chart
B1Neutral (Used across formal, academic, business, and informal contexts)
Definition
Meaning
A visual representation of information, data, or geographical features, typically using lines, bars, symbols, or a map.
To record, follow, or plan the progress, course, or details of something systematically; also, to appear on a popularity ranking list (e.g., music charts).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a noun, it primarily denotes a graphic tool for displaying quantitative relationships or a map for navigation. As a verb, it can mean to map, to plot a course, or to monitor progress. The 'music chart' meaning is a specific, conventionalized use.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor. 'Organisation chart' (UK) vs. 'Organization chart' (US) spelling. 'Chart' as a verb for planning a course is equally common. The term 'chart' for a map (esp. nautical/aviation) is standard in both.
Connotations
Identical in both varieties. Connotes systematic analysis, visual clarity, and tracking.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both dialects.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
chart something (verb)chart something on somethingappear on the chartsput/place something on a chartVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Chart a new course”
- “Off the charts (extremely high)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used for financial graphs, organisational hierarchies, and project timelines.
Academic
Common in scientific writing for data visualisation and in geography for maps.
Everyday
Used for simple graphs (e.g., children's growth charts) and discussing music popularity.
Technical
Essential in navigation (nautical/aeronautical charts), medicine (patient charts), and data science.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- We need to chart our expenditures for the quarter.
- The explorer charted previously unknown coastal waters.
- The single charted at number five this week.
American English
- The team charted their progress on the whiteboard.
- We must chart a new strategy for marketing.
- Her latest album is charting well on streaming services.
adverb
British English
- No standard adverbial form. 'Chart-wise' is non-standard and rare.
American English
- No standard adverbial form. Usage like 'chart-wise' is informal and discouraged in writing.
adjective
British English
- Chart paper is needed for the presentation.
- She is a chart-topping artist.
- The chart data was analysed by the committee.
American English
- We ordered more chart paper for the office.
- He is a chart-topping musician.
- The chart analysis revealed a significant trend.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Look at the pie chart. It shows our favourite colours.
- The doctor has a chart of my height.
- The teacher drew a bar chart on the board to compare the results.
- The ship's captain checked the nautical chart before sailing.
- Economists use complex charts to illustrate market trends.
- The project manager charted the team's milestones against the timeline.
- The research paper featured a multi-variable chart that elegantly distilled years of data.
- The government's new policy charts a radically different course for energy independence.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine an ARTist drawing a CHART on a large sheet of paper. The word CHART contains 'ART', reminding you it's a visual representation.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS A JOURNEY (to chart a course in life); SUCCESS IS UP (to top the charts); UNDERSTANDING IS SEEING (the chart made the data clear).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid using 'chart' for a simple drawing or sketch; use 'drawing' or 'sketch'. The Russian 'график' is often 'graph' or 'chart'. The Russian 'схема' is often a 'diagram' or 'flow chart', not just 'chart'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'chart' as a synonym for any picture or illustration. Incorrect: 'He drew a chart of his dog.' Correct: 'He drew a picture of his dog.' Confusing 'chart' (visual display) with 'checklist' (list of items to verify).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'chart' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Often used interchangeably, but 'graph' typically implies a mathematical plot showing the relationship between variables (e.g., line graph). 'Chart' is a broader term including graphs, but also organisational diagrams, flowcharts, and maps.
Yes. It means to make a map of an area, to record or follow the progress of something systematically (chart progress), or to appear on a popularity ranking (chart a hit song).
It is an idiomatic expression meaning extremely high, exceeding the normal scale of measurement, or exceptionally good (e.g., 'The demand for the product was off the charts').
Both 'flow chart' and 'flowchart' are acceptable, but 'flowchart' as a single closed compound is becoming increasingly standard, especially in technical writing.