coil around

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "coil around" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that wraps or twists around another object or surface. Example: "The vine began to coil around the trellis as it grew taller."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That's why the recent interviews and reunions filmed by Maitland in "Tower" coil around to build the film itself into the events of the time.

The New Yorker

This model was wired but it had enough mobility to coil around and climb a cardboard tube.

TechCrunch

"They are about 20to2525 feet long, and they coil around in the inside of your intestines.

Science Magazine

It can wind around rubble and coil around and climb poles for a better view — all in all, a pretty impressive piece of engineering.

TechCrunch

Two things are key to making it work: Twisting each of the two sections of the ponytail in the same direction, which forces them to coil around and prevents them from untwisting, and keeping the rest of the hair sleek.

HuffPost

Like the components of other intermediate filaments, the lamin monomer contains an alpha-helical domain used by two monomers to coil around each other, forming a dimer structure called a coiled coil.

Wikipedia

The stipules elongate and coil around other plants for support.

Britannica

They coil around the spore in humid conditions.

Cornell University

Rene Caovilla rhinestone-and-black-snake shoes that coil around the ankle: $800.

The New York Times - Magazine

1. Start by wrapping the copper coil around the circuit board holders.

Princeton University

A coil around the outside can carry current to switch the polarity of the alnico magnet.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "coil around" when you want to convey the idea of something wrapping around another object in a spiral or circular fashion. It's particularly effective for describing physical objects, movements, or even abstract concepts that seem to orbit or influence each other.

Common error

Avoid using "coil around" when the context doesn't involve a physical wrapping or encircling. For example, instead of saying "The argument coiled around the central theme", consider "The argument revolved around the central theme" if you mean it was the main focus.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "coil around" functions as a phrasal verb, where "coil" acts as the main verb and "around" as a prepositional particle, modifying the verb's meaning. Ludwig's examples show it describing a physical action, often involving circular or spiral movement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

23%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

11%

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "coil around" is a phrasal verb used to describe a spiral or circular wrapping motion. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently used across various domains, including news, science, and encyclopedias. When writing, it's best to reserve "coil around" for contexts where a physical wrapping or encircling is taking place. Consider alternatives like "wrap around" or "encircle" for more general meanings. Remember that source authority and grammatical correctness contribute significantly to clear and effective writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wrap around

Focuses on the action of enclosing something completely.

wind around

Implies a spiral or circular movement around something.

encircle

Highlights the formation of a circle around an object.

spiral around

Emphasizes a helical or corkscrew motion.

twist around

Suggests a turning or rotating motion while encompassing.

loop around

Describes creating a loop or curve around something.

intertwine

Focuses on two or more things being mutually twisted together.

curl around

Implies a bending or curving motion to surround something.

circle around

Highlights the movement in a circular path.

revolve around

Suggests a central point around which something moves.

FAQs

How can I use "coil around" in a sentence?

You can use "coil around" to describe something that wraps or twists around another object. For example, "The snake began to coil around the tree branch" or "The ivy started to coil around the pillars of the porch".

What are some alternatives to "coil around"?

Some alternatives to "coil around" include "wrap around", "wind around", or "encircle", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "coil around" or should I use another phrase?

"Coil around" is a correct and usable phrase in English. It's suitable when describing a spiral or circular movement around something. Ludwig confirms its validity.

What's the difference between "coil around" and "wrap around"?

"Coil around" specifically implies a spiral or circular wrapping motion, whereas "wrap around" can refer to a more general act of covering or enclosing something. The choice depends on whether the spiral motion is important to the meaning.