beating wings

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "beating wings" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of wings moving rapidly, often in the context of birds or insects in flight. Example: "The sound of beating wings filled the air as the flock of geese took off from the pond."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

The bull, racing helter-skelter under beating wings, looked as if it were flying.

The New York Times

The crowd cheered, waving small American flags overhead like the beating wings of butterflies.

The New York Times

I look up and see the sky alive with dozens of rapidly beating wings.

The New York Times

The poem makes hearts appear owl-shaped, and heartbeats resemble beating wings.

The Guardian - Books

They knotted their skirts up around their thighs, held out their rosaries or scapulars, and chanted the Hail Mary into the wind of beating wings.

The New Yorker

There are poetic images (Julie Shanahan as an angel with beating wings), and there is inexplicable masochism (Mr. Strecker spray-painting himself white across the face and head).

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

The 3Ax muscle contracts relatively slowly, and in flight strongly pulls the beating wing to attenuate the stroke amplitude.

Biophysical Journal

"Womb to womb / To beating wing / I climbed out of the eternal / And into the shape of me.

Huffington Post

Womb to womb To beating wing I climbed out of the eternal And into the shape of me Some words I wrote years ago when I was thinking about my own mother.

Huffington Post

Experience beats winging it.

The New York Times - Food

Like locusts beating their wings".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "beating wings" to create vivid imagery of flight or rapid movement, especially when describing birds or insects. It evokes a sense of energy and activity.

Common error

Avoid using "beating wings" in overly abstract or metaphorical contexts where the image becomes diluted or confusing. Use more precise language when describing non-literal situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "beating wings" primarily functions as a noun phrase acting as a subject or object in a sentence, describing the action of wings in motion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's readily used in a descriptive way.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

24%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "beating wings" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe the motion of wings, typically those of birds or insects. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's frequently used across various contexts, especially in News & Media and Science. While alternatives like "flapping wings" or "fluttering wings" exist, "beating wings" evokes a vivid image and is versatile in both literal and figurative senses. While it is safe and widely applicable, consider the risk of overusing the phrase in abstract writing, and ensure that its use effectively contributes to the overall imagery of your content.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flapping wings

Emphasizes the up-and-down motion of wings.

fluttering wings

Suggests a lighter, quicker movement of wings.

whirring wings

Focuses on the sound produced by rapidly moving wings.

flailing wings

Implies a more desperate or uncontrolled movement of wings.

pumping wings

Highlights the forceful action of wings in flight.

wings in motion

A more general term for wings that are moving.

rapid wing movement

Focuses on the speed of the wing action.

wings in flight

Emphasizes that the wings are actively involved in flying.

wings aflutter

Suggests a gentle, trembling movement of wings.

wings in vigorous motion

Emphasizes intensity and energy of the wing's action.

FAQs

How can I use "beating wings" in a sentence?

You can use "beating wings" to describe the sound and motion of birds or insects in flight. For example, "The sound of "beating wings" filled the air as the hummingbird hovered."

What's a good alternative to "beating wings"?

Alternatives include "flapping wings", "fluttering wings", or "whirring wings", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "beating wings" or "flapping wings"?

"Beating wings" and ""flapping wings"" are often interchangeable, but ""beating wings"" can suggest a more rapid and forceful motion compared to the more general term ""flapping wings"."

What does the phrase "beating wings" symbolize in literature?

The phrase ""beating wings"" can symbolize struggle, freedom, or frantic energy, depending on the context. For example, a bird with "beating wings" trapped in a cage might represent a struggle for freedom.