at its shell

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at its shell" is not commonly used in written English and may not convey a clear meaning without context.
It could potentially be used in a metaphorical sense to describe something at its core or essence, but clarity is important. Example: "The concept of the universe is complex, but at its shell, it is simply a vast expanse of space."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Naturalists have long marveled at its shell.

The New York Times - Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

When he lifted it up, it opened its shell and spat at him.

Independent

She clutched a cat carrier to her chest and ticked at its plastic shell with her fingernails.

Vice

As Hyperion is expected to be an unmagnetized object that does not contribute to significant mass loading of the Saturnian magnetic field, we would expect that its magnetospheric interaction is that of a simple plasma absorber, with a dropout in low-energy plasma inside the moon's wake and a dropout (microsignature) in energetic electrons and ions for some distance from the moon at its L shell.

Geophysical Research Letters

Here, the scallop muscle is usually separated from its shell at sea -- which means it's dead -- the coral discarded and the muscle corpse iced down for ease of sale (sort of like prewashed salad greens or frozen spinach).

The New York Times - Magazine

But it will also be her submission to his kisses in the morning, and curling up against him like a nut in its shell at night.

The New Yorker

The gun fired its shell at a muzzle velocity of and was credited with the ability to penetrate a nominal 11.3 inches of wrought iron armour at 100 yards.

Wikipedia

The gun fired its shell at a muzzle velocity of and was credited with the ability to penetrate a nominal 12.5 inches of wrought iron armour at the muzzle.

Wikipedia

You take the forceps in your left hand and grasp the back of the snail at the central curvature of its shell, just below the point.

The New York Times

But the Columbia University crew, which stores its shells at a new boathouse on the opposite bank, turns up from time to time.

The New York Times

Then, two years ago, he saw three of his daughters literally blown to bits by an Israeli tank that had aimed its shells at their bedroom.His grandfather was a prosperous farmer who evacuated the family to the safety of nearby Gaza during the 1948 violence.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at its shell", ensure the context makes it clear whether you are referring to a literal outer covering or a metaphorical protective layer. If ambiguity is possible, consider alternatives like "at its surface" or "at its core".

Common error

Avoid using "at its shell" when you actually mean "at its core" or "in essence". The "shell" implies an outer layer, so ensure your usage reflects this meaning to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at its shell" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb by specifying a location or state. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in describing the outer layer or protective structure of something.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at its shell" is a relatively uncommon prepositional phrase used to indicate a location or condition pertaining to the outer layer or protective structure of something. According to Ludwig, while grammatically acceptable, it's crucial to ensure clarity, as the phrase can be open to misinterpretation. Alternatives like "at its core" or "on its surface" may be more appropriate depending on the intended meaning. The phrase appears in various contexts, including news, science, and general knowledge sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at its external layer

Replaces 'shell' with a more descriptive phrase, emphasizing the outermost covering.

at its outer edge

Stresses the outermost boundary or limit, maintaining the spatial aspect but specifying the edge.

at its core

Replaces the "shell" with "core", focusing on the central or essential part rather than the outer layer.

at its heart

Similar to "at its core", but emphasizes the central, vital part of something.

within its protective structure

Emphasizes the function of the "shell" as a safeguard or enclosure.

in its essence

Shifts the focus to the fundamental nature or intrinsic quality of something.

at its covering

Uses a more general term for "shell", indicating any form of protective or external layer.

at its base

Focuses on the foundational element or starting point of something, rather than the outer layer.

at its perimeter

Highlights the boundary or circumference, focusing on the spatial extent.

at its surface

Indicates the visible or apparent aspect, contrasting with the depth implied by "shell".

FAQs

What does "at its shell" mean?

The phrase "at its shell" refers to something located on or within its outer covering or protective structure. It can be used literally, like describing growth in a snail, or metaphorically, like referring to the most basic level of a complex system.

When is it appropriate to use "at its shell"?

Use "at its shell" when you want to emphasize the outer layer or protective aspect of something. Consider alternatives like "at its core" or "in its essence" if you intend to convey the fundamental nature of something.

Are there more common alternatives to "at its shell"?

Yes, depending on the intended meaning, phrases like "on its surface", "at its edge", or "at its base" are often clearer and more widely used.

How can I make sure my use of "at its shell" is clear?

Provide enough context to clarify whether you're referring to a literal outer covering or a metaphorical barrier. If there's a risk of misinterpretation, opt for a more direct and common alternative.