“Tide” or “Tied”—Which to use?

“Tide” or “Tied”

Overview

tide / tied are similar-sounding terms with different meanings (referred to as homophones). To better understand the differences, see below for definitions, pronunciation guides, and example sentences using each term. 👇

Definitions

tide: (noun) the periodic rise and fall of the sea level under the gravitational pull of the moon. (noun) something that may increase or decrease (like the tides of the sea). (noun) there are usually two high and two low tides each day. (verb) rise or move forward. (verb) cause to float with the tide. (verb) be carried with the tide.

tied: (verb) fasten or secure with a rope, string, or cord. (verb) finish a game with an equal number of points, goals, etc.. (verb) limit or restrict to. (verb) form a knot or bow in. (verb) make by tying pieces together. (verb) unite musical notes by a tie. (adjective) bound together by or as if by a strong rope; especially as by a bond of affection. (adjective) fastened with strings or cords. (adjective) of the score in a contest.

Pronunciation

tide: t·AY·d

tied: t·AY·d

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Examples in Context

Examples of “tide”

…linkspans to accommodate a greater tide range the train loads become…
Unfortunately, the incoming tide has prevented his escape, and…
In 2013, the Crimson Tide ranked 14th among Division I…
Where the tide is only for example the…
2016 Alabama Crimson Tide baseball team
The tide of the siege turned, however,…
…the University of Alabama Crimson Tide college baseball team.
…Coliseum, the home to Crimson Tide basketball, is located beyond the…
238: Crimson Tide
High Tide at Noon (1957) as Matille

Examples of “tied”

…2014 tournament, two players were tied in all playoffs and were…
It is tied to a long and wide…
…cycle of growth and retreat tied to the Sun's annual death…
…record (3–4 against conference opponents), tied for fourth place in the…
The matter was tied up in the courts for…
…Atomwaffen Division, a terrorist organization tied to a number of murders.
…Cuban, FARC and Angola funds tied to the political campaign of…
…four-in-hand tie which is permanently tied, with a dimple just below…
Mortuary Affairs has historically been tied with investigation of war crimes.
It is tied to the regulator in order…

(Examples are Wikipedia snippets under the CC ShareAlike 3.0 license. Definitions drawn from WordNet.)

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