fiddling with

USAGE SUMMARY

"fiddling with" is a perfectly fine and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to play or fiddle with something in a restless or nervous manner, often without purpose. Example: She sat at her desk, absentmindedly fiddling with her pen as she tried to come up with an idea for her essay.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Any fiddling with it has important consequences.

The New York Times

We will not accept fiddling with reality.

The New York Times

Here was Freddie fiddling with fate.

The Guardian - Sport

Most were fiddling with their iPhones.

The New York Times - Arts

This is not mere fiddling with measures.

The Economist

Meanwhile, Ms. Robinson began fiddling with music.

The New York Times

Fiddling with the gusset on our tights?

Independent

"He loved fiddling with them".

The New York Times

Repair crews were fiddling with the fourth.

The New York Times - Travel

They started fiddling with quirky homepages.

The Guardian - Business

Of course they're fiddling with the name.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fiddling with" to describe minor adjustments or manipulations, especially when they seem aimless or experimental. For instance, "He was fiddling with the radio, trying to find a good station."

Common error

Avoid using "fiddling with" in formal writing where a more precise term like "adjusting", "modifying", or "calibrating" would be more appropriate. For example, instead of "The engineers were fiddling with the engine", use "The engineers were calibrating the engine".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fiddling with" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a present participle phrase, indicating an ongoing action of making small adjustments or manipulations. Ludwig examples show it used to describe actions ranging from adjusting devices to altering abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fiddling with" is a verb phrase denoting minor or tentative manipulation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and prevalent usage across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While generally neutral to informal, it should be used judiciously in formal writing, favoring more precise alternatives like "adjusting" or "calibrating" when appropriate. Understanding its nuances and contexts ensures effective communication. Remember to consider the level of formality required when using this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tampering with

Implies unauthorized or inappropriate manipulation, often with negative consequences.

adjusting

Focuses on making small changes to improve something.

modifying

Suggests a more substantial alteration than "adjusting".

tinkering with

Emphasizes small, often inexpert adjustments.

experimenting with

Highlights the exploratory nature of the activity.

manipulating

Suggests skillful, and sometimes deceptive, handling.

playing around with

Indicates a casual and often non-serious approach.

messing with

Informal, can imply causing damage or disruption.

meddling with

Conveys a sense of unwanted or intrusive intervention.

fooling around with

Similar to "playing around with", but can suggest a lack of skill.

FAQs

How can I use "fiddling with" in a sentence?

You can use "fiddling with" to describe someone making small adjustments to something, often in a playful or experimental way. For instance, "She was "fiddling with" the settings on her camera".

What are some alternatives to "fiddling with"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "adjusting", "experimenting with", or "manipulating". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "fiddling with" appropriate for formal writing?

"Fiddling with" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, it's often better to use more precise and professional terms like "modifying" or "calibrating", depending on the context.

What's the difference between "fiddling with" and "tampering with"?

"Fiddling with" generally implies minor adjustments or playful manipulation, while "tampering with" suggests unauthorized or harmful interference.