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B1 noun #25 most common 12 min read

crops

Top 25

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips crops in 30 Seconds

Explanation crops in your Level:

At the A1 level, you can think of 'crops' as the plants that farmers grow in big fields to make food. For example, corn, wheat, and rice are crops. We use these plants to make things like bread and cereal. You might see crops when you drive through the countryside. It is a simple word for 'farm plants.' You can say, 'The farmer grows crops.' It is important to know that crops are different from the flowers in a garden because crops are for eating or selling in large amounts. When you see a big field of green plants on a farm, those are likely crops. You don't need to know the scientific names yet, just that they are the plants we need for food.

At the A2 level, you should understand that 'crops' are plants grown on a large scale. Farmers plant them in the spring and harvest them in the fall. You can use the word to talk about different types of food. For example, 'Potatoes are a common crop in Ireland.' You can also use it to describe what happens when there is bad weather. You might say, 'The rain was good for the crops' or 'The dry weather hurt the crops.' It is a useful word for talking about nature, food, and the work that farmers do. Remember that 'crops' is usually plural because farmers grow many plants at once. You can also learn the verb 'to harvest,' which means to pick the crops when they are ready.

At the B1 level, 'crops' becomes a more versatile word. You can use it to discuss agriculture, the economy, and the environment. You should be familiar with phrases like 'crop rotation,' which is when farmers change the plants they grow to keep the soil healthy. You can also talk about 'cash crops,' which are plants grown to be sold for money (like coffee or cotton) rather than for the farmer to eat. At this level, you can describe the relationship between climate and agriculture. For example, 'Many countries depend on their grain crops for export.' You should also distinguish between 'crops' (the plants in the field) and 'produce' (the food in the shop). It is a key word for discussing global issues like food security and farming techniques.

At the B2 level, you can use 'crops' in more complex and technical contexts. You might discuss 'genetically modified (GM) crops' and the ethical or environmental debates surrounding them. You can use the word to talk about 'crop yields'—the amount of food produced in a certain area—and how technology can increase these yields. You should also be able to use 'crop' as a verb in non-agricultural contexts, such as 'cropping a photo' or the phrasal verb 'to crop up' (meaning to appear unexpectedly). In writing, you can use 'crops' to analyze the economic stability of a region. For example, 'The region's reliance on a single monoculture crop made it vulnerable to disease.' This level requires an understanding of the word's role in industrial and scientific discourse.

At the C1 level, your use of 'crops' should reflect a deep understanding of agricultural and economic nuances. You might use it when discussing 'subsistence crops' versus 'industrial crops' or the impact of 'crop failure' on global commodity markets. You can use the word in sophisticated metaphors, such as 'a new crop of ideas' or 'the cream of the crop' (the best of a group). You should be comfortable discussing the 'domestication of crops' in a historical or anthropological context. Your vocabulary should include related terms like 'agronomy,' 'irrigation,' and 'fallow fields.' At this level, you can write detailed reports or essays on how 'intensive crop cultivation' affects biodiversity and soil health, using the word with precision and academic rigor.

At the C2 level, 'crops' is a word you use with complete mastery in any context, from poetic to highly technical. You might explore the 'ethnobotany of indigenous crops' or the 'geopolitical implications of crop biopiracy.' You can use the word to discuss the 'resilience of perennial crops' in the face of anthropogenic climate change. Your understanding extends to the most subtle uses, including the history of 'crop marks' in aerial archaeology (patterns in vegetation that reveal buried structures). You can seamlessly integrate the word into complex arguments about 'sustainable intensification' or 'agroecology.' At this level, the word 'crops' is not just about farming; it is a lens through which you can examine history, science, economics, and the future of humanity.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

crops in 30 Seconds

Crops are plants grown by farmers for food, clothing, or profit.
Common examples include wheat, corn, rice, and cotton.
The word is usually used in the plural when referring to agriculture.
Crops are essential for global food security and the economy.

The term crops refers to living plants that are grown and harvested specifically for profit or subsistence. Unlike wild vegetation, crops are the result of intentional human intervention, including sowing, irrigation, and fertilization. In a global context, crops are the bedrock of civilization, providing the caloric foundation for the human population. When we speak of crops, we are usually referring to large-scale agricultural endeavors, such as vast fields of wheat in the American Midwest, rice paddies in Southeast Asia, or vineyards in the south of France. The word is most frequently used in discussions involving agriculture, economics, food security, and environmental science.

Agricultural Classification: Crops are categorized into several types: food crops (like grains and vegetables), fiber crops (like cotton and hemp), oil crops (like soybeans and sunflowers), and ornamental crops (like flowers for the floral industry).

The heavy rains this season have significantly improved the yield of the summer crops, ensuring a surplus for export.

Historically, the domestication of crops marked the transition from nomadic lifestyles to settled societies. This 'Neolithic Revolution' allowed humans to create stable food supplies, leading to the rise of cities and complex political structures. Today, the term is also used in a biological sense to describe the physical plants themselves, and in an economic sense to describe the commodities traded on global markets. When a news anchor mentions 'crop prices,' they are referring to the market value of these essential resources.

Economic Impact: Cash crops are those grown specifically to be sold for profit rather than for use by the farmer's family. Examples include coffee, tobacco, and cocoa, which are vital to the economies of many developing nations.

Farmers are increasingly turning to genetically modified crops to resist pests and reduce the need for chemical pesticides.

In modern discourse, the word 'crops' is frequently paired with 'rotation.' Crop rotation is the practice of growing different types of crops in the same area in sequential seasons. This is done so that the soil of farms is not used for only one set of nutrients. It helps in reducing soil erosion and increases soil fertility and crop yield. Without healthy crops, the global supply chain would collapse, making this one of the most important words in the English language for understanding how the world sustains itself.

The devastating locust swarm wiped out the entire region's crops in just a few days.

Environmental Context: Climate change is a major threat to global crops, as shifting weather patterns and extreme temperatures can lead to total crop failure, causing food shortages and price spikes.

Sustainable farming techniques are essential for protecting our crops from the long-term effects of soil depletion.

The harvest festival celebrates the successful gathering of the crops before the winter sets in.

Using the word crops correctly requires an understanding of its role as a collective noun for cultivated plants. It is most commonly used as the object of verbs like 'grow,' 'harvest,' 'plant,' 'protect,' and 'destroy.' Because it is a plural noun, it takes plural verb forms (e.g., 'the crops are growing'). You will often see it modified by adjectives that describe the type of plant or the state of the harvest, such as 'staple crops,' 'root crops,' 'cereal crops,' or 'failed crops.'

Descriptive Usage: When describing the health of a farm, you might say the crops are 'thriving' or 'withering.' These adjectives provide immediate context about the agricultural conditions.

Wheat and corn are the primary crops grown in this region due to the fertile soil and temperate climate.

In more formal or scientific writing, 'crops' is often used in the context of 'yield.' Yield refers to the amount of a crop produced per unit of land. For example, 'The farmer implemented new irrigation techniques to increase his crop yield.' Note that in this compound noun, 'crop' is often used in the singular form as a modifier (crop yield, crop rotation, crop insurance), even though the actual plants are plural.

Verbal Collocations: Common verbs used with crops include: rotate (to change types), irrigate (to water), spray (with pesticides), and harvest (to collect).

After the drought, many farmers were forced to abandon their crops as the earth became too parched to support life.

You can also use 'crops' in the context of 'subsistence farming,' where 'subsistence crops' are those grown to feed the farmer's family rather than for sale. Conversely, 'industrial crops' are grown for non-food purposes, such as rubber or fiber. Understanding these distinctions allows for more precise communication in academic and professional settings.

The government provides subsidies to help farmers protect their crops against unpredictable market fluctuations.

Prepositional Phrases: We often use 'crops' with 'of': 'a crop of wheat,' 'a crop of potatoes.' This specifies the variety within the general category.

The introduction of drought-resistant crops has been a game-changer for agriculture in arid regions.

Organic farming avoids the use of synthetic fertilizers on food crops.

The word crops is ubiquitous in several specific domains. If you watch the evening news, you will hear it during weather reports, especially when extreme weather like frost, floods, or heatwaves threatens the food supply. Meteorologists often discuss how 'unseasonable cold might damage the citrus crops in Florida.' This usage highlights the vulnerability of agriculture to environmental factors.

News and Media: Journalists use 'crops' when reporting on international trade, famine, or economic shifts. Headlines like 'Global Crop Failures Drive Up Bread Prices' are common during global crises.

Financial analysts are closely monitoring the condition of winter crops to predict future commodity prices.

In educational settings, particularly in geography or biology classes, 'crops' is a fundamental term. Students learn about the 'Green Revolution,' which involved the development of high-yield crops to combat world hunger. You will also hear it in documentaries about nature or human history, where the narrator might describe how 'the Nile's annual flooding provided the necessary water for the ancient Egyptians' crops.'

Scientific Research: Botanists and agronomists use the word when discussing genetic diversity, pest resistance, and soil health. They might talk about 'wild relatives of modern crops' as a source of genetic material.

The documentary explored how traditional crops are being replaced by industrial monocultures.

Furthermore, in the business world, 'crops' appears in the context of 'agribusiness.' Large corporations that produce seeds, fertilizers, and farm machinery are deeply involved in the 'crop protection' industry. When executives discuss 'crop cycles,' they are referring to the timing of planting and harvesting that dictates their financial quarters. Even in casual conversation, someone might mention 'rotating the crops' in their home garden, applying a professional agricultural term to a small-scale hobby.

Scientists are working to develop crops that can grow in salty soil to help farmers in coastal areas.

Policy and Government: Governments often debate 'crop subsidies'—financial aid given to farmers to help manage the risks associated with growing essential food supplies.

The local radio station provides daily updates on crops and livestock prices for the farming community.

The rise of urban farming has brought food crops into the heart of the city.

One of the most common mistakes learners make with the word crops is confusing it with the general word 'plants.' While all crops are plants, not all plants are crops. A 'crop' must be cultivated for a specific purpose, usually economic or nutritional. Calling the weeds in your backyard 'crops' would be incorrect unless you were intentionally growing them for a specific use like herbal medicine.

Crops vs. Harvest: Another frequent error is using 'crops' and 'harvest' interchangeably. 'Crops' refers to the plants themselves while they are growing or the type of plant. 'Harvest' refers to the act of gathering the plants or the total amount gathered at the end of the season.

Incorrect: We had a very large crops this year. (Correct: We had a very large harvest this year.)

Learners also struggle with the countability of the word. 'Crops' is the plural form of 'crop.' While you can say 'a crop of corn,' it is much more common to use the plural 'crops' when talking about agriculture in general. However, you should never say 'a crops.' It must be either 'a crop' (singular) or 'crops' (plural). Additionally, some people confuse 'crops' with 'produce.' 'Produce' is a collective noun usually referring to the final fruits and vegetables found in a store, whereas 'crops' refers to the plants in the field.

Spelling and Pronunciation: Be careful not to confuse 'crops' with 'corps' (pronounced 'core'), which refers to a military group or organized body of people. 'Crops' is pronounced with a clear 'p' and 's' sound at the end.

Incorrect: The farmer joined the Peace Crops. (Correct: The farmer joined the Peace Corps.)

Finally, avoid using 'crops' to refer to processed food. You wouldn't say 'I am eating a crop of bread.' Instead, you would say 'I am eating bread made from wheat crops.' The word 'crops' stays on the farm; once the plant is processed into something else, it is no longer called a crop. Keeping this distinction in mind will help you sound more like a native speaker and avoid confusion in technical discussions.

Incorrect: The supermarket sells many different crops. (Correct: The supermarket sells many different types of produce.)

Contextual Overuse: Don't use 'crops' when 'plants' is more appropriate. If you are talking about the flowers in your window box, 'plants' is the correct word. 'Crops' implies a scale and purpose that window boxes usually don't have.

The gardener carefully watered her decorative plants, not crops.

The editor had to crop the image to fit the layout of the magazine page.

While crops is the standard term for cultivated plants, several other words can be used depending on the context. Understanding the nuances between these synonyms will help you choose the most precise word for your writing or speech. The most common alternatives include 'produce,' 'harvest,' 'yield,' and 'cultivations.'

Crops vs. Produce: 'Produce' (noun, emphasis on the first syllable) refers to the fruits and vegetables that have been harvested and are ready for sale. You find produce in a grocery store, but you find crops in a field. Produce is a collective noun and is usually uncountable.

The local market is famous for its fresh organic produce, sourced directly from nearby farms.

'Harvest' is both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to the specific event of gathering the crops or the quantity of crops gathered at one time. While 'crops' refers to the plants themselves, 'harvest' refers to the result of the farming season. 'Yield' is a more technical term used in economics and science to describe the amount of a crop produced per unit of land (e.g., 'bushels per acre').

Crops vs. Vegetation: 'Vegetation' is a very broad term for all plant life in an area, whether wild or cultivated. 'Crops' is much more specific, referring only to those plants grown by humans for a purpose.

The natural vegetation of the area was cleared to make room for commercial crops.

In some contexts, you might use 'staples' or 'commodities.' 'Staples' (or staple crops) are the basic foods that make up the majority of a population's diet, like rice or potatoes. 'Commodities' is an economic term for raw materials or primary agricultural products that can be bought and sold, such as coffee, grain, or sugar. Using 'commodities' shifts the focus from the plant to its value on the global market.

Corn is one of the most versatile commodities in the world, used for food, fuel, and industrial products.

Crops vs. Plantation: A 'plantation' is a large estate or farm where crops like coffee, sugar, or rubber are grown, usually in tropical or subtropical regions. 'Crops' refers to the plants, while 'plantation' refers to the land and the system of growing them.

The tea plantation employed hundreds of workers to pick the delicate leaves.

The farmer decided to diversify his cultivations to include both grains and legumes.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

The use of 'crop' to mean 'the total produce of a farm' only became common in the 14th century. Before that, it mostly meant the literal top of the plant.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /krɒps/

US /krɑːps/

Single syllable, no primary stress needed.

Rhymes With

stops shops tops drops flops mops pops props

Common Errors

Pronouncing it like 'corps' (core).
Adding an extra vowel sound between 'p' and 's'.
Confusing the 'o' sound with 'u' (crups).
Making the 's' sound like a 'z'.
Failing to pronounce the 'p' clearly.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize in context, though technical agricultural texts can be harder.

Writing 4/5

Requires knowledge of plural usage and common collocations like 'yield' or 'rotation'.

Speaking 3/5

Simple pronunciation, but must be distinguished from 'corps'.

Listening 3/5

Clear sound, though 'crop' vs 'cropped' can be tricky in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

plant farm food grow field

Learn Next

harvest irrigation fertilizer agriculture commodity

Advanced

agronomy monoculture subsistence perennial biotechnology

Grammar to Know

Plural vs. Singular

A crop of wheat (one type) vs. The crops are growing (general farm plants).

Noun as Adjective

Crop rotation, crop yield, crop failure (the singular form modifies the second noun).

Countability

Many crops (correct) vs. Much crops (incorrect).

Verb Tense with Collective Nouns

The crops have been harvested (Present Perfect Passive).

Phrasal Verbs

To crop up (meaning to appear) is intransitive and doesn't take an object.

Examples by Level

The farmer grows crops on his land.

Le fermier cultive des plantes sur sa terre.

Simple subject-verb-object structure.

Rice is an important crop in Asia.

Le riz est une culture importante en Asie.

Using 'crop' in the singular to identify a specific type.

Crops need water and sun to grow.

Les cultures ont besoin d'eau et de soleil pour pousser.

Plural noun used as a general category.

Look at the big crops in the field!

Regarde les grandes cultures dans le champ !

Using 'crops' to refer to the visible plants.

We get our food from crops.

Nous tirons notre nourriture des cultures.

Prepositional phrase 'from crops'.

The crops are green in the summer.

Les cultures sont vertes en été.

Using the definite article 'the' for specific plants.

Corn is a tall crop.

Le maïs est une grande culture.

Adjective 'tall' modifying 'crop'.

Farmers harvest the crops in autumn.

Les fermiers récoltent les cultures en automne.

Verb 'harvest' used with 'crops'.

The dry weather was bad for the crops.

Le temps sec était mauvais pour les cultures.

Adjective 'bad' describing the effect on the noun.

They grow many different crops on this farm.

Ils cultivent de nombreuses cultures différentes dans cette ferme.

Using 'many different' to show variety.

The farmer is happy because his crops are healthy.

Le fermier est heureux parce que ses cultures sont saines.

Possessive adjective 'his' with 'crops'.

Wheat is one of the most common crops in the world.

Le blé est l'une des cultures les plus courantes au monde.

Superlative 'most common' modifying 'crops'.

Will the crops be ready to pick soon?

Les cultures seront-elles bientôt prêtes à être cueillies ?

Future tense question.

The storm destroyed all the crops in the valley.

La tempête a détruit toutes les cultures de la vallée.

Verb 'destroyed' showing negative impact.

Potatoes are a root crop that grows underground.

Les pommes de terre sont une culture de racines qui pousse sous terre.

Compound noun 'root crop'.

Farmers use machines to plant their crops.

Les fermiers utilisent des machines pour planter leurs cultures.

Infinitive 'to plant' expressing purpose.

Crop rotation helps to keep the soil fertile for many years.

La rotation des cultures aide à maintenir le sol fertile pendant de nombreuses années.

Using 'crop' as a modifier in 'crop rotation'.

Coffee is a major cash crop for many South American countries.

Le café est une culture de rente majeure pour de nombreux pays d'Amérique du Sud.

Term 'cash crop' for economic context.

The government is helping farmers who lost their crops in the flood.

Le gouvernement aide les agriculteurs qui ont perdu leurs récoltes lors de l'inondation.

Relative clause 'who lost their crops'.

Sustainable farming focuses on growing crops without harming nature.

L'agriculture durable se concentre sur la culture de plantes sans nuire à la nature.

Gerund 'growing' used with 'crops'.

New irrigation systems have increased the yield of the crops.

De nouveaux systèmes d'irrigation ont augmenté le rendement des cultures.

Noun 'yield' used to measure productivity.

Insects can cause a lot of damage to food crops.

Les insectes peuvent causer beaucoup de dégâts aux cultures vivrières.

Compound noun 'food crops'.

The village depends on its crops for survival during the winter.

Le village dépend de ses récoltes pour survivre pendant l'hiver.

Verb 'depends on' with 'crops'.

They are testing new types of crops that can grow in dry soil.

Ils testent de nouveaux types de cultures qui peuvent pousser dans un sol sec.

Present continuous 'are testing'.

The introduction of genetically modified crops has sparked intense debate.

L'introduction de cultures génétiquement modifiées a suscité un débat intense.

Complex noun phrase 'genetically modified crops'.

Heavy subsidies are often provided to protect domestic crops from foreign competition.

De lourdes subventions sont souvent accordées pour protéger les cultures nationales de la concurrence étrangère.

Passive voice 'are provided'.

A new crop of talented engineers is graduating from the university this year.

Une nouvelle promotion d'ingénieurs talentueux sort de l'université cette année.

Figurative use of 'crop' to mean a group of people.

The drought led to widespread crop failure across the entire region.

La sécheresse a entraîné une mauvaise récolte généralisée dans toute la région.

Compound noun 'crop failure'.

Organic farmers avoid using synthetic pesticides on their crops.

Les agriculteurs biologiques évitent d'utiliser des pesticides synthétiques sur leurs cultures.

Verb 'avoid' followed by a gerund.

Climate change is forcing farmers to reconsider which crops are viable in this heat.

Le changement climatique oblige les agriculteurs à reconsidérer quelles cultures sont viables dans cette chaleur.

Indirect question 'which crops are viable'.

The company specializes in crop protection products and fertilizers.

L'entreprise est spécialisée dans les produits de protection des cultures et les engrais.

Compound noun 'crop protection'.

If the frost continues, the entire fruit crop could be lost.

Si le gel continue, toute la récolte de fruits pourrait être perdue.

Conditional sentence with 'could be lost'.

The shift from subsistence farming to industrial crops has altered the local economy.

Le passage de l'agriculture de subsistance aux cultures industrielles a modifié l'économie locale.

Parallel structure 'from... to...'.

Aerial photography revealed ancient crop marks indicating a Roman settlement.

La photographie aérienne a révélé d'anciennes traces de cultures indiquant un établissement romain.

Technical term 'crop marks'.

The resilience of traditional crops is being studied to improve global food security.

La résilience des cultures traditionnelles est étudiée pour améliorer la sécurité alimentaire mondiale.

Passive continuous 'is being studied'.

Monoculture, the practice of growing a single crop, can deplete soil nutrients rapidly.

La monoculture, la pratique consistant à cultiver une seule plante, peut épuiser rapidement les nutriments du sol.

Appositive phrase explaining 'monoculture'.

Several unexpected issues cropped up during the implementation of the new agricultural policy.

Plusieurs problèmes inattendus ont surgi lors de la mise en œuvre de la nouvelle politique agricole.

Phrasal verb 'cropped up'.

The cream of the crop of this year's harvest will be exported to luxury markets.

La crème de la crème de la récolte de cette année sera exportée vers les marchés de luxe.

Idiom 'cream of the crop'.

Agronomists are developing perennial crops that don't need to be replanted every year.

Les agronomes développent des cultures vivaces qui n'ont pas besoin d'être replantées chaque année.

Relative clause 'that don't need to be replanted'.

The volatility of crop prices on the global market can lead to political instability.

La volatilité des prix des récoltes sur le marché mondial peut conduire à une instabilité politique.

Abstract noun 'volatility' as the subject.

The anthropogenic impact on crop biodiversity is a pressing concern for ecologists.

L'impact anthropique sur la biodiversité des cultures est une préoccupation pressante pour les écologistes.

High-level vocabulary like 'anthropogenic' and 'biodiversity'.

They discussed the ethical ramifications of biopiracy regarding indigenous crops.

Ils ont discuté des ramifications éthiques de la biopiraterie concernant les cultures indigènes.

Complex prepositional phrase 'regarding indigenous crops'.

The narrative arc of the novel focuses on a family struggling against repeated crop failures.

L'arc narratif du roman se concentre sur une famille luttant contre des mauvaises récoltes répétées.

Literary term 'narrative arc'.

Sustainable intensification aims to increase crop yields without expanding agricultural land.

L'intensification durable vise à augmenter les rendements des cultures sans étendre les terres agricoles.

Technical concept 'sustainable intensification'.

The editor decided to crop the photograph to emphasize the desolate state of the fields.

L'éditeur a décidé de recadrer la photographie pour souligner l'état désolé des champs.

Verb 'to crop' in a professional media context.

The symposium addressed the nexus between climate change and the nutritional quality of staple crops.

Le symposium a abordé le lien entre le changement climatique et la qualité nutritionnelle des cultures de base.

Academic term 'nexus'.

Centuries of selective breeding have transformed wild grasses into the high-yielding crops we see today.

Des siècles de sélection sélective ont transformé les herbes sauvages en cultures à haut rendement que nous voyons aujourd'hui.

Present perfect 'have transformed'.

The sheer scale of industrial crop production has profound implications for global nitrogen cycles.

L'ampleur même de la production de cultures industrielles a des implications profondes pour les cycles mondiaux de l'azote.

Adjective 'profound' modifying 'implications'.

Common Collocations

staple crops

cash crops

crop rotation

crop yield

crop failure

genetically modified crops

harvest crops

plant crops

protect crops

industrial crops

Common Phrases

bumper crop

— An unusually large and successful harvest.

The region celebrated a bumper crop of apples this year.

root crops

— Plants where the edible part grows underground, like carrots.

Potatoes and turnips are common root crops.

cereal crops

— Grains like wheat, oats, and barley.

Cereal crops provide the majority of the world's calories.

winter crops

— Crops that are planted in autumn and harvested in spring.

Winter wheat is a hardy crop that survives the cold.

crop insurance

— A policy that protects farmers against the loss of their crops.

Many farmers rely on crop insurance to survive bad seasons.

crop dusting

— The practice of spraying crops with chemicals from an airplane.

The sound of the crop dusting plane woke the neighbors.

standing crops

— Crops that are still in the field and have not been harvested yet.

The fire destroyed several acres of standing crops.

fodder crops

— Crops grown specifically to feed livestock.

Alfalfa is a popular fodder crop for cattle.

crop diversity

— The variety of different crops grown in an area.

Crop diversity is important for ecological balance.

to rotate crops

— To change the type of plant grown in a field each year.

He decided to rotate crops to improve his soil.

Often Confused With

crops vs corps

Pronounced 'core,' refers to a group of people (e.g., Marine Corps).

crops vs harvest

Refers to the act of gathering, not the plants themselves while growing.

crops vs produce

Refers to fruits/vegetables in a store, usually uncountable.

Idioms & Expressions

"cream of the crop"

— The very best people or things in a group.

These students are the cream of the crop in our university.

informal/neutral

"to crop up"

— To appear or happen unexpectedly.

A few problems cropped up at the last minute.

neutral

"to crop someone's wings"

— To limit someone's power or freedom (less common than 'clip someone's wings').

The new regulations were designed to crop the wings of big banks.

literary

"crop-eared"

— Having the ears cut short (historically used for animals or as a punishment).

The old dog was crop-eared and looked quite fierce.

archaic

"a crop of something"

— A large number of things appearing at the same time.

The movie led to a whole crop of similar sequels.

neutral

"to crop out"

— In geology, to appear at the surface of the earth.

The limestone began to crop out along the riverbank.

technical

"short crop"

— A very short haircut.

She decided to go for a short crop for the summer.

informal

"neck and crop"

— Completely and suddenly; headlong.

He was thrown out of the house neck and crop.

archaic/British

"to crop the field"

— To graze or eat the plants in a field (usually animals).

The sheep were busy cropping the field all afternoon.

neutral

"new crop"

— Referring to the latest group of people entering a profession.

The new crop of interns is very promising.

neutral

Easily Confused

crops vs Plants

Both refer to living green things.

Plants is a general biological category. Crops are specifically plants grown by humans for a purpose.

The forest is full of plants, but the farm is full of crops.

crops vs Vegetation

Both refer to plant life.

Vegetation is a collective term for all plants in an area, often wild. Crops are always cultivated.

The desert has little vegetation, so it is hard to grow crops.

crops vs Grains

Many crops are grains.

Grains are a specific type of crop (seeds of grasses). Crops includes vegetables, fruits, and fibers too.

Wheat is a grain, but cotton is a fiber crop.

crops vs Yield

Often used together.

Crops are the plants. Yield is the measurement of how much those plants produced.

The crops looked good, but the actual yield was low.

crops vs Harvest

Used in the same context.

Crops are the objects being grown. Harvest is the time or action of picking them.

During the harvest, we gather the crops.

Sentence Patterns

[Subject] grow [crops].

Farmers grow crops.

[Crops] are [adjective].

The crops are green.

[Crops] need [noun] to [verb].

Crops need water to survive.

The [noun] of [crops] is [adjective].

The yield of crops is increasing.

Due to [noun], the [crops] [verb].

Due to the drought, the crops failed.

The [adjective] [noun] of [crops] [verb] [noun].

The widespread cultivation of crops transformed the landscape.

[Verb]ing [crops] is [adjective].

Harvesting crops is hard work.

Farmers [verb] [crops] so that [clause].

Farmers rotate crops so that the soil stays healthy.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very common in news, science, and geography.

Common Mistakes

Using 'crops' for wild plants. → Using 'plants' or 'vegetation'.
Crops must be cultivated by humans. Wild flowers in a forest are not crops.
Saying 'a crops'. → Saying 'a crop' or 'the crops'.
Crops is plural. You cannot use the singular article 'a' with a plural noun.
Confusing 'crops' with 'harvest'. → Using 'crops' for the plants and 'harvest' for the action/result.
You grow crops, but you have a good harvest. You don't 'grow a harvest.'
Pronouncing 'crops' like 'corps'. → Pronouncing the 'p' and 's'.
'Corps' (like Marine Corps) is pronounced 'core.' 'Crops' sounds like 'drops.'
Using 'crops' to mean processed food. → Using 'food' or 'products'.
You don't eat 'crops' for dinner; you eat food made from crops. Once it's cooked, it's no longer a crop.

Tips

Using Crops as a Modifier

When using 'crop' to describe another noun, use the singular form. Say 'crop yield' or 'crop rotation,' not 'crops yield' or 'crops rotation.'

Types of Crops

Learn the categories: food crops (wheat), fiber crops (cotton), oil crops (canola), and ornamental crops (flowers).

Verbs for Crops

Remember the cycle: you 'sow' or 'plant' crops, you 'tend' or 'irrigate' them, and finally you 'harvest' or 'reap' them.

The Best of the Best

Use 'cream of the crop' in business or school settings to describe the top performers. It's a very common and positive idiom.

Crops vs. Corps

Never write 'Peace Crops' when you mean 'Peace Corps.' The 'p' and 's' are both pronounced in 'crops,' but the 'ps' is silent in 'corps.'

Global Issues

When writing about climate change, 'crops' is a key word. Use it to discuss food security and the impact of weather on society.

Short 'O'

In British English, keep the 'o' short and rounded. In American English, open your mouth wider for an 'ah' sound.

Produce vs. Crops

If you are in a supermarket, look for the 'produce' section. If you are on a farm, look at the 'crops.'

Cropping Up

Use 'crop up' when a problem or a name suddenly appears in a conversation or a project. It's very natural-sounding.

Monoculture

In environmental science, use 'monoculture' to describe growing only one type of crop, which is often discussed as a negative practice.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Crops' as 'C-ROPS' -> 'Cultivated Resources On Plain Soil.' This helps you remember they are grown by humans on land.

Visual Association

Imagine a golden field of wheat swaying in the wind. The 'C' shape of a sickle (an old harvesting tool) can remind you of the word 'Crops.'

Word Web

Wheat Corn Rice Cotton Harvest Farmer Field Soil

Challenge

Try to name five different crops grown in your country and use them in a sentence with the word 'harvest.'

Word Origin

The word 'crop' comes from the Old English 'cropp,' which referred to the head or top of a plant, a sprout, or a bunch of flowers. It is related to the Dutch 'krop' and German 'Kropf.'

Original meaning: Originally, it meant the 'top' or 'head' of something, which is why it also refers to the craw of a bird or the top of a whip.

Germanic

Cultural Context

Be mindful when discussing 'cash crops' in post-colonial contexts, as they were often forced upon colonies at the expense of local food security.

In the US and UK, 'crops' often evokes images of large-scale industrial farming in the Midwest or the rolling hills of the English countryside.

The 'Dust Bowl' in US history (crop failure). The 'Irish Potato Famine' (crop disease). The parable of the 'Sower and the Seeds' in the Bible.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Farming/Agriculture

rotating the crops
harvesting the crops
spraying the crops
planting the crops

Economics

crop prices
cash crops
crop insurance
exporting crops

Environment/Climate

crop failure
drought-resistant crops
damage to crops
soil for crops

Photography/Media

crop the image
tight crop
cropping tool
aspect ratio

Education/History

domestication of crops
staple crops
Green Revolution
ancient crops

Conversation Starters

"What are the most common crops grown in your home region?"

"Do you think genetically modified crops are a good solution for world hunger?"

"Have you ever tried growing your own crops in a small garden?"

"How does the weather in your country affect the local crops?"

"Which crop do you think is the most important for human civilization?"

Journal Prompts

Describe a visit to a farm during the harvest season. What crops did you see?

Write about the importance of a specific crop (like rice or wheat) in your culture's history.

Imagine a world where all crops fail. How would society change?

Discuss the pros and cons of using pesticides to protect crops.

If you were a farmer, what kind of crops would you choose to grow and why?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, you can use 'crop' in the singular to refer to one specific type of plant (e.g., 'the corn crop') or a single harvest. However, when talking about farming in general, the plural 'crops' is much more common.

A cash crop is an agricultural crop which is grown to sell for profit. It is typically purchased by parties separate from a farm. Examples include coffee, cocoa, and tobacco.

Yes, you can, but it sounds a bit formal. Usually, people say 'I'm growing vegetables' or 'my plants.' Using 'crops' implies you are growing them on a larger scale or for a specific purpose.

Crop rotation is the practice of growing a series of dissimilar or different types of crops in the same area in sequenced seasons. It helps in managing soil fertility and reducing pests.

Crops are the plants while they are in the field. Produce is the term used for those plants once they have been harvested and are being sold in a market or store.

Staple crops are the main food sources for a population. They are eaten regularly and provide a large portion of a person's energy and nutrient needs, like rice, maize, or wheat.

Yes, fruit can be considered a crop, especially when grown in an orchard for commercial sale. We often refer to the 'apple crop' or 'citrus crops.'

Crop failure can be caused by many things, including drought, floods, extreme temperatures, pests, diseases, or poor soil management.

Yes, cotton is a 'fiber crop.' It is not grown for food but for the fibers used to make clothing and other textiles.

In digital editing, to crop a photo means to remove the outer parts of an image to improve framing or change the aspect ratio. It is a completely different meaning from the agricultural one.