tow

Use the word "tow" when a truck or a car pulls another vehicle that is disabled or in violation of the law.

• My car isn’t working, and I don’t know why. I might need a tow.
• Sarah called a tow truck because her car stalled by the side of the road.
• A tow truck driver arrived soon after she called for a tow.
• The city will tow your car if you leave it on the street too long. (The word "tow" is a verb in this sentence.)
• Joe towed his friend’s car out of a ditch when it went off the side of the road.

He’s going to need a tow.

There are other circumstances in which the word "tow" is used.

• A tug boat tows other boats.
• Some boats towed by a tug boat are quite large.

This little tug boat is towing a large ship.

• Skiers can get a tow up a ski hill rather than having to walk up the hill.
• These skiers and snow boarders are holding on to a rope tow.

A rope tow saves skiers time and energy.

Note: The word "tow" has the exact same sound as the word "toe," of which a person has five on a foot.

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Date of publication: December 29, 2016