At the A1 level, 'prints' is a word you will see in very simple contexts. As a verb, it is the action of a machine making paper copies. For example, 'The printer prints the paper.' You use the 's' because the printer is an 'it'. As a noun, 'prints' usually refers to photos. You might say, 'I have five prints of my cat.' It is important to know that 'prints' comes from 'print'. We use 'print' for 'I', 'you', 'we', and 'they'. We use 'prints' for 'he', 'she', and 'it'. This is a basic rule of English. You might also see 'prints' on a computer screen. When you want to see your work on paper, you click a button. The computer then prints the page. This word is very common in schools and offices. You will also see it on forms. A form might say 'Print your name'. This means write your name clearly, not in a fancy way. This helps people read your name easily. Learning this word helps you talk about technology and everyday tasks. It is a very useful word for beginners because it describes a common action we do every day with computers and cameras.
At the A2 level, you can start to use 'prints' in more descriptive ways. You will learn that 'prints' can be the marks left by your feet or hands. For example, 'There are muddy prints on the floor.' This helps you describe what you see around you. You will also use 'prints' when talking about clothes. Some shirts have 'floral prints' (flowers) or 'animal prints' (like a tiger). This is a great way to talk about fashion and style. As a verb, 'prints' is still used for machines. 'My dad prints the news every morning.' You can also use it for people who write in a specific way. 'She prints her letters because her handwriting is messy.' This means she writes each letter separately. In A2, you should also know the word 'fingerprints'. These are the special marks on your fingers. The police use 'prints' to find people. This is a common topic in simple stories or news. You will also see 'prints' in the context of art. Some people buy 'prints' of famous paintings because the original is too expensive. This shows you understand that 'prints' are copies of something special. Using this word correctly helps you move from very basic English to more interesting conversations about your life and the world.
At the B1 level, you are expected to use 'prints' with more precision and in varied contexts. You understand the difference between 'prints' as a plural noun and as a third-person singular verb. In a professional setting, you might discuss how a company 'prints' its promotional materials. You can also use it in the context of technology, such as 3D printing. 'The new 3D printer prints plastic models in just a few hours.' This shows you can talk about modern trends. You will also encounter 'prints' in more abstract ways. For example, 'The experience left its prints on his soul,' though 'marks' is more common, 'prints' can be used metaphorically in literature. You should also be familiar with common phrases like 'in print' or 'out of print'. If a book is 'in print', you can still buy it. If it is 'out of print', the publisher no longer prints it. This is important for talking about books and media. In the arts, you might discuss the quality of 'photographic prints' or 'art prints'. You understand that 'prints' are not just copies, but can be valuable items themselves. You can also use 'prints' to describe patterns in interior design, like 'geometric prints' on wallpaper. This level of vocabulary allows you to participate in more detailed discussions about work, hobbies, and the media.
At the B2 level, you should be comfortable using 'prints' in technical, artistic, and idiomatic contexts. You can distinguish between different types of 'prints', such as 'offset prints', 'digital prints', or 'screen prints', and explain the processes behind them. In a business context, you might analyze how a publisher 'prints' and distributes its content globally. You are also aware of the forensic application of the word. You can discuss how 'latent prints' are recovered from a crime scene and the legal implications of 'matching prints' in a criminal investigation. This requires a higher level of vocabulary and the ability to handle complex topics. You will also see 'prints' used in the textile industry to describe sophisticated 'digital prints' on high-end fabrics. Your understanding of the word's etymology—from the Latin 'premere', meaning to press—helps you see the connection between all its various meanings. You can use 'prints' in more complex grammatical structures, such as passive voice or within relative clauses. For example, 'The document that the system prints automatically is then filed by the clerk.' You also recognize the nuance between 'prints' and its synonyms like 'reproductions' or 'impressions', choosing the most appropriate word for the situation. This level of mastery shows that you can communicate effectively in both academic and professional environments.
At the C1 level, your use of 'prints' should be sophisticated and contextually rich. You can explore the historical impact of 'prints' on the spread of ideas during the Enlightenment. You might write an essay on how the ability to create 'mass-produced prints' changed the accessibility of art and literature for the common person. In a technical or scientific field, you can use 'prints' to describe high-precision processes, such as 'molecularly imprinted polymers' or 'nanoscale prints'. You understand the subtle idiomatic uses and can identify when 'prints' is used as a metonym for the entire printing industry. For instance, 'The power of the prints' could refer to the influence of the press. You are also capable of discussing the ethics of 'prints' in the digital age, such as the copyright issues surrounding '3D prints' of patented designs. Your vocabulary includes related terms like 'imprimatur', 'preprint', and 'reprint', and you use them with ease. You can appreciate the aesthetic nuances of 'fine art prints' and discuss the technical differences between various 'printmaking' techniques. At this level, 'prints' is not just a simple word but a gateway to discussing history, technology, law, and art with a high degree of fluency and precision. You can also use the word in creative writing to create vivid imagery, such as 'the prints of time on an aging face,' demonstrating a deep, metaphorical understanding of the term.
At the C2 level, you possess a masterly command of 'prints' and its myriad applications. You can navigate the most complex linguistic landscapes, from the technical specifications of 'high-resolution industrial prints' to the philosophical implications of 'identity prints' in a post-human world. You can engage in high-level academic discourse about the 'semiotics of prints' in visual culture, analyzing how 'prints' function as signs and symbols in different historical periods. Your understanding of the word is so deep that you can use it to make subtle puns or complex metaphors in professional speeches or literary works. You might discuss the 'carbon prints' of a corporation in the context of environmental sustainability, or the 'genetic prints' left by ancestors in a study of genealogy. You are familiar with the most obscure uses of the word, such as in specialized legal or scientific documents. You can critique the quality of 'archival prints' and understand the chemistry involved in their preservation. Your ability to use 'prints' is indistinguishable from that of a highly educated native speaker. You can seamlessly switch between the word's literal, technical, and metaphorical meanings, always choosing the exact form and context to convey your message with maximum impact and clarity. For you, 'prints' is a versatile tool in a vast linguistic repertoire, used to express complex ideas with elegance and precision.

prints en 30 segundos

  • A versatile word acting as a plural noun for marks or art, and a singular verb for the act of printing.
  • Commonly used in technology, forensics, fashion, and art to describe reproductions or physical impressions.
  • Requires careful subject-verb agreement when used as a verb (e.g., 'he prints' vs 'they print').
  • Essential for discussing documentation, identity evidence, and creative patterns in both casual and professional English.

The word prints is a versatile English term that functions both as a plural noun and as the third-person singular present form of a verb. Understanding its dual nature is essential for mastering intermediate English communication. As a noun, 'prints' refers to the physical marks, impressions, or reproductions left on a surface. This can range from the biological uniqueness of fingerprints found at a crime scene to the artistic beauty of lithographic prints hanging in a prestigious gallery. In the world of fashion, 'prints' describes the patterns and designs applied to fabric, such as floral, geometric, or animal motifs. When we transition to its role as a verb, 'prints' describes the action of a machine or a person transferring text or images onto a medium, typically paper. For example, an office worker might say, 'The machine prints the reports automatically every Monday morning.' This action encompasses everything from the ancient woodblock techniques to modern 3D printing technology that creates physical objects from digital files.

The Physical Impression
In forensic science, 'prints' is the shorthand for evidence left behind by the ridges of human skin or the tread of a shoe. These are crucial for identification and investigation.
The Artistic Reproduction
In the art world, a 'print' is a work of art produced by a technique that allows for multiple copies, such as etching or screen-printing. The plural 'prints' refers to a collection of these works.

The detective carefully dusted the glass for any latent prints that might lead to a suspect.

Historically, the concept of 'prints' revolutionized human civilization. Before the invention of the printing press by Johannes Gutenberg in the 15th century, books were painstakingly copied by hand. The ability to create 'prints' of text allowed for the rapid dissemination of knowledge, fueling the Renaissance and the Scientific Revolution. Today, we use the term in digital contexts as well. When a computer prints a document, it is translating binary code into a physical or digital format that humans can read. We also see 'prints' in photography, where digital files are turned into physical photographs. Even in modern manufacturing, 3D 'prints' are becoming common, where layers of material are built up to create complex tools and parts. This evolution shows how the word has adapted from simple physical marks to complex technological processes.

She always prints her boarding pass before heading to the airport to avoid technical issues.

Textile Industry
Fashion designers often use bold 'prints' to make a statement. Leopard prints and polka dots are timeless examples of this usage.

The summer collection features vibrant floral prints inspired by tropical gardens.

The architect prints the blueprints on large-scale paper for the construction crew.

Digital Output
Even in a paperless world, the command 'prints' remains relevant as we 'print to PDF' to create fixed-layout digital documents.

He prints his photographs on high-quality matte paper to showcase the fine details.

Using prints correctly requires a clear understanding of whether you are using it as a noun or a verb. As a noun, 'prints' is the plural of 'print'. It follows standard pluralization rules. For example, 'I have one print' becomes 'I have many prints.' As a verb, 'prints' is the third-person singular form of the present simple tense. It is used with subjects like 'he', 'she', 'it', 'the company', or 'the machine'. The syntax usually follows the pattern: [Subject] + prints + [Object]. For instance, 'The printer prints the documents.' If the subject is plural, the 's' is dropped: 'The printers print the documents.' This distinction is a common hurdle for learners, but once mastered, it allows for precise communication in both professional and creative settings.

Noun: Plural Objects
'The museum has a collection of rare Japanese woodblock prints.' Here, 'prints' refers to multiple physical art pieces.
Verb: Third-Person Action
'My sister prints her own t-shirts using a silk-screen method.' Here, 'prints' is the action she performs.

The forensic team found several distinct shoe prints in the mud outside the window.

In more complex sentence structures, 'prints' can be part of compound subjects or objects. For example, 'The artist sells both prints and original paintings.' In this case, 'prints' is one of two types of items being sold. When used as a verb in a negative sentence or a question, the 's' is removed because the auxiliary verb 'does' takes the inflection: 'Does the machine print in color?' or 'It doesn't print very fast.' Understanding these grammatical shifts is vital. Furthermore, 'prints' can appear in passive constructions, though it is less common than the past participle 'printed'. For example, 'The fabric that she prints is always made of organic cotton.' Here, 'prints' is part of a relative clause describing the fabric. We also see 'prints' used in technical jargon, such as 'blueprint prints' or 'contact prints' in photography, where the word acts as a specific noun for a type of output.

Every morning, the local newspaper prints thousands of copies for the city's residents.

Descriptive Usage
'She loves wearing animal prints during the winter season.' Here, 'prints' describes the style of the clothing.

The new software prints labels much faster than the old version did.

The detective noticed that the suspect prints his 'e's in a very unusual way.

Technical Context
'The 3D printer prints the prototype layer by layer over several hours.'

We need to check the prints for any ink smudges before they are packaged.

The word prints is ubiquitous, appearing in a variety of professional and everyday environments. In a typical office setting, you will hear it constantly in relation to documentation. 'Who prints the meeting agendas?' or 'The printer prints too slowly' are common complaints. In this context, it refers to the essential task of turning digital information into physical copies for review or filing. Moving to a more specialized environment, such as a crime lab or a police station, 'prints' takes on a much more serious tone. Detectives talk about 'lifting prints' from a surface or 'matching prints' in a database. Here, the word is synonymous with identity and evidence. It refers to the unique biological markers that every human carries, which are left behind whenever we touch something. The phrase 'fingerprints' is often shortened simply to 'prints' in these professional dialogues.

In the Art Studio
Artists and gallery owners use 'prints' to discuss limited edition reproductions. 'These prints are signed and numbered by the artist.'
In the Fashion Industry
Designers and stylists use 'prints' to describe fabric patterns. 'Animal prints are making a huge comeback this season.'

The technician prints the circuit board design onto a copper-clad laminate.

In the world of publishing and journalism, 'prints' is a fundamental term. Although we live in a digital age, the phrase 'in print' still carries significant weight. When a newspaper 'prints' a story, it gives that story a sense of permanence and authority. Editors might say, 'The magazine prints four issues a year.' This usage highlights the scheduled, mechanical nature of traditional media. Additionally, in the realm of photography, despite the dominance of Instagram and digital screens, many enthusiasts still value 'physical prints'. You might hear a photographer say, 'I need to get some prints made for my upcoming exhibition.' This refers to the process of developing digital files into tangible photos on paper. Even in the tech world, developers use the 'print' command in programming languages like Python to display output on a screen, and the third-person 'prints' is used to describe what the code does: 'This function prints the user's name to the console.'

The textile mill prints thousands of yards of fabric every day for the garment industry.

In the Courtroom
Lawyers might refer to 'footwear prints' or 'tire prints' as circumstantial evidence during a trial.

The automated system prints a receipt as soon as the transaction is completed.

She collects vintage prints of old city maps to decorate her home office.

At the Bank
The ATM prints a summary of your balance if you select the option on the screen.

The wildlife biologist identified the animal by the prints it left in the fresh snow.

One of the most frequent errors learners make with prints is failing to distinguish between its noun and verb forms in terms of subject-verb agreement. Because 'prints' ends in 's', it looks like a plural noun, which it often is. However, as a verb, that 's' signifies the singular. A common mistake is saying 'They prints the book' instead of 'They print the book' or 'He print the book' instead of 'He prints the book.' This confusion stems from the fact that in English, an 's' at the end of a noun usually means more than one, while an 's' at the end of a verb in the present tense means the subject is a single person or thing (other than 'I' or 'you'). Remembering this inverse relationship is key to grammatical accuracy.

Confusion with 'Printers'
Learners sometimes confuse the action with the machine. 'The prints is broken' is incorrect; it should be 'The printer is broken' or 'The prints are low quality.'
Misuse of 'Out of Prints'
The idiom is 'out of print' (singular). Saying 'The book is out of prints' is a common non-native error.

Incorrect: The company print the brochure. Correct: The company prints the brochure.

Another area of confusion involves the difference between 'prints' and 'printing'. 'Printing' is the gerund or present participle, often used to describe the ongoing process or the industry itself. 'Prints' refers to the specific instances of the action or the resulting objects. For example, 'I like printing' (the activity) vs 'He prints every day' (the habit) vs 'Look at these prints' (the objects). Mixing these up can make a sentence sound unnatural. Additionally, in the context of handwriting, some learners use 'prints' when they mean 'writes'. While 'prints' specifically refers to non-cursive, block lettering, 'writes' is the more general term. If you are filling out a form that says 'Please print your name,' it means use capital or block letters, not your signature.

Incorrect: I found some finger print on the door. Correct: I found some finger prints on the door.

Plural vs. Singular Nouns
Remember that 'prints' as a noun is always plural. If you mean just one, you must use 'print'. 'The print is beautiful' vs 'The prints are beautiful.'

The artist prints each piece individually to ensure the highest quality.

The software prints a log of all errors encountered during the process.

Overusing 'Prints'
Sometimes 'copies' or 'reproductions' is a better word. 'Prints' usually implies a specific mechanical or artistic process.

The machine prints the labels, but the worker applies them to the bottles.

To truly enrich your vocabulary, it is helpful to look at words that are similar to prints and understand their specific nuances. Depending on the context, you might choose a different word to be more precise. For example, in the context of making a copy, you might use 'reproduces', 'duplicates', or 'replicates'. While 'prints' specifically implies the use of ink or a mechanical press, 'reproduces' is a broader term that could include digital copying or even biological reproduction. In the art world, 'prints' is often contrasted with 'originals'. An 'etching' or a 'lithograph' is a specific type of print. Using the specific name of the technique can make your writing sound more professional and knowledgeable. If you are talking about the marks left by someone's feet, 'tracks' or 'impressions' are excellent alternatives. 'Tracks' often implies a trail or a sequence of prints, while 'impressions' suggests the depth and physical shape left in a soft surface like mud or snow.

Prints vs. Copies
A 'copy' is an identical version of something. 'Prints' usually refers to the output of a printing process. You 'make a copy' on a photocopier, but a publisher 'prints a book'.
Prints vs. Marks
'Marks' is a very general term for any visible sign. 'Prints' are specific marks made by pressure or a printing machine.

The copier reproduces the document, but the offset press prints the high-quality brochure.

In fashion, instead of saying 'floral prints', you might say 'floral patterns' or 'floral motifs'. 'Pattern' refers to the repeated design, while 'print' refers to the method by which that design was applied to the fabric. In a technical or scientific context, 'output' is a common synonym for what a machine 'prints'. For instance, 'The system outputs the data' is similar to 'The system prints the data,' but 'outputs' is more modern and can refer to data shown on a screen rather than just on paper. Another interesting comparison is with the word 'impressions'. In advertising, an 'impression' is when an ad is fetched from its source and is countable. In traditional printing, an 'impression' is a single cycle of the printing press. While 'prints' refers to the final products, 'impressions' often refers to the count of the action itself. Understanding these subtle differences will help you navigate various professional fields with confidence.

The hunter followed the deer's tracks through the forest, noting the fresh prints in the damp earth.

Engravings vs. Prints
An engraving is a specific type of print made by cutting a design into a hard surface. All engravings are prints, but not all prints are engravings.

The designer replicates the pattern across the entire fabric roll.

The photographer produces limited edition prints for his collectors.

Stamps vs. Prints
A stamp is a small tool used to make a print. The result of using a stamp is a print or an impression.

The machine embosses the logo, creating a raised print on the stationery.

How Formal Is It?

Dato curioso

The word 'prints' was used to describe the marks on coins long before the invention of the printing press. It literally meant anything 'pressed' into a surface.

Guía de pronunciación

UK /prɪnts/
US /prɪnts/
Single syllable word; the stress is on the entire word.
Rima con
hints mints tints glints squints splints flints stints
Errores comunes
  • Pronouncing it like 'prince' (the 't' should be slightly audible).
  • Using a long 'i' sound like in 'price'.
  • Adding an extra vowel sound at the end (e.g., 'print-es').
  • Swallowing the 's' at the end.
  • Confusing the 'p' and 'b' sounds at the beginning.

Nivel de dificultad

Lectura 2/5

Easy to recognize in most texts due to its common usage.

Escritura 3/5

Requires attention to subject-verb agreement and pluralization.

Expresión oral 2/5

Simple to pronounce, though the 'nts' cluster can be tricky.

Escucha 2/5

Easily understood, though can be confused with 'prince' in fast speech.

Qué aprender después

Requisitos previos

print paper machine mark write

Aprende después

publisher edition reproduction forensics pattern

Avanzado

lithography typography imprimatur manuscript aesthetic

Gramática que debes saber

Subject-Verb Agreement

The machine (singular) prints (singular verb).

Plural Nouns

One print, two prints.

Present Simple Tense

He prints the news every day.

Compound Nouns

Fingerprints are unique to everyone.

Phrasal Verbs

She prints out the document.

Ejemplos por nivel

1

The machine prints the paper.

La machine imprime le papier.

Third-person singular verb 'prints' with the subject 'machine'.

2

He prints his homework at school.

Il imprime ses devoirs à l'école.

Present simple tense for a regular action.

3

She has many prints of her family.

Elle a beaucoup de tirages de sa famille.

Plural noun 'prints' meaning physical photos.

4

The computer prints the name.

L'ordinateur imprime le nom.

Subject-verb agreement: 'computer' (it) + 'prints'.

5

I see cat prints in the garden.

Je vois des traces de chat dans le jardin.

Plural noun 'prints' referring to animal tracks.

6

The shop prints t-shirts.

Le magasin imprime des t-shirts.

Verb 'prints' used for a business activity.

7

It prints in black and white.

Il imprime en noir et blanc.

Using 'it' to refer to the printer.

8

Please check the prints.

S'il vous plaît, vérifiez les impressions.

Plural noun 'prints' as the object of the sentence.

1

The detective looks for prints on the glass.

Le détective cherche des empreintes sur le verre.

Noun 'prints' used as a shorthand for fingerprints.

2

She wears a dress with blue prints.

Elle porte une robe avec des imprimés bleus.

Noun 'prints' referring to fabric patterns.

3

My brother prints his name very clearly.

Mon frère écrit son nom très clairement.

Verb 'prints' meaning to write in non-cursive letters.

4

The dog leaves muddy prints on the rug.

Le chien laisse des traces de boue sur le tapis.

Plural noun 'prints' used for messy marks.

5

The office prints a newsletter every month.

Le bureau imprime un bulletin d'information chaque mois.

Present simple for a scheduled action.

6

He collects old prints of ships.

Il collectionne les vieilles gravures de bateaux.

Noun 'prints' referring to art reproductions.

7

The machine prints labels for the boxes.

La machine imprime des étiquettes pour les boîtes.

Verb 'prints' in a functional context.

8

There are no prints on the door handle.

Il n'y a pas d'empreintes sur la poignée de la porte.

Negative sentence with the plural noun 'prints'.

1

The company prints its annual report in three languages.

L'entreprise imprime son rapport annuel en trois langues.

Verb 'prints' used for a formal business process.

2

These prints are limited editions, so they are expensive.

Ces tirages sont des éditions limitées, ils sont donc chers.

Noun 'prints' used in an artistic/commercial context.

3

The 3D printer prints the prototype in about six hours.

L'imprimante 3D imprime le prototype en environ six heures.

Modern technological use of the verb 'prints'.

4

She prefers wearing bold prints during the summer.

Elle préfère porter des imprimés audacieux pendant l'été.

Noun 'prints' used to describe fashion choices.

5

The software prints a receipt automatically after payment.

Le logiciel imprime un reçu automatiquement après le paiement.

Verb 'prints' describing an automated system action.

6

He found some unusual prints in the snow near the cabin.

Il a trouvé des traces inhabituelles dans la neige près de la cabane.

Noun 'prints' used in a narrative/mystery context.

7

The local newspaper prints stories about the community.

Le journal local imprime des histoires sur la communauté.

Verb 'prints' used for journalistic output.

8

We need to check the prints for any color errors.

Nous devons vérifier les impressions pour toute erreur de couleur.

Noun 'prints' as the object of a professional task.

1

The publisher prints thousands of copies to meet the demand.

L'éditeur imprime des milliers d'exemplaires pour répondre à la demande.

Verb 'prints' in a large-scale industrial context.

2

Forensic experts analyzed the prints found at the scene.

Les experts en criminalistique ont analysé les empreintes trouvées sur les lieux.

Noun 'prints' in a specialized scientific context.

3

The artist prints her etchings on handmade paper.

L'artiste imprime ses eaux-fortes sur du papier fait main.

Verb 'prints' describing a specific artistic technique.

4

This collection features intricate prints inspired by nature.

Cette collection présente des imprimés complexes inspirés par la nature.

Noun 'prints' used to describe design aesthetics.

5

The system prints a log of all user activities for security.

Le système imprime un journal de toutes les activités des utilisateurs pour la sécurité.

Verb 'prints' in a technical security context.

6

The museum exhibited several rare prints from the 18th century.

Le musée a exposé plusieurs gravures rares du XVIIIe siècle.

Noun 'prints' in a historical/curatorial context.

7

She prints out the itinerary so she doesn't rely on her phone.

Elle imprime l'itinéraire pour ne pas dépendre de son téléphone.

Phrasal verb 'prints out' used in a practical scenario.

8

The machine prints the circuit patterns with extreme precision.

La machine imprime les motifs de circuit avec une précision extrême.

Verb 'prints' in a high-tech manufacturing context.

1

The scholarly journal prints peer-reviewed articles quarterly.

La revue savante publie des articles évalués par des pairs tous les trimestres.

Verb 'prints' used for formal academic publishing.

2

These archival prints are designed to last for over a century.

Ces tirages d'archives sont conçus pour durer plus d'un siècle.

Noun 'prints' in a conservation/archival context.

3

The government prints currency under strict security protocols.

Le gouvernement imprime de la monnaie selon des protocoles de sécurité stricts.

Verb 'prints' used for national monetary production.

4

The novel explores the prints left by colonialism on the culture.

Le roman explore les empreintes laissées par le colonialisme sur la culture.

Metaphorical use of the noun 'prints' in literary analysis.

5

The architect prints the blueprints on a large-format plotter.

L'architecte imprime les plans sur un traceur grand format.

Verb 'prints' in a professional engineering context.

6

The collection includes several woodblock prints by Hokusai.

La collection comprend plusieurs estampes sur bois de Hokusai.

Noun 'prints' referring to specific historical art forms.

7

The device prints biological tissue using specialized bio-ink.

L'appareil imprime du tissu biologique à l'aide d'une bio-encre spécialisée.

Cutting-edge scientific use of the verb 'prints'.

8

He meticulously prints each letter to ensure total legibility.

Il écrit méticuleusement chaque lettre pour assurer une lisibilité totale.

Verb 'prints' describing a deliberate writing style.

1

The press prints the manifesto, sparking a national debate.

La presse imprime le manifeste, déclenchant un débat national.

Verb 'prints' as a catalyst in a socio-political context.

2

The exhibition juxtaposes digital prints with classical oil paintings.

L'exposition juxtapose des tirages numériques et des peintures à l'huile classiques.

Noun 'prints' used in a sophisticated art critique.

3

The algorithm prints the results of the simulation in real-time.

L'algorithme affiche les résultats de la simulation en temps réel.

Verb 'prints' in the context of advanced computational output.

4

Her poetry is characterized by the prints of grief and longing.

Sa poésie est caractérisée par les empreintes du chagrin et du désir.

Highly metaphorical and evocative use of the noun 'prints'.

5

The firm prints high-security documents with embedded holograms.

L'entreprise imprime des documents de haute sécurité avec des hologrammes intégrés.

Verb 'prints' in a specialized industrial security context.

6

The geologist identified the prints of prehistoric creatures in the rock.

Le géologue a identifié les empreintes de créatures préhistoriques dans la roche.

Noun 'prints' in a paleontological/geological context.

7

The machine prints the nanostructures using electron-beam lithography.

La machine imprime les nanostructures par lithographie par faisceau d'électrons.

Verb 'prints' in a high-end scientific/nanotech context.

8

The philosopher discussed the prints of history on individual identity.

Le philosophe a discuté des empreintes de l'histoire sur l'identité individuelle.

Abstract philosophical use of the noun 'prints'.

Colocaciones comunes

finger prints
floral prints
limited edition prints
prints out
animal prints
shoe prints
digital prints
prints clearly
blue prints
prints a receipt

Frases Comunes

in print

— Available in published form. Usually refers to books currently being sold.

Is that classic novel still in print?

out of print

— No longer being published or available for purchase from the publisher.

The book has been out of print for twenty years.

fine print

— The small text in a contract that often contains important details or restrictions.

Always read the fine print before signing a contract.

blueprints for success

— A detailed plan or strategy to achieve a goal.

The CEO shared her blueprints for success with the team.

lift prints

— To collect fingerprints from a surface using forensic techniques.

The investigator managed to lift prints from the window sill.

print money

— To make a lot of profit very easily (idiomatic) or the literal act of a mint.

That new tech company is practically printing money.

stop the prints

— A dramatic (often fictional) command to stop a newspaper from being published.

Stop the prints! We have a new lead on the story!

contact prints

— Photographic prints made by placing a negative directly onto paper.

The photographer made contact prints to choose the best shots.

large print

— Text printed in a larger size for people with visual impairments.

The library has a good selection of large print books.

voice prints

— A visual representation of a person's voice used for identification.

The security system uses voice prints to grant access.

Se confunde a menudo con

prints vs prince

A royal title. Sounds almost identical to 'prints'.

prints vs printers

The machines that do the printing. 'The printers print the prints.'

prints vs presence

Can sound similar in very fast, slurred speech.

Modismos y expresiones

"read the fine print"

— To be very careful and notice small but important details in a situation.

He didn't read the fine print and ended up paying extra fees.

neutral
"not worth the paper it's printed on"

— Something (usually a document or promise) that is completely worthless.

That guarantee is not worth the paper it's printed on.

informal
"fit to print"

— Information that is suitable or appropriate for public consumption.

The editor decided the gossip wasn't fit to print.

journalistic
"in cold print"

— Something that seems more shocking or serious when seen in writing.

His insults looked even worse in cold print.

literary
"a blueprint for"

— A model or guide for how something should be done in the future.

This project is a blueprint for future urban development.

neutral
"leave one's prints"

— To have a lasting influence or impact on something.

The former director left his prints on every department.

metaphorical
"rush into print"

— To publish something too quickly without enough thought or checking.

The author regretted rushing into print before the facts were clear.

neutral
"print like a book"

— To write very clearly and neatly (rarely used, but understood).

The young student prints like a book.

informal
"the prints of time"

— The visible signs of aging or the passage of years.

You can see the prints of time on the old man's face.

poetic
"follow in someone's prints"

— A variation of 'follow in someone's footsteps'; to do the same as someone before you.

He followed in his father's prints and became a doctor.

informal

Fácil de confundir

prints vs print

Singular vs. Plural or Verb conjugation.

Use 'print' for singular nouns or plural verbs. Use 'prints' for plural nouns or singular verbs.

I print (verb) one print (noun). He prints (verb) many prints (noun).

prints vs printing

Gerund vs. Present Simple.

'Printing' is the process; 'prints' is the specific action or result.

Printing is fun. He prints every day.

prints vs imprint

Similar meaning of making a mark.

An 'imprint' is usually a deep or permanent mark. 'Prints' are often surface-level.

The seal leaves an imprint. The shoe leaves prints.

prints vs copy

Both involve reproduction.

A 'copy' is a general term. 'Prints' specifically implies a printing process.

Make a copy of this. The artist prints the etching.

prints vs pattern

Both used in fashion.

A 'pattern' is the design. A 'print' is the method of applying it.

The pattern is floral. The fabric has beautiful prints.

Patrones de oraciones

A1

The [noun] prints the [noun].

The printer prints the page.

A2

There are [adjective] prints on the [noun].

There are muddy prints on the floor.

B1

[Subject] prints [object] [adverb].

The system prints receipts automatically.

B2

The [noun] that [subject] prints is [adjective].

The report that he prints is very long.

C1

By the time the [noun] prints, [clause].

By the time the machine prints, the meeting will be over.

C2

The metaphorical prints of [noun] are [adjective].

The metaphorical prints of history are indelible.

B1

I like [adjective] prints on [noun].

I like floral prints on summer dresses.

A2

He prints his [noun].

He prints his name.

Familia de palabras

Sustantivos

print
printer
printing
printout
imprint
blueprint
fingerprint

Verbos

print
reprint
imprint
misprint

Adjetivos

printable
printed
unprinted
print-ready

Relacionado

typography
lithography
press
ink
substrate

Cómo usarlo

frequency

Very common in both written and spoken English.

Errores comunes
  • They prints the documents. They print the documents.

    With a plural subject like 'they', the verb should not have an 's'.

  • The book is out of prints. The book is out of print.

    The idiom 'out of print' always uses the singular form of the noun.

  • I found a finger prints. I found a fingerprint (or some fingerprints).

    You cannot use 'a' with the plural 'prints'.

  • The printer is printing prints. The printer is printing copies (or just 'The printer is printing').

    While grammatically possible, it sounds repetitive and unnatural.

  • He print his name on the form. He prints his name on the form.

    With a singular subject like 'he', the verb needs the 's' in the present simple.

Consejos

Subject-Verb Agreement

Always remember: He/She/It prints. I/You/We/They print. This is the most common mistake for learners.

Art Context

In an art gallery, 'prints' are usually more affordable than 'originals'. Use this to talk about your home decor.

Office Talk

If a printer is working, you can say 'It prints fine.' If it's not, say 'It doesn't print' or 'The prints are blurry.'

Handwriting

If someone can't read your signature, they might ask, 'Can you print your name below?' This means write clearly.

Crime Shows

When you hear 'We found prints' on TV, they almost always mean fingerprints found at a crime scene.

Style

Use 'prints' to describe the patterns on your clothes. 'I love the geometric prints on that scarf!'

Tracking

When hiking, you can look for 'animal prints' in the dirt to see what wildlife is nearby.

3D Printing

Modern 'prints' aren't just flat. 3D prints are physical objects made from plastic, metal, or even food!

Fine Print

Always 'read the fine print' in contracts. It's a great idiom to use in business discussions.

Clear Ending

Make sure to pronounce the 's' at the end of 'prints' clearly, or people might think you are saying 'print'.

Memorízalo

Mnemotecnia

Think of 'Pressure Prints Paper'. The 'P' reminds you of the action and the result. 'Prints' has an 's' for 'singular' (verb) or 'several' (noun).

Asociación visual

Imagine a thumb pressing into ink and then onto a white page. The resulting mark is a 'print'. Now imagine a machine doing this thousands of times.

Word Web

Ink Paper Machine Finger Art Fashion Copy Evidence

Desafío

Try to use 'prints' as a noun and a verb in the same sentence. Example: 'The artist prints his prints on a special machine.'

Origen de la palabra

Derived from the Old French word 'preinte', which comes from the Latin 'premere', meaning 'to press'. The word entered Middle English in the 14th century.

Significado original: Initially referred to the impression made by a seal or a stamp.

Indo-European > Italic > Romance > Germanic influence in English.

Contexto cultural

Be careful when discussing 'prints' in the context of criminal records, as it can be a sensitive topic for some individuals.

The phrase 'in print' is often used to validate the importance of a piece of writing. If it's in print, it's 'official'.

The Gutenberg Bible (the first major book printed using movable type). Andy Warhol's screen prints of Marilyn Monroe. The 'Fingerprints' song by various artists.

Practica en la vida real

Contextos reales

Office/Work

  • The printer prints double-sided.
  • Who prints the agendas?
  • It prints in high resolution.
  • The machine prints slowly.

Art/Gallery

  • Are these original prints?
  • He collects landscape prints.
  • The artist prints on silk.
  • Limited edition prints are available.

Crime/Investigation

  • We found prints on the safe.
  • Matching prints in the database.
  • Lifting prints from the scene.
  • The prints were smudged.

Fashion/Design

  • I love these floral prints.
  • Animal prints are in style.
  • The fabric prints are vibrant.
  • Geometric prints look modern.

Nature/Outdoors

  • Look at the deer prints.
  • Muddy prints on the porch.
  • Bird prints in the sand.
  • Fresh prints in the snow.

Inicios de conversación

"Do you prefer digital photos or physical prints?"

"What kind of prints do you like on your clothes?"

"Have you ever tried making your own art prints?"

"Does your office still use a machine that prints a lot of paper?"

"What would you do if you found mysterious prints in your backyard?"

Temas para diario

Describe a time you found interesting prints in nature and what they told you.

Write about your favorite piece of art. Is it an original or one of many prints?

How has the way a company prints information changed in the last twenty years?

Imagine a world where nothing ever prints. How would life be different?

Reflect on the 'prints' you want to leave on the world during your lifetime.

Preguntas frecuentes

10 preguntas

No, 'prints' can also be a verb. It is the third-person singular form of 'to print'. For example, in 'The machine prints the paper,' it is a verb. In 'I like the prints on the wall,' it is a plural noun.

In many contexts, especially in crime shows or police work, 'prints' is just a shorter way of saying 'fingerprints'. However, 'prints' can also refer to shoe marks, tire marks, or art reproductions.

No, the correct idiom is 'out of print' (singular). You should say, 'The book is out of print,' meaning it is no longer being published.

Use 'prints' when you want to emphasize the mechanical or artistic process of printing. Use 'copies' for a more general sense of making an identical version of something.

Yes, as a verb, 'prints' can mean to write in block letters instead of cursive. If a form asks you to 'print your name,' it wants you to write each letter separately and clearly.

Yes, it is very common. It is used to describe the production of reports, brochures, receipts, and other physical documents essential for business operations.

The 'nts' should be a quick, sharp sound. The 'n' flows into a very light 't', followed by a clear 's'. It should not sound like 'print-ez'.

These are art reproductions where only a specific number are made. Each one is usually numbered (e.g., 5/100) and signed by the artist, making them more valuable than mass-produced prints.

Yes, with the rise of 3D printing, we now say 'The machine prints a 3D model.' The resulting objects are sometimes called '3D prints'.

This refers to fabric that has a pattern of flowers printed onto it. It is a very common term in the fashion and textile industries.

Ponte a prueba 200 preguntas

writing

Write a sentence using 'prints' as a verb.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'prints' as a plural noun.

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writing

Explain the meaning of 'fine print' in your own words.

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writing

Describe a piece of clothing using the word 'prints'.

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writing

Write a short story (3 sentences) about a detective finding prints.

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writing

Compare 'prints' and 'copies' in two sentences.

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writing

Use 'prints' in a sentence about technology.

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writing

Write a sentence about animal tracks using 'prints'.

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writing

Use 'prints' metaphorically in a sentence.

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writing

Write a sentence about a book being 'out of print'.

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writing

Describe the process of printing a photo in two sentences.

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writing

Use 'prints' in a sentence about a museum.

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writing

Write a sentence using 'prints' and 'clearly'.

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writing

Explain why fingerprints are important in one sentence.

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writing

Use 'prints' in a sentence about a receipt.

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writing

Write a sentence about 'floral prints' in fashion.

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writing

Use 'prints' in a sentence about an architect.

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writing

Write a sentence about 'lifting prints'.

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writing

Use 'prints' in a sentence about a 3D printer.

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writing

Write a sentence about 'shoe prints'.

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speaking

Describe what a printer does using the word 'prints'.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Talk about your favorite type of clothing print.

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speaking

Explain why a detective might look for prints at a crime scene.

Read this aloud:

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speaking

Do you prefer digital photos or physical prints? Why?

Read this aloud:

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speaking

What does it mean when a form asks you to 'print your name'?

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speaking

Discuss the importance of the printing press in history.

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speaking

Have you ever seen animal prints in nature? Describe them.

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speaking

What are some common items that a machine prints every day?

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speaking

Explain the concept of 'limited edition prints'.

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speaking

How does a 3D printer work, in simple terms?

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speaking

Why is it important to read the 'fine print'?

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speaking

What kind of prints would you expect to find on a window?

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speaking

Describe a piece of art that uses prints.

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speaking

What happens if a book is 'out of print'?

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speaking

How can you tell if a machine prints in high quality?

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speaking

Talk about a time you had to print something important.

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speaking

What are 'animal prints' in fashion?

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speaking

Why do people still like physical prints of maps?

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speaking

What are 'voice prints' used for?

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speaking

How does a company use prints for marketing?

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listening

Listen to the sentence: 'The machine prints the tickets.' What is being printed?

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listening

Listen to the sentence: 'She loves the floral prints.' What does she love?

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listening

Listen to the sentence: 'He found prints in the snow.' Where did he find them?

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listening

Listen to the sentence: 'The book is out of print.' Can you buy it from the publisher?

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listening

Listen to the sentence: 'The detective dusted for prints.' What was the detective doing?

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listening

Listen to the sentence: 'The system prints a log.' What does the system do?

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listening

Listen to the sentence: 'Please print your name.' How should you write?

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listening

Listen to the sentence: 'The artist prints her own work.' Who does the printing?

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listening

Listen to the sentence: 'Check the prints for errors.' What should you look for?

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listening

Listen to the sentence: 'The 3D printer prints plastic.' What material is used?

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listening

Listen to the sentence: 'The newspaper prints daily.' How often is it printed?

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listening

Listen to the sentence: 'We found muddy prints.' What kind of prints were they?

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listening

Listen to the sentence: 'The architect prints the plans.' What is the architect printing?

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listening

Listen to the sentence: 'The ATM prints a receipt.' What machine is mentioned?

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listening

Listen to the sentence: 'The prints are limited edition.' Are there many of them?

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/ 200 correct

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