fluttering wings

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fluttering wings" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the movement of wings, typically in a poetic or descriptive context, often relating to birds or insects. Example: "The garden was alive with the sound of fluttering wings as butterflies danced among the flowers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Arts

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

They then studied the wake left by the bats' fluttering wings.

The New York Times - Science

Another time we passed a thicket and heard the sound of fluttering wings.

The New York Times - Arts

He grabs her ankles as her arms move forward, mixing the sweep of a breaststroke with a swan's fluttering wings.

The New York Times - Arts

Here and there, inside the sun-bleached barracks with shattered windows, I detected the sound of fluttering wings.

The New Yorker

It was insect weather, the air alive with fluttering wings, a cloud of color as far as he could see.

The New Yorker

Airliners were similar to airborne ships with multiple fluttering wings that played a kind of chamber music in the sky.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Her infamous example: the fast-fluttering wings of the Nasonex bee (voiced by Antonio Banderas) prevented viewers from remembering the side effects information.

Huffington Post

Rather than fly over these barriers, pigeons and most other birds climb up them while fluttering their wings, a behavior scientists refer to as "wing-assisted incline running".

Science Magazine

"It seems to have had a double meaning, either the fluttering of wings, or the sky".

The New York Times

"I, too, believe that I heard such a fluttering of wings while I wrote that book.

The New Yorker

Moments later, a hundred doves were released from somewhere around the bagpipers' feet, with a sudden fluttering of wings.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fluttering wings" to evoke a sense of delicate or rapid movement, often associated with small birds, butterflies or even metaphorical representations of lightness or freedom.

Common error

Avoid using "fluttering wings" to describe the flight of large birds or airplanes. The term implies a delicate, rapid motion not typically associated with larger objects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fluttering wings" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often used as a descriptive element within a sentence. As Ludwig AI suggests, it modifies a noun, providing more detail about its appearance or movement.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Arts

13%

Less common in

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fluttering wings" is a grammatically sound and frequently used noun phrase that evokes a sense of delicate, rapid motion. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various writing contexts. It is most commonly found in News & Media and Science, and less frequently in Formal & Business settings. To ensure correct usage, remember that "fluttering wings" is best suited for describing the movement of small creatures or metaphorical representations of lightness. Avoid using it for large birds or airplanes. Consider alternatives like "flapping wings" or "quivering wings" for different nuances. By following these guidelines, you can effectively and appropriately incorporate "fluttering wings" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flapping of wings

This alternative simply rephrases the original with a slightly different structure.

wing flapping

This is a more concise term emphasizing the active motion.

flapping wings

This alternative is more direct and less delicate, focusing on the forceful movement of the wings.

rapid wing motion

This emphasizes the speed of the wing movement.

beating wings

This alternative emphasizes the rhythmic motion of the wings.

quivering wings

This alternative highlights a trembling or shaking motion, suggesting fragility or nervousness.

agitating wings

This option emphasizes a rapid or disturbed movement.

whirring wings

This suggests a fast, circular motion, often associated with insects.

vibrating wings

This emphasizes the rapid oscillation of the wings.

wing movement

This is a more general term, lacking the specific quality of "fluttering".

FAQs

How can I use "fluttering wings" in a sentence?

You can use "fluttering wings" to describe delicate or rapid movement, like "The garden was alive with the sound of "fluttering wings" as butterflies danced among the flowers".

What's a good alternative to "fluttering wings"?

Depending on the context, you could use "flapping wings", "beating wings", or "quivering wings" to convey a similar meaning with slightly different nuances.

Is "fluttering wings" a formal or informal phrase?

"Fluttering wings" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it's more common in descriptive or poetic writing. It's suitable for news articles, scientific papers, and creative pieces alike.

What imagery does "fluttering wings" evoke?

"Fluttering wings" typically evokes images of small, delicate creatures like butterflies or hummingbirds, suggesting lightness, rapid movement, and fragility. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a similar quick or delicate motion.