A1 noun Neutral #2,666 most common

shorts

/ʃɔːrts/

Shorts are a type of clothing worn on the lower part of the body that covers the hips and the tops of the legs. They are typically worn in warm weather or during physical activities like sports and exercise.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I usually wear shorts and a T-shirt when I go to the beach.

I usually wear shorts and a T-shirt when I go to the beach.

2

The formal dress code for the garden party explicitly forbids denim shorts.

The formal dress code for the garden party explicitly forbids denim shorts.

3

Grab your shorts and let's go play some football in the park!

Grab your shorts and let's go play some football in the park!

Word Family

Noun
shorts
Verb
shorten
Adverb
shortly
Adjective
short
Related
shortness
💡

Memory Tip

Think of trousers that were 'shortened' until they became 'shorts'.

Quick Quiz

The sun is shining today, so I am going to put on my favorite _______.

Correct!

The correct answer is: shorts

Examples

1

I usually wear shorts and a T-shirt when I go to the beach.

everyday

I usually wear shorts and a T-shirt when I go to the beach.

2

The formal dress code for the garden party explicitly forbids denim shorts.

formal

The formal dress code for the garden party explicitly forbids denim shorts.

3

Grab your shorts and let's go play some football in the park!

informal

Grab your shorts and let's go play some football in the park!

4

Research indicates that specialized compression shorts can improve athletic performance and recovery.

academic

Research indicates that specialized compression shorts can improve athletic performance and recovery.

5

Our summer business-casual policy allows for tailored shorts in the office.

business

Our summer business-casual policy allows for tailored shorts in the office.

Word Family

Noun
shorts
Verb
shorten
Adverb
shortly
Adjective
short
Related
shortness

Common Collocations

a pair of shorts a pair of shorts
running shorts running shorts
denim shorts denim shorts
cargo shorts cargo shorts
board shorts board shorts

Common Phrases

Bermuda shorts

Bermuda shorts

board shorts

board shorts

cycling shorts

cycling shorts

Often Confused With

shorts vs short

Short is an adjective describing length, while shorts is a noun referring to the clothing item.

shorts vs pants

Pants cover the entire leg to the ankle, whereas shorts only cover the upper part of the leg.

📝

Usage Notes

The word 'shorts' is a 'pluralia tantum' noun, meaning it is always used in the plural form even when referring to one item.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often say 'a short' when they mean one pair. You should say 'a pair of shorts' or simply 'shorts'.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of trousers that were 'shortened' until they became 'shorts'.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Old English word 'sceort', meaning 'not long'.

Grammar Patterns

Always plural: 'These shorts are blue' (not 'This short is blue'). Counted using 'pair of': 'I bought two pairs of shorts.' No singular form exists for the clothing item.
🌍

Cultural Context

In many Western cultures, shorts are considered casual attire and are often restricted in professional or religious environments.

Quick Quiz

The sun is shining today, so I am going to put on my favorite _______.

Correct!

The correct answer is: shorts

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B2

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B2

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