ball of wool

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ball of wool" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a round mass of wool, often used for knitting or crafting. Example: "She picked up a ball of wool to start her knitting project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

35 human-written examples

So for now, take a torch and a ball of wool – and hope for the best.

Independent

As the siren, Elena, Vanessa Kirby unravels like a ball of wool.

The Guardian

They're all the same band of liars playing with us like a cat with a ball of wool.

The New York Times

One keyring, with a little red ball of wool attached, was Karin's; the other, which was only keys, was mine.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The moment when Alex the lion and Vitaly the tiger briefly play with a ball of wool was genius.

The Guardian - Film

''The evil is unraveling slowly, like a ball of wool,'' his parents wrote in a letter published in La Repubblica on the first anniversary of his disappearance.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Residents have been in training for events including ball-of-wool rolling, feather blowing, memory tests and WI bowling, among many others.

The Guardian - Sport

by balls of wool, with her dog Reuben at her feet.

The Guardian

They would stand on deck with those balls of wool in their hands, shouting, smiling, waving.

The New York Times - Arts

Playing with us, teasing us, we're the balls of wool to J Sainsbury's kitten.

The Guardian - Sport

Proteins are like balls of wool, consisting of long strings of amino acids, all coiled on to each other.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing something complex that is unraveling or becoming disorganized, using the simile "like a ball of wool" can effectively convey the image.

Common error

Ensure that when referring to a single, individual sphere of wool, use "ball of wool". Avoid using the plural form, "balls of wool", unless referring to multiple separate balls.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ball of wool" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often used as the subject or object of a sentence. It denotes a specific item but is frequently employed metaphorically, as shown in Ludwig's examples, to describe something intricate or unraveling.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "ball of wool" is a grammatically sound noun phrase commonly used in both literal and figurative contexts. Ludwig's analysis indicates its prevalence in News & Media sources, with its function ranging from denoting a tangible object to symbolizing complexity or unraveling. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. When employing this phrase, consider its connotations of intricacy and the image it evokes to ensure it aligns with your intended message. Remember to use “ball of wool” when referring to a single sphere and “balls of wool” for multiple. By following this guidance, writers can effectively leverage the descriptive power of “ball of wool” in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wool ball

A simple reversal of the original phrase, maintaining the same meaning.

skein of yarn

Refers to a coiled bundle of yarn, often used interchangeably but emphasizes the material.

roll of yarn

Highlights the rolled-up form of the wool.

bundle of yarn

Similar to skein, but more generic.

mass of wool

Focuses on the quantity and accumulation of wool fibers.

wool sphere

Highlights the shape of the wool.

wool clump

A shorter version of "clump of wool".

clump of wool

Emphasizes a gathered or clustered amount of wool.

wad of wool

Suggests a soft mass of wool.

hank of wool

Describes a specific arrangement of wool fibers in a coil.

FAQs

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

You can use "ball of wool" to describe a literal sphere of wool used for knitting, or metaphorically to describe something tangled or complex, such as "The investigation unraveled like a ball of wool".

What's a good metaphor using "ball of wool"?

A common metaphor is to compare a complicated situation or mystery to a "ball of wool" that needs untangling. For example, "The detective began to untangle the mystery, which was like a tightly wound ball of wool".

What are some synonyms for "ball of wool"?

Synonyms include "skein of yarn", "roll of yarn", or "bundle of wool", depending on the context and specific characteristics you wish to emphasize.

Is it correct to say "balls of wool" or "ball of wool"?

Both are correct, but "ball of wool" refers to a single sphere, while "balls of wool" refers to multiple spheres. Use the plural form when referring to more than one.