Meaning & use
Manhattan
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Meanings
proper nounproper
An island and borough that forms the central part of New York City, famous for skyscrapers and businesses.
Grammar: A proper noun, so it is capitalized and usually takes no article: in Manhattan, not "in the Manhattan".
Patterns
- in Manhattan
- Manhattan skyline
- a Manhattan apartment
She works in a tall office building in Manhattan.
The view of the Manhattan skyline from the bridge is spectacular.
They moved from Manhattan to a quieter neighborhood in Brooklyn.
nouncountable
A cocktail made with whiskey, sweet vermouth and bitters, usually served with a cherry.
Grammar: Countable when ordering: a Manhattan, two Manhattans.
Patterns
- a Manhattan
- order a Manhattan
- make a Manhattan
He ordered a Manhattan at the hotel bar.
The bartender made her a perfect Manhattan with a cherry.
This bar is known for its classic Manhattans.
Word forms
| plural | Manhattans |
|---|
Common combinations
- Manhattan skyline
- The Manhattan skyline is best seen from a boat on the river.
- downtown Manhattan
- Downtown Manhattan is full of historic streets and offices.
- a Manhattan apartment
- A Manhattan apartment can cost millions of dollars.
- order a Manhattan
- She decided to order a Manhattan before dinner.
Word family
- Manhattanite noun
- A person who lives in or comes from Manhattan.
Commonly confused: Manhattan or Manhatten?
Manhattan vs Manhatten
A common misspelling; the correct spelling ends in -an: Manhattan.
Practice
Which sentence uses "Manhattan" correctly?
Choose one answer.
Manhattan is a proper place name and usually takes no article, so "in Manhattan" is correct. A wrongly adds "the"; C confuses the cocktail with food; D wrongly makes it a fruit.
Make it your own
Write a sentence using “Manhattan”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.