contorting

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "contorting" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that is twisting or bending out of its normal shape, often in a dramatic or exaggerated manner. Example: "The dancer's body was contorting in ways that seemed almost impossible, captivating the audience with her flexibility."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Any abandoned thing a tea-chest, a mirror frame, the pillared entry of an empty building would soon sport knots of children diving in, climbing up, fighting and contorting their small bodies in every kind of way.Her pictures did not have names.

The Economist

Parts of all this went into the making of him, as well as the imaginings of the young Marcel Marceau, in Strasbourg in the 1930s, trying on his father's long trousers and contorting his body to make his friends laugh.

The Economist

Politicians are contorting themselves to try to strengthen the EFSF without relying on the ECB (see article).In 2008 governments were credible backstops for their banks and the Fed, the central bank at the heart of the crisis, was willing to do everything it could to create confidence.

The Economist

It seems ass is all right, though; here's the Times a month ago reporting on the word appearing in more and more places in advertising, while contorting itself to avoid other swear words while reporting on them.

The Economist

This was the first time the Stravinsky score had been choreographed by an American, and many in the audience were shocked by the barefooted dancers contorting themselves into angular and rigid movements.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When the patient wakes up, the surgeon hears him groaning and contorting his face in certain ways.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Were it not for the fact that those 10 people just happen to be doing the splits as if it were the easiest thing in the world, or contorting a leg impossibly around their body as they write, I could be in a classroom, or even a science laboratory.

Independent

The whole notion of binding tweed through top-stitching and weighting with a fine gold chain, rather than contorting the modern through whalebone and bombaster tailoring, was part of Gabrielle Chanel's own revolutionary approach to fashion.

Independent

From dope-smoking Pooh Bear to eviscerated Barbie, Imbue pushes the boundaries of acceptability, contorting the characters and logos ingrained in our psyche.

Independent

He portrays Merricks deformities by contorting his body, rather than using prosthetics.

Independent

It is a painting of tumultuous bodies, reaching out, turning, twisting, contorting, many seemingly in desperate conflict with each other, which coheres as if by some miracle.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "contorting" to vividly describe physical movements that involve twisting or bending, adding a sense of drama or exaggeration to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "contorting" when describing abstract concepts or situations that do not involve physical twisting or bending. Choose more appropriate words like "distorting" or "twisting" the truth if the context is not literal.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "contorting" is as a present participle, often used as part of a continuous verb tense or as a gerund. Ludwig AI indicates this usage is correct and common. For example, "Politicians are contorting themselves to try to strengthen the EFSF."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "contorting" functions as a present participle describing twisting or bending actions, and Ludwig AI confirms it's both grammatically correct and very common. It’s primarily used in news and media, encyclopedias and business contexts, offering a vivid way to portray physical distortions. While versatile, avoid using "contorting" in non-physical, abstract contexts. Related terms include "twisting", "deforming", and "distorting", which offer nuances depending on the specific intent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contorting out of shape

This is a more elaborate way of describing something's distortion.

twisting

This alternative focuses on the act of rotating or bending something out of shape.

deforming

This suggests a more significant alteration of shape, often implying damage.

distorting

This implies altering the appearance or shape, often in a misleading way.

wrenching

This suggests a violent twisting motion.

deforming radically

This stresses the degree of change in shape.

writhing

This often refers to twisting movements due to pain or struggle.

distorting beyond recognition

This emphasizes the extent of the alteration.

bending out of shape

This is a more descriptive way of saying something is being deformed.

misshaping

This focuses on the action of altering something in a negative way.

FAQs

How is "contorting" used in a sentence?

The word "contorting" is used to describe something twisting or bending out of its normal shape, often in a dramatic or exaggerated manner. For example, "The dancer was "contorting" her body into seemingly impossible positions".

What are some synonyms for "contorting"?

Some synonyms for "contorting" include "twisting", "deforming", and "distorting". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "contorting" and "distorting"?

"Contorting" generally refers to physical twisting or bending, while "distorting" can apply to both physical shapes and abstract concepts like information or truth. Distorting something beyond recognition can be a synonym for "contorting beyond recognition".

Is it appropriate to use "contorting" in formal writing?

Yes, "contorting" can be used in formal writing, especially when describing physical actions or dramatic situations. However, ensure that the context is appropriate and that the word accurately conveys the intended meaning.