B1noun2K

Coal

UK /["/kəʊl/"]/US /["/kəʊl/"]/

Definition

a hard black mineral that is found below the ground and burnt to produce heat

In simple words: A black rock that is burned for heat or energy.

Examples

  • The factory used coal as its primary source of energy.
  • During the winter, people often burn coal to heat their homes.
  • Coal is mined in large quantities in many parts of the world.
  • The artist used coal to create beautiful drawings.
  • The debate over coal as a fuel source centers around its environmental impact.

Usage notes

Used when discussing energy, mining, or the environment. Not typically used in formal writing about renewable energy. In casual conversations, 'coal' can come up when talking about heating homes or historical industries.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Remember 'coal' sounds like 'cold' — think of how it warms you up!

Collocations

  • clean
  • smokeless
  • hard
  • lump
  • piece
  • mine
  • produce
  • burn
  • burn
  • fire
  • mine
  • pit
  • burning
  • glowing
  • hot
  • glow

Synonyms

  • charcoal
  • fuel
  • fossil fuel
  • lignite
  • anthracite

Antonyms

  • renewable energy
  • clean energy

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'coal' as in 'kol' (a different term).
  • Mistaking coal for other fossil fuels like oil or natural gas.
  • Overgeneralizing usage in contexts where it may not be relevant, like current technology.