B2noun1K

Ton

UK /["/tʌn/"]/US /["/tʌn/"]/

Definition

a unit for measuring weight, in the UK 2 240 pounds (long ton) and in the US 2 000 pounds (short ton)

In simple words: A ton is a large measure of weight equal to 2,000 pounds in the US.

Examples

  • What have you got in this bag? It **weighs a ton** *(= is very heavy)*.
  • They've got tons of money.
  • I've still got tons to do.
  • He was caught doing a ton.
  • Disappointment hit her like a ton of bricks.
  • They **came down on him like a ton of bricks** *(= criticized him very severely)*.

Usage notes

Use 'ton' when discussing weight, especially for heavy items. Avoid using it in contexts where precision is needed. In informal conversations, 'ton' can also mean a large amount (e.g., 'a ton of work').

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Sounds like 'ton' — imagine a giant weighing as much as a ton!

Collocations

  • ton of bricks
  • ton of fun
  • a ton of work

Synonyms

  • metric ton
  • load
  • bulk

Antonyms

  • ounce
  • pound

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'ton' with 'tonne' (metric ton).
  • Using 'tons' in formal situations where 'a large number of' is more appropriate.
  • 'Ton' used incorrectly as a verb.