Is 'flat' used for 'apartment' in the US?

Rarely. While it might be understood, 'apartment' is the standard term. Using 'flat' can sound distinctly British.

Can 'flat' be used as a verb?

Not commonly in modern English. The verb form is largely obsolete, though you might find 'flatten'.

What's the opposite of a 'flat' musical note?

A 'sharp' note, which is above the correct pitch.

In business, what does a 'flat market' mean?

It means a market showing little or no change in prices or activity.

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My Flashcards

Examples

By Part of Speech

noun

British English

She rents a lovely flat in Kensington.
They bought a top-floor flat with a view.

American English

He just moved into a new flat downtown. (Less common; 'apartment' is standard)
The flat of the blade struck the surface.

adverb

British English

He told me flat that I was wrong.
Lie flat on your back.

American English

She turned down the offer flat.
Press the dough flat.

adjective

British English

The countryside here is very flat.
My lemonade has gone flat.
He sang the note slightly flat.

American English

Kansas is known for its flat terrain.
My soda is flat; I left it open.
The violinist was playing flat.

Examples

By CEFR Level

The table has a flat surface.
I live in a small flat.

After the puncture, the bicycle tyre was completely flat.
The party felt a bit flat after the main guest left.

The singer's performance was criticized for being emotionally flat.
He laid the map out flat on the bonnet of the car.

The market has been relatively flat this quarter, showing little growth.
Her delivery of the lines was intentionally flat, conveying a sense of existential boredom.

Learning

Memory Aids

Conceptual Metaphor

FLAT IS UNINTERESTING (e.g., 'a flat performance'), FLAT IS WITHOUT ENERGY (e.g., 'the battery is flat').

Watch out

Common Pitfalls

Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)

Do not confuse with 'квартира' for the British meaning; in American English, it's 'apartment'. The Russian 'плоский' corresponds to the surface meaning.

Common Mistakes

Using 'flat' to mean 'apartment' in American contexts (though understood, it's marked as British).
Confusing 'flat' (adj.) with 'apartment' (n.) in American English.

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

We need to fix the tyre before we can drive to the garage.

Multiple Choice

In which variety of English does 'flat' most commonly mean a place to live?

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: Rarely. While it might be understood, 'apartment' is the standard term. Using 'flat' can sound distinctly British.
: Not commonly in modern English. The verb form is largely obsolete, though you might find 'flatten'.
: A 'sharp' note, which is above the correct pitch.
: It means a market showing little or no change in prices or activity.