contort

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "contort" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the action of twisting or bending something out of its normal shape, often in a physical or metaphorical sense. Example: "The dancer's body seemed to contort in ways that defied the limits of human flexibility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So you quietly decide, “OK, I’m not saying that again and I’m not going to deal with tabloids in that way.” Then you talk to someone decent, whether it’s from a broadsheet or a magazine, and the tabloids lift what you’ve said and contort it.

The Guardian - Film

A Republican official in Franklin County, Ohio, writing of his state's decision to limit early-voting, said: "We shouldn't contort the voting process to accommodate the urban [ie, heavily black] voter-turnout machine".

The Economist

The news agenda is no longer controlled by a few press barons and state outlets, like the BBC.We contort, you derideIn principle, every liberal should celebrate this.

The Economist

This requires Labour to contort itself, attempting to reconcile the values of its urban base with those of its small-town, conservative one usually by talking about things like the National Health Service (NHS) which unite the two.

The Economist

TECHNOLOGY forces old laws to contort themselves in new ways.

The Economist

But, faced with legal accusation rather than moral indignation, both men contort themselves rather than admit guilt.

The Economist

Second, Republicans routinised the filibuster to contort, delay and bloat Obamacare; it is critical for the democratic balance that routine use of the filibuster not be a one-way street, which Republicans can use but Democrats fear to.

The Economist

Which is how, a week later, I found myself in a yoga shala in Mysore sweating buckets and attempting to contort my body into positions from a game of spiritual Twister, sitting cross-legged saying "Om" and, later on during my stay there, taking a transcendental meditation course.

Independent

In round five Klitschko's body started to contort, his power deserted him, he wobbled, rocked and reeled and fell over with just 30 seconds left before the bell.

Independent

The musical comparisons are more than justified but Khan doesn't need to contort her body in homage to her idol.

Independent

Micro-celebrities dressed in silver Lycra attempt to contort themselves into the shape that's been pre-cut through an advancing wall of polystyrene.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "contort" to describe abstract concepts like arguments or policies, ensure the subject performing the contorting action is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "contort" to describe simple bends or curves. "Contort" implies a more severe, unnatural twisting or distortion. Use words like "bend" or "curve" for less extreme situations.

Linguistic Context

Contort primarily functions as a verb, describing the act of twisting something violently or into a strained shape. As Ludwig AI states, the word describes features that can be "contorted with fury". It can also be used reflexively, as in "contort oneself".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "contort" is a versatile verb meaning to twist or distort, often violently or into an unnatural shape. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and sees frequent usage, particularly within news and media. While alternatives like "twist" and "distort" exist, "contort" often carries a connotation of strain or force. Its application ranges from describing physical movements, such as gymnasts who "contort themselves", to figurative distortions, such as the media "contorting settled tax law". While generally neutral in register, awareness of its implications ensures appropriate usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contort oneself

Adding "oneself" emphasizes the reflexive action of twisting one's own body and is especially used with actions that require flexibility or cause discomfort.

twist

This is a general term for bending something out of its original shape. It is less dramatic than "contort".

distort

This suggests a change in shape that misrepresents the original form. It can be used both physically and figuratively.

warp

Often used when referring to bending or twisting out of shape, particularly with wood or other materials. It is quite similar to distort and contort.

deform

This implies a more permanent alteration of shape than "contort".

wrench

Implies a sudden, forceful twisting action, whereas "contort" can be more gradual.

misshape

Indicates a change from the regular or natural shape.

writhe

Describes twisting movements, often indicating pain or struggle. "Contort" doesn't necessarily imply pain.

buckle

Implies bending under pressure or force and may indicate collapse and doesn't necessarily involve torsion.

mutilate

A severe form of deformation involving cutting or tearing, unlike "contort" which does not imply injury.

FAQs

How can I use "contort" in a sentence?

You can use "contort" to describe twisting something violently, like "Features "contorted with fury"". It can also describe twisting into a strained shape.

What can I say instead of "contort"?

Alternatives to "contort" include "twist", "deform", or "distort", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "contort" figuratively?

Yes, "contort" can be used figuratively to describe distorting facts or ideas. For example, "The media can "contort the truth" to create a sensational story".

What is the difference between "contort" and "distort"?

"Contort" generally implies a physical twisting or straining, while "distort" can refer to misrepresenting information or facts, although both can be used in either context depending on the intent.