ton
/tʌn/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A unit of weight: A "ton" is a unit of mass or weight. There are different standard definitions, primarily the long ton (British) and the short ton (United States).
- A large amount (informal): In informal contexts, "ton" is used to mean a very large quantity or amount of something.
Usage
- As a measurement: Use "ton" to specify weight, typically for heavy goods like cargo, vehicles, or materials.
- Informal quantification: Use "ton" informally, often in the plural form "tons," to emphasize a large, non-specific quantity.
Examples
- As a unit of weight:
- The ship can carry over 10,000 tons of cargo.
- A short ton is equivalent to 2,000 pounds.
- Informal use meaning "a lot":
- I have tons of work to do before the deadline.
- Thanks a ton for your help!
Advanced Usage
- "Metric ton" (or "tonne"): A unit of mass equal to 1,000 kilograms (approximately 2,204.6 pounds), used in most countries and in scientific contexts.
- The factory produces 50 metric tons of steel each day.
- "Long ton": The British imperial unit equal to 2,240 pounds (approximately 1,016 kilograms).
- The old British statute defined a long ton.
- "Deadweight ton": A unit of a ship's carrying capacity.
- The vessel has a deadweight tonnage of 80,000.
Variants and Related Words
- Tonne (n): The metric ton (1,000 kg).
- Tonnes (n, pl): The plural form of "tonne."
- Tonnage (n): The weight of goods a ship can carry, or a duty on ships based on their capacity.
- Tonal (adj): Relating to tone or sound quality. (Note: This is a different word, often confused due to similar spelling).
Synonyms
- For the unit: Hundredweight (a smaller unit, 100 pounds in the US, 112 pounds in the UK).
- For "a lot" (informal): Loads, heaps, masses, a great deal.
Related Phrases
- "Come down on someone like a ton of bricks": To criticize or punish someone very severely.
- If you're late again, the boss will come down on you like a ton of bricks.
- "Weigh a ton": To be very heavy (informal).
- This suitcase weighs a ton! What did you pack?
Idioms
- "A ton of money": A very large amount of money.
- That new tech startup is making a ton of money.
- "Hit like a ton of bricks": To have a sudden, powerful, and often negative emotional impact.
- The news of his departure hit her like a ton of bricks.
Noun
- a British unit of weight equivalent to 2240 pounds
- a United States unit of weight equivalent to 2000 pounds