fish scales

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fish scales" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the small, overlapping structures that cover the skin of a fish. These scales serve as protection and also aid in the movement of the fish through the water. Example: The fish's shiny, silver scales sparkled in the sunlight as it swam gracefully through the clear blue water.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Fish scales, wet newspapers, unopened cans.

The New Yorker

These are the typical overlapping fish scales.

Encyclopedia Britannica

One has facets cut like fish scales.

The New York Times - Arts

Local handicrafts include flower arrangements made from fish scales.

The Guardian - Travel

"Lipstick contains a substance made from fish scales".

The New Yorker

An infection made his skin "like fish scales," he said.

The New York Times

He gave the monsters piquantly naturalistic nuances, such as accurate fish scales.

The New Yorker

Lay slices of bread, butter side up, over chocolate, overlapping slices like fish scales.

The New York Times - Food

Blood spread on the battered wooden table crusted with ice and fish scales.

The New York Times

On the cheaply glamorous clothes that she sews, "the sequins looked like fish scales".

The Guardian - Books

Sung draws inspiration from the natural world: human skin, fish scales, a grasshopper's breathing system.

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "fish scales" in descriptive writing, consider the specific type of scale (e.g., cycloid, ctenoid) to add precision and vividness to your descriptions.

Common error

Avoid using "fish scales" metaphorically if it doesn't logically connect to the texture, appearance, or arrangement of the subject. Overusing it can lead to confusing or nonsensical imagery.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fish scales" primarily functions as a noun phrase, referring to the overlapping protective plates that cover the skin of fish. It can also function adjectivally, as in "fish scale pattern". Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fish scales" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase primarily used to describe the protective outer covering of fish. As confirmed by Ludwig, it appears frequently in diverse contexts, from scientific analyses and news reports to culinary descriptions and artistic comparisons. While generally neutral in tone, its register can shift based on context. When writing, it's important to consider the specific type of scale for clarity and avoid using the phrase metaphorically unless the comparison is relevant and meaningful. Furthermore, the abundance of examples on Ludwig underscores its wide acceptance and versatility in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fish's scales

Specifies possession, indicating scales belonging to a fish.

overlapping scales

Emphasizes the arrangement of the scales, focuses on the structure.

scaled skin

Describes skin covered in scales, more general than the specific structure.

squamation

Refers to the arrangement or covering of scales, more technical.

scale armor

Focuses on the protective aspect of scales, implying a covering.

dermal armor

Highlights the skin-based protective layer, broader than just scales.

cycloid scales

Refers to a specific type of fish scale characterized by a smooth, rounded edge.

ctenoid scales

Refers to a specific type of fish scale characterized by a toothed edge.

ganoid scales

Refers to a specific type of fish scale characterized by being thick and bony.

placoid scales

Refers to a specific type of fish scale characterized by being tooth-like.

FAQs

How are "fish scales" used in the beauty industry?

A substance derived from "fish scales", called guanine, is sometimes used to add shimmer to products like lipstick and nail polish.

What is the function of "fish scales"?

"Fish scales" provide protection from the environment and predators, and they also aid in streamlining the fish's body for efficient movement through water.

Can "fish scales" be used in cooking?

In some culinary traditions, dried and powdered "fish scales" are used as a thickening agent in sauces.

What can "fish scales" tell us about the environment?

Analysis of "fish scales" found in sediment layers can provide insights into past climate conditions and environmental changes.