ENGLISH
REFERENCE

crutches

n. plural-only
B1 Intermediate US //ˈkɹətʃɪz// UK //kɹˈʌtʃɪz// crutch·es

n. long sticks that fit under your arms to help you walk when you have a leg or foot injury.

n. Supports used by an injured or disabled person to aid mobility, typically consisting of a pair of sticks with a crosspiece at the top for the armpit or forearm.


SIMPLE

He had to use crutches for six weeks after breaking his ankle.

CONTEXTUAL

The doctor showed her how to walk safely on crutches without putting too much weight on her injured knee.

COMPLEX

While physical therapy eventually restored his full range of motion, he initially relied on crutches to navigate the steep stairs of his apartment building during the first month of recovery.

Synonyms
Usage

Usually used in the plural form because they are typically used in pairs; takes a plural verb.

Pitfall

He is walking with a crutchHe is walking on crutchesEnglish speakers typically use the preposition 'on' with crutches, and the word is almost always plural unless the person is literally using only one support.

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