ball of string

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ball of string" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a physical object made of string that is wound into a spherical shape, often used in crafts or for tying things together. Example: "She picked up the ball of string to start her knitting project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Secret Weapon: ball of string The Look: Smitten Kitten.

The New York Times

Students sit down and hold a ball of string.

The Guardian

Right now the top video is a bunny playing with a ball of string.

The New York Times

If you explore it, take a ball of string with you to find your way out.

Independent

Measure the height of the wall with a ball of string.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

This was a ball of string compared to getting Gabriella into the right kindergarten, he said.

The New York Times

Howe and Strauss have collected a great ball of string to support their thesis.

The New York Times - Books

A cat's idea of a party might be a few uninterrupted hours with a ball of string.

The New York Times

Cats, as a rule, do well as a subject of holiday sweaters, especially when playing with a ball of string.

The New York Times

Starting last, 65 nervous novices blasted off the line like a litter of kittens chasing a ball of string.

The New York Times - Arts

The writer ruminates from this spot, describes all that surrounds him, including "A ball of string, reposing in a little ring of spattered dust".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "ball of string" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly relates to untangling a problem or finding a path through complexity, drawing on the image of unwinding the string to reveal a solution.

Common error

Avoid using "ball of string" in contexts where the imagery of untangling or finding a solution doesn't apply. Overusing the metaphor can dilute its impact and confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ball of string" functions primarily as a noun phrase, referring to a physical object. As evidenced by Ludwig, it can also be used metaphorically to describe something that unravels or is complex.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Academia

15%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ball of string" is a common noun phrase that refers to a spherical collection of string. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and versatile, used both literally and metaphorically. Its frequency is very common, particularly in News & Media. Related phrases include "skein of yarn" and "coil of twine", offering nuanced variations in meaning. When employing the phrase metaphorically, ensure that it clearly evokes the imagery of untangling or navigating complexity. Common errors involve misusing the metaphor in unrelated contexts. Authoritative sources like The New York Times frequently employ this phrase, attesting to its widespread acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

skein of yarn

Focuses on the yarn being wound in a specific form, ready for knitting or crochet.

coil of twine

Emphasizes the circular or spiral arrangement of the twine.

roll of cord

Highlights the rolled-up nature of the cord, implying length and manageability.

bundle of string

Stresses the collection of string gathered together.

length of string

Focuses on a single, measurable piece of string rather than a wound collection.

piece of string

Highlights a fragment or portion of string, often implying it's detached or smaller.

bit of string

Implies a small, often insignificant amount of string.

supply of string

Refers to a quantity of string available for use, without specifying its form.

collection of string

Highlights the gathering of various pieces of string.

tangle of string

Suggests a disordered and knotted mass of string.

FAQs

How can I use "ball of string" in a sentence?

You can use "ball of string" literally, referring to the object itself, or metaphorically, such as "The investigation unravelled like a "ball of string"".

What are some alternatives to "ball of string" when referring to yarn?

Alternatives include "skein of yarn", "coil of twine", or "hank of yarn", depending on the specific form and material.

Is it appropriate to use "ball of string" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, using "ball of string" in formal writing should be carefully considered. Metaphorical uses might be suitable if they enhance understanding, but literal uses may be too informal. Consider more precise alternatives like "length of string" if necessary.

How does the idiom "unravel like a ball of string" apply to problem-solving?

The idiom "unravel like a "ball of string"" suggests that a complex problem or situation, when examined closely, can be resolved by systematically addressing each component, similar to how a tangled ball of string is untangled strand by strand.