curve

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'curve' is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use the word 'curve' to refer to a line that bends or changes direction, or to the shape or line caused by something that is curved or bent. For example: "The path curved around the lake, creating a beautiful scenic route."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Economist has described the effort as "a new art" for Ukraine of which "the learning curve is steep".

The Guardian

Even in a simple court dance, he's emphatic about the precise musical beat on which the foot has to be placed flat on the ground, the accent of a plié, the height at which a pointed toe should be lifted, the twist or curve of a torso.

The Guardian

In the New York Times earlier this year, Paul Krugman wrote of an economic effect called "The Great Gatsby curve," a graph that measures fiscal inequality against social mobility and shows that America's marked economic inequality means it has correlatively low social mobility.

The Guardian - Books

There is a bulge on our population curve; the "baby boom" generation is coming up to retirement.

The Guardian - Opinion

For values in between the sine and cosine vary in a smooth curve, so that a plot of sin x against x is your basic wavy line.

WikiHow

Similarly, the slope of the cosine curve at any point is negatively proportional to the sine.

WikiHow

The slope of the sine curve at any point (which is to say the rate of change of x with respect to θ) is in fact equal to the height of cosine at that point, if the angle is measured in radians - this is one of the reasons mathematicians like radians.

WikiHow

The chancellor said Europe needed to show that it had enough firepower to convince the markets it was getting ahead of the curve, and made it clear that the €440bn European Financial Stability Facility needed to be beefed up.

The Guardian - Business

"I see an upward curve in the last two weeks," said the chief executive, Hans-Joachim Watzke.

The Guardian - Sport

No matter how many business plans you do, there is always going to be that proverbial curve ball that will turn your plan on its head.

The Guardian

If it was normal variation you'd expect more of a bell-shaped curve".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing data trends, specify the type of "curve" (e.g., exponential, logarithmic, bell) to provide a clearer understanding of the pattern.

Common error

Avoid using "curve" when you actually mean "curvature", which refers to the degree to which something is curved. "Curve" refers to the line itself, while "curvature" refers to how much it bends.

Linguistic Context

The word "curve" functions primarily as a noun to denote a bending line or shape. It can also function as a verb, meaning to bend or deviate from a straight path. Ludwig confirms this dual functionality.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "curve" is a versatile term with applications across various domains, functioning as both a noun and a verb. As highlighted by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in diverse contexts ranging from News & Media to Science. Understanding its dual nature and common collocations, such as "learning curve" or "yield curve", can significantly enhance clarity in writing. Remember to distinguish "curve" from "curvature" to ensure precise communication. With its frequent usage and consistent grammatical correctness, "curve" is a valuable addition to any writer's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bending line

Emphasizes the geometric aspect of the curve, focusing on its form as a bent line.

curved shape

Highlights the overall shape formed by the curve rather than the line itself.

arc

Refers to a specific segment of a curve, particularly a circular one.

bend

Focuses on the act of curving or the point where something curves.

trajectory

Describes the path of an object moving along a curve, often used in physics or sports.

deviation

Highlights the way a curve departs from a straight line or expected path.

undulation

Suggests a wave-like curve, often used to describe landscapes or surfaces.

bow

Implies a specific type of curve that is similar to an arc, often more symmetrical.

swerve

Indicates a sudden, sharp curve or deviation from a straight path.

contour

Refers to the outline or shape of something, which may include curves.

FAQs

How is "curve" used in mathematics?

In mathematics, a "curve" refers to a continuous line, which can be straight or bending. It's a fundamental concept in geometry and calculus.

What does it mean to grade on a "curve"?

Grading on a "curve" means adjusting student grades to fit a normal distribution, where the average grade is set to a predetermined level, such as a 'C' or a 'B'.

What are some synonyms for "curve"?

Synonyms for "curve" include "bend", "arc", "curvature", and "trajectory", each with slightly different nuances.

What is a "learning curve"?

A "learning curve" refers to the rate at which someone acquires new skills or knowledge. A steep learning curve indicates rapid progress, while a shallow curve indicates slow progress.