How Do You Spell TOW?

Pronunciation: [tˈə͡ʊ] (IPA)

The word "tow" is spelled with just three letters, yet it can be pronounced in two different ways. When referring to a rope or chain used for pulling, it is pronounced as /toʊ/. However, when meaning a small town, it is pronounced as /taʊ/. The spelling of the word comes from its Old English root "towan", which means "to drag or pull". Despite its simple spelling, the pronunciation of "tow" shows the importance of using phonetic transcription to ensure clear communication.

TOW Meaning and Definition

  1. Tow is a verb that refers to the act of pulling or hauling an object, typically with the use of a rope, chain, or another form of attachment. It involves dragging or carrying an item behind a vehicle, person, or other moving entity. The purpose of towing is often to transport something that is unable to move on its own or to reposition an object to a different location.

    The act of towing is commonly associated with vehicles, particularly when one vehicle pulls another that is disabled, broken down, or illegally parked. This is frequently done by connecting a tow rope or hitch to both vehicles, allowing the operational vehicle to pull the non-operational one. Towing can also involve moving trailers, boats, caravans, or other large items.

    Additionally, towing can extend to non-vehicle scenarios. For example, a person may tow a sled, cart, or similar device behind them when there is a need to transport heavy or bulky objects. Similarly, animals like horses might be used to tow carriages or equipment.

    Towing can be carried out for various reasons, including transportation, rescue, relocation, or removal. It is important to note that in some jurisdictions, there may be specific laws and regulations governing the manner in which towing is conducted, particularly when it involves vehicles on public roads.

  2. The coarse and broken part of flax, unfit for spinning, used in surgical dressings.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

  3. • To drag, as a boat or ship, through the water by means of a rope.
    • The coarser part of flax or hemp separated by the hackle or swingle.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for TOW

Etymology of TOW

The word "tow" can be traced back to Old English, where it was spelled "towian". It derives from the Proto-Germanic root "tawwjan", meaning to prepare or dress flax, referring to the process of separating fibers in flax. Over time, the meaning of "tow" extended to include fibers of any kind that were prepared in a similar manner. Eventually, the term also began to encompass the action of pulling or dragging something, as seen in the modern usage of "towing" a vehicle.

Idioms with the word TOW

  • in tow The idiom "in tow" is used to express that someone or something is being accompanied, followed, or controlled by someone or something else. It often implies a close and dependent relationship between the two parties involved.
  • tow sm or sth into sth The idiom "tow someone or something into something" typically means to pull or drag someone or something into a specific place or situation forcefully or against their will. It can also refer to assisting or guiding someone or something into a certain position or condition.
  • tow sm or sth out (to sth) The idiom "tow someone or something out (to something)" refers to the act of pulling or dragging a person or object with the help of a rope or chain so as to move them toward a particular destination or location.
  • toe/tow the line The idiom "toe the line" or "tow the line" means to conform to rules or obey regulations; to comply with or follow the standard or accepted way of doing things. It refers to maintaining discipline, adhering to principles or guidelines, and not stepping out of bounds.
  • tow away The idiom "tow away" refers to the action of removing or hauling away a vehicle, typically by attaching it to a tow truck or other towing equipment. This is usually done when the vehicle has been illegally parked, abandoned, or obstructing traffic.
  • have sm or sth in tow The idiom "have someone or something in tow" means to have someone or something accompanying or following closely behind oneself. It implies that the person or thing is being led or controlled by the main person.

Similar spelling words for TOW

Plural form of TOW is TOWS

Conjugate verb Tow

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have towed
you would have towed
he/she/it would have towed
we would have towed
they would have towed
I would have tow
you would have tow
he/she/it would have tow
we would have tow
they would have tow

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been towing
you would have been towing
he/she/it would have been towing
we would have been towing
they would have been towing

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would tow
you would tow
he/she/it would tow
we would tow
they would tow

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be towing
you would be towing
he/she/it would be towing
we would be towing
they would be towing

FUTURE

I will tow
you will tow
he/she/it will tow
we will tow
they will tow

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be towing
you will be towing
he/she/it will be towing
we will be towing
they will be towing

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have towed
you will have towed
he/she/it will have towed
we will have towed
they will have towed

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been towing
you will have been towing
he/she/it will have been towing
we will have been towing
they will have been towing

IMPERATIVE

you tow
we let´s tow

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to tow

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was towing
you were towing
he/she/it was towing
we were towing
they were towing

PAST PARTICIPLE

towed

PAST PERFECT

I had towed
you had towed
he/she/it had towed
we had towed
they had towed

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been towing
you had been towing
he/she/it had been towing
we had been towing
they had been towing

PRESENT

I tow
you tow
he/she/it tows
we tow
they tow

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am towing
you are towing
he/she/it is towing
we are towing
they are towing

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

towing

PRESENT PERFECT

I have towed
you have towed
he/she/it has towed
we have towed
they have towed

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been towing
you have been towing
he/she/it has been towing
we have been towing
they have been towing

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it tow

SIMPLE PAST

I towed
you towed
he/she/it towed
we towed
they towed

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