conductor
A conductor is a person who directs the performance of an orchestra or choir, or an official in charge of a train or bus who collects fares. In a scientific context, it refers to a material that allows electricity, heat, or sound to pass through it easily.
Examples
3 of 5The conductor checked my ticket as the train pulled out of the station.
The person in charge of the train verified my ticket after departure.
The world-renowned conductor raised his baton, and the symphony began with a powerful chord.
The famous orchestra leader started the musical performance using his stick.
I asked the bus conductor if this route goes all the way to the airport.
I asked the worker on the bus about the travel destination.
Synonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a 'CON-duct-or' as someone who 'CON-nects' things—connecting the musicians to the music, or connecting electricity from one point to another.
Quick Quiz
The ______ raised his baton to signal the start of the violin solo.
Correct!
The correct answer is: conductor
Examples
The conductor checked my ticket as the train pulled out of the station.
everydayThe person in charge of the train verified my ticket after departure.
The world-renowned conductor raised his baton, and the symphony began with a powerful chord.
formalThe famous orchestra leader started the musical performance using his stick.
I asked the bus conductor if this route goes all the way to the airport.
informalI asked the worker on the bus about the travel destination.
Copper is widely used in electrical wiring because it is an excellent conductor.
academicCopper is a material that allows electricity to flow through it very well.
She acted as the conductor of the project, ensuring every department worked in perfect harmony.
businessShe managed the business project like an orchestra leader to ensure cooperation.
Synonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
bus conductor
a person who collects fares on a public bus
semi-conductor
a substance used in electronics with specific electrical properties
heat conductor
a substance through which thermal energy flows
Often Confused With
A conductor manages the passengers and fares on a train or bus, while a driver operates the vehicle's engine and steering.
While both lead, a director is a general term for leadership in film or business, whereas a conductor specifically leads a musical performance or physical energy.
Usage Notes
Use 'conductor' when referring to music, public transport personnel, or physics. In the US, 'conductor' is standard for train officials, while in the UK, 'guard' is sometimes used for similar roles.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use 'conductor' to mean the person driving a car; however, a conductor is never the person steering a small private vehicle.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'CON-duct-or' as someone who 'CON-nects' things—connecting the musicians to the music, or connecting electricity from one point to another.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin 'conductus', which means to lead or bring together (con- 'together' + ducere 'to lead').
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
The image of a conductor standing on a podium with a baton is a central cultural symbol of classical music and authority.
Quick Quiz
The ______ raised his baton to signal the start of the violin solo.
Correct!
The correct answer is: conductor
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
a
A1A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.
I
A1The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.
for
A1Used to show who is intended to have or use something, or to explain the purpose or reason for an action. It is also frequently used to indicate a specific duration of time.
not
A1A function word used to express negation or denial. It is primarily used to make a sentence or phrase negative, often following an auxiliary verb or the verb 'to be'.
with
A1A preposition used to indicate that people or things are together, in the same place, or performing an action together. It can also describe the instrument used to perform an action or a characteristic that someone or something has.
he
A1A pronoun used to refer to a male person or animal that has already been mentioned or is easily identified. It functions as the subject of a sentence.
you
A1Used to refer to the person or people that the speaker is addressing. It is the second-person pronoun used for both singular and plural subjects and objects.
at
A1A preposition used to indicate a specific point, location, or position in space. It is also used to specify a particular point in time or a certain state or activity.
but
A1A coordinating conjunction used to connect two statements that contrast with each other. It is used to introduce an added statement that is different from what has already been mentioned.
his
A1This word is used to show that something belongs to or is associated with a male person or animal previously mentioned. It functions as both a possessive determiner used before a noun and a possessive pronoun used on its own.
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