usher
usher — verb
1. to politely take or direct a person to a particular place, often by walking with
to politely take or direct a person to a particular place, often by walking with them or pointing the way.
Mayumi ushered the late guests to their seats just as the ceremony began.
usher + object + to + destination
The nurse ushered Bilal and his family into the doctor's private office.
usher + object + into + room
A security guard ushered the crowd out of the building when the fire alarm sounded.
João was ushered into a small waiting room and sat there for almost an hour.
文法句型
usher + object + to/into/out of + location
用法筆記
Always takes a prepositional phrase indicating destination — the verb is not used with just a direct object (*usher someone ≠ usher someone to a place). The passive form is very common in formal and institutional contexts.
常見錯誤
usher — noun
1. a person, often a man, whose job is to take guests to the correct seats in place
a person, often a man, whose job is to take guests to the correct seats in places like theatres, cinemas, churches, or wedding venues.
The usher at the cinema handed Kasia a programme and directed her to row seven.
usher at [venue]
Ilan worked as an usher at his cousin's wedding, helping elderly guests find their seats.
The theatre usher smiled and pointed toward the balcony stairs when Anna asked for directions.
Every usher at the concert hall wore a dark suit and carried a small flashlight.
- attendant
broader; not limited to seating duties
- seat guide
transparent compound, less official
用法筆記
At weddings, ushers are often friends or relatives of the groom who seat guests before the ceremony and may also serve as part of the wedding party. The female equivalent is 'usherette', though this term has become less common.
2. an official working at a court, parliament, or similar institution whose duties
an official working at a court, parliament, or similar institution whose duties include managing access to the building, announcing people who are to enter or leave the chamber, and keeping order.
The court usher called the next witness's name and held open the heavy oak door.
court usher — typical context
Before the session began, the legislative usher checked each visitor's identification at the entrance.
Adaeze watched the usher walk before the judge, clearing a path through the crowded hallway.
The session cannot begin until the head usher confirms that all jury members are present.
- bailiff
US term; also carries out arrests and keeps order
- doorkeeper
more literal; less formal and narrower in scope
- court attendant
generic; may cover clerks' duties too
用法筆記
Distinct from 'bailiff' (US), who has law enforcement powers. In UK courts the usher mainly manages documents and people; in legislatures the usher may also escort VIP visitors.