grid
/ɡrɪd/ (bre, ipa) · /ɡrɪd/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈgrid/ (ame, mw)
grid — noun
- gridsingular
- gridsplural
1. a set of crossing straight lines that creates squares of equal size, used to arr
a set of crossing straight lines that creates squares of equal size, used to arrange objects, organize data, or find locations on a map.
The architect drew a grid on the blueprint to plan the layout of each room.
collocation: draw a grid
Naoko plotted the monthly sales data on a grid with months along the bottom.
collocation: plot on a grid
Each notebook page has a fine blue grid for sketching graphs and diagrams neatly.
Quan arranged the family photos in a four-by-four grid on the living room wall.
The subway map uses a simple grid so passengers can find any station quickly.
文法句型
grid of [plural noun]
on + a/the + grid
arrange/organize in + a grid
用法筆記
Countable noun. Often used with prepositions such as 'on' ('on a grid') or 'in' ('in a grid'). The grid pattern is found in many everyday contexts, from city street layouts to spreadsheet tables.
常見錯誤
2. the connected network of cables, wires, or pipes that supplies electricity, gas,
the connected network of cables, wires, or pipes that supplies electricity, gas, or water from central sources to homes, businesses, and other buildings across a large area.
A storm damaged the power lines and cut electricity to half the national grid.
collocation: national grid / power grid
Asher installed solar panels so his home no longer relies on the main electricity grid.
collocation: electricity grid
Walid's team is upgrading the power grid in northern Morocco for wind and solar energy.
Marco shut down part of the city gas grid after a gas leak was found.
- network
broader term; can refer to any connected system, not specifically energy
- power system
more formal and technical; often used in engineering contexts
文法句型
the + grid
national/regional + grid
off/connected to + the + grid
用法筆記
Frequently used with 'the' when referring to a country's main system ('the grid'). 'On the grid' means connected to the public supply; 'off the grid' means not connected. Subject is often an institution (power company, government agency).
常見錯誤
3. living or operating without relying on the main public power, gas, and water sup
living or operating without relying on the main public power, gas, and water supply, for example by producing one's own electricity and collecting one's own water.
Élise and her family built an off-grid cabin in the mountains with no electricity bills.
common phrase: off-grid cabin
Tariq installed solar panels and batteries so he could move completely off the grid.
common phrase: off the grid
Hana and her partner built an off-grid house with solar panels and a rainwater tank.
The remote research station is off-grid, using solar panels and rainwater for all its needs.
- self-sufficient
broader meaning — can include growing food, not just energy independence
- independent
general term; not specific to utilities
- on-grid
connected to public utility systems
文法句型
off-grid + [noun]
off the grid
live/go + off-grid
用法筆記
This sense always appears in compound form: 'off-grid' (as an adjective before a noun) or 'off the grid' (as an adverbial phrase). Not used as a standalone noun. The meaning is always about energy/water independence, never about data or communication networks.
常見錯誤
4. a system of numbered or lettered squares printed on a map, where each square has
a system of numbered or lettered squares printed on a map, where each square has a unique code that allows a user to find a specific place quickly.
The hikers used the map grid to report their position to the rescue team.
collocation: grid on a map
Valentina found the old church by checking its grid reference in the guidebook.
collocation: grid reference
Nila found the gallery by checking grid reference C7 on the city map.
The park ranger asked for the grid coordinates of where we spotted the injured deer.
- coordinate system
more technical; used in GPS and surveying rather than paper maps
- map reference
nearly interchangeable but less common than 'grid reference' in British English
文法句型
grid + reference/coordinates
on + a/the + grid
用法筆記
Often used in combination with 'reference' ('grid reference') or 'coordinates' ('grid coordinates'). The grid system on a map is usually labeled with letters along one edge and numbers along the other, so a location can be given as a code like 'B3' or 'F7.'
常見錯誤
5. the set of marked lanes on a race track where racing cars line up just before th
the set of marked lanes on a race track where racing cars line up just before the race begins, arranged in rows according to how fast each driver qualified.
The defending champion took pole position at the front of the grid for Sunday's race.
motor racing: pole position / front of the grid
Rain forced the officials to delay the start as the cars waited on the grid.
Megan moved up three places on the grid after the leading driver received a penalty.
Twenty racing cars lined up on the grid as the red lights came on.
- starting line-up
more general term for the order of participants at the start of any race or competition
- starting positions
descriptive phrase rather than a direct synonym; less technical
文法句型
the + grid
on the + grid
starting grid
front/back of the + grid
用法筆記
Commonly used with 'starting grid' or simply 'the grid.' 'Pole position' refers to the first slot at the front of the grid. The grid is determined by qualifying lap times, with the fastest driver starting first. This sense is specific to motor racing contexts (Formula 1, MotoGP, etc.) and is not used for other types of races.