part sounds like "str" in "street" or "stream." Make sure your tongue is slightly forward in your mouth.
  • "i": This is a short "i" sound, like in "bit" or "sit."
  • "ng": This is the classic "ng" sound, like in "sing" or "hang." Your tongue should be relaxed at the back of your mouth.

Important notes:

  • Don't say "strenge." That's a very common mistake! The "e" is silent.
  • Focus on the "ring" sound. Hearing native speakers say it is the best way to get the rhythm and intonation right.

Resources for Hearing it:

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

  • Are you learning English as a second language?
  • What sounds do you find particularly difficult in English pronunciation?

Usage and examples with the word string in English

Let's break down how to use the word "string" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with many different meanings! Here's a categorized breakdown:

1. As a Physical Cord/Line:

  • Definition: A series of connected strands, often made of fiber or wire.
  • Examples:
    • "She tied a string around the present." (a length of string for tying)
    • "The kite was attached to a long string." (cord controlling the kite)
    • "He used a fishing string to catch the fish." (fishing line)
    • "The musician plucked the strings of his guitar." (referring to the guitar's wires)

2. As a Sequence of Characters (Text):

  • Definition: A series of letters, numbers, and symbols. This is a very common meaning in computer science and programming.
  • Examples:
    • "Enter your password in a string." (a sequence of characters)
    • "The program generated a string of random numbers." (a series of numbers)
    • "I need to copy and paste this string into the document." (text)
    • "The string of code was too long to fit on the screen." (programming)

3. Figurative Meanings – Connections & Relationships:

  • Definition: Used to describe a chain of events, a series of actions, or a relationship.
  • Examples:
    • "There's a string of bad luck following him." (a continuous series of unfortunate events)
    • "Her life was a string of unexpected twists and turns." (a sequence of events)
    • "He has a string of successes behind him." (a series of accomplishments)
    • "They're connected by a string of common friends." (a network of relationships)

4. Games & Activities:

  • Definition: A set of commands/operations used in a game.
  • Examples:
    • “The string of commands to win the game was quite complex.” (a sequence of actions)
    • "They spent the evening playing string games." (card games often involving drawing cards in a sequence)

5. Other Less Common Uses:

  • String beans/Green beans: (Fruit/Vegetable - this is a noun, not a use of the word "string")
  • String theory: (A complex physics theory)

Here's a table summarizing the different meanings:

Meaning Definition Example
Physical Cord Connected strands of fiber or wire "Tie a string around the gift."
Text/Characters A sequence of letters, numbers, etc. "Enter a string of text."
Figurative Sequence A series of events or connections "A string of bad luck."
Games Sequence of commands to achieve a goal "The string of commands..."

Tips for Using “String” Correctly:

  • Context is key: Pay attention to the surrounding words to understand which meaning is intended.
  • Consider the situation: Is it a physical object, a computer term, or a metaphor?

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

  • What specific context are you trying to use “string” in? (e.g., "I'm writing a story," "I'm coding a program," "I'm talking about a game")

Synonyms for the word string

Idioms of the word string

(tied to) somebody’s apron strings
(too much under) the influence and control of somebody
  • The British prime minister is too apt to cling to Washington's apron strings.
have another string/more strings to your bow
(British English)to have more than one skill or plan that you can use if you need to
  • The exhibition shows that he has other strings to his artistic bow.
how long is a piece of string?
(British English, informal)used to say that there is no definite answer to a question
  • ‘How long will it take?’ ‘How long's a piece of string?’
pull strings (for somebody)
(informal)to use your influence in order to get an advantage for somebody
    pull the strings
    to control events or the actions of other people

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