a winding course

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a winding course" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a path, road, or journey that twists and turns rather than being straight. Example: "The river took a winding course through the valley, creating beautiful landscapes along the way."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Since World War II, American religious sensibilities have run a winding course.

The New York Times - Books

It enters the Ganges (Ganga) River opposite Patna after a winding course of 475 miles (765 km).

Encyclopedia Britannica

The river follows a winding course (south, northeast, north, east, northwest, and east) before dividing Cambridge and Boston to the west side of the harbour.

Encyclopedia Britannica

From its source in the highlands of the Fouta Djallon, the Gambia follows a winding course to its mouth, which is a ria, or drowned estuary.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Hudson follows a winding course for its first 108 miles (174 km), flowing generally southeast to Corinth in Saratoga county and then northeast to Hudson Falls.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Following a winding course from Valhalla to Chatham, the Taconic bars commercial traffic, billboards and amenities, except for one gas station.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Other times, the cyclists were forced to negotiate a slippery, winding course flanked by massive Redwood trees and covered with fog.

The New York Times - Sports

It rises in the hills south of Kiel, flows through Westensee (West Lake) northward to a point northwest of Kiel, and then bends westward and flows across the low peninsula in a sluggish, winding course of 117 miles (188 km) to the North Sea.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The apocalyptic stream runs a long, winding course through American history.

Huffington Post

Canter and trot in a long, winding course of your own design.

WikiHow

When fully opened in 1770, the new route was some 3 mile shorter than the river, which follows an extremely winding course in its upper reaches.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a physical path or route, use "a winding course" to evoke a sense of naturalness or exploration, especially when the journey itself is as important as the destination.

Common error

Avoid using "a winding course" in highly formal or technical writing where a more precise and direct description would be more appropriate. Consider alternatives like "complex trajectory" or "non-linear path" depending on the specific meaning you wish to convey.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a winding course" functions as a descriptive phrase, typically modifying a noun (e.g., river, road, path) to indicate its non-linear and often meandering nature. It provides detail about the physical characteristics or progression of something.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Encyclopedias

31%

Wiki

23%

Less common in

Science

8%

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a winding course" is a grammatically sound descriptive phrase commonly used to illustrate non-linear paths or journeys, as confirmed by Ludwig. It frequently appears in news, encyclopedias, and wiki articles, indicating a neutral formality. While versatile, avoid overuse in contexts demanding extreme precision. Ludwig AI's analysis emphasizes its role in adding detail and imagery to descriptions, making it a valuable addition to descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a meandering path

Focuses on the indirect and aimless nature of the path.

a circuitous route

Highlights the round-about and lengthy aspect of the route.

a twisting journey

Emphasizes the turns and bends involved in the journey.

a serpentine path

Compares the path to the shape of a snake, emphasizing its curves.

a convoluted progression

Highlights the complex and intricate nature of the progression.

an indirect approach

Focuses on the lack of straightforwardness in the approach.

a roundabout way

Emphasizes the deviation from the most direct route or method.

a devious path

Suggests a path that is not only winding but also potentially deceptive.

a labyrinthine route

Implies a complex and confusing route, similar to a labyrinth.

an intricate process

Highlights the complex and detailed nature of the process.

FAQs

How can I use "a winding course" in a sentence?

You can use "a winding course" to describe paths, rivers, roads, or even abstract concepts that progress indirectly. For example, "The river took "a winding course" through the mountains."

What can I say instead of "a winding course"?

You can use alternatives like "a meandering path", "a circuitous route", or "a twisting journey" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "a winding course" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a winding course" might be less suitable for highly formal or technical writing where precision is key. Consider alternatives like "complex trajectory" or "non-linear path" in such contexts.

What is the difference between "a winding course" and "a direct route"?

"A winding course" implies an indirect and often lengthy path, while "a direct route" suggests the shortest and most straightforward path between two points.