A1 noun Neutral #3,654 most common

tour

/tʊər/

A journey for pleasure where you visit several different places or a short visit around a building to see it. It usually involves following a specific route and seeing important sights.

Examples

3 of 5
1

We took a guided tour of the city to see the famous landmarks.

We went on a planned trip around the city with a guide.

2

The official provided a formal tour of the government building.

The officer showed us around the government office formally.

3

Hey, let's go on a quick tour of your new apartment!

Let's quickly look around your new home!

Word Family

Noun
tour
Verb
tour
Adjective
touring
Related
tourist
💡

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'turn'. A 'tour' is when you 'turn' around a city or building to see everything.

Quick Quiz

We booked a walking ___ of the historic center.

Correct!

The correct answer is: tour

Examples

1

We took a guided tour of the city to see the famous landmarks.

everyday

We went on a planned trip around the city with a guide.

2

The official provided a formal tour of the government building.

formal

The officer showed us around the government office formally.

3

Hey, let's go on a quick tour of your new apartment!

informal

Let's quickly look around your new home!

4

The historical tour focuses on the architectural development of the university.

academic

The educational walk looks at how the university buildings were made.

5

The CEO is currently on a business tour of the Asian branches.

business

The company leader is visiting different offices in Asia for work.

Word Family

Noun
tour
Verb
tour
Adjective
touring
Related
tourist

Common Collocations

guided tour a trip led by a professional guide
walking tour a tour where you walk instead of drive
world tour a journey visiting many countries around the world
package tour a holiday that includes travel and hotels in one price
bus tour seeing sights while traveling on a bus

Common Phrases

tour of duty

a period of time spent doing a specific job, often in the military

on tour

traveling to different places to perform (like a band or athlete)

whirlwind tour

a very fast trip visiting many places in a short time

Often Confused With

tour vs trip

A trip is a general journey from A to B, while a tour usually involves visiting several spots or a specific route.

tour vs travel

Travel is the general activity of moving between places, whereas a tour is a specific organized journey.

📝

Usage Notes

Use 'tour' when the person is visiting multiple locations in one trip or exploring a specific building/area in detail.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often say 'make a tour' but the correct verb is 'take a tour' or 'go on a tour'.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'turn'. A 'tour' is when you 'turn' around a city or building to see everything.

📖

Word Origin

From the Old French word 'tour', meaning a turn, circle, or orbit.

Grammar Patterns

Countable noun (plural: tours) Commonly used with the preposition 'of' (a tour of London) Often follows the verbs 'take', 'go on', or 'give'
🌍

Cultural Context

In many tourist cities, 'Free Walking Tours' are common where guides work for tips only.

Quick Quiz

We booked a walking ___ of the historic center.

Correct!

The correct answer is: tour

Related Phrases

More Travel words

train

A1

A train is a connected series of vehicles that move along metal tracks to carry people or goods from one place to another. It usually consists of an engine and several carriages or wagons.

taxi

A1

A car with a driver that you pay to take you exactly where you want to go. It usually has a sign on top and a meter inside to calculate the cost of the trip.

subway

A1

A subway is an underground electric railway system used for transporting passengers in a city. It provides a fast way to travel long distances while avoiding street-level traffic.

bicycle

A1

A vehicle with two wheels that you sit on and move by pushing pedals with your feet. It is a popular form of transportation for short distances and a common way to exercise.

motorcycle

A1

A motorcycle is a vehicle with two wheels that is powered by an engine. It is used for fast travel and usually carries one or two people.

backpack

A1

A bag with shoulder straps that allows you to carry items on your back, leaving your hands free. It is commonly used by students for school or by travelers and hikers to carry their belongings.

map

A1

A map is a visual representation or drawing of an area, such as a city, country, or the entire world. It shows physical features like roads, rivers, and landmarks to help people find locations or navigate from one place to another.

passenger

A1

A passenger is a person who travels in a vehicle, such as a car, bus, train, or airplane, but is not driving it or working on it. They usually pay a fare or have a ticket to travel from one place to another.

hostel

A1

A budget-friendly type of accommodation where guests usually rent a bed in a shared room (dormitory) and share common facilities like a kitchen or lounge. It is popular among students, backpackers, and young travelers looking for an affordable way to stay in a city.

reservation

A1

A reservation is an arrangement you make in advance to keep a seat, a table, or a room for yourself. It ensures that you have a place when you arrive at a hotel, restaurant, or on a train.

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