fold back on itself

USAGE SUMMARY

'fold back on itself' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It usually means to turn something back on itself, so it can be used to describe an action or an object. For example, "The ribbon of the gift box was folded back on itself to close the package."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

It began to fold back on itself, leading to the grooved and wrinkled surface of our brains.

The Guardian

This introductory region of the mRNA is called the leader sequence; it includes the attenuator region, which can fold back on itself, forming a stem-and-loop structure that blocks the RNA polymerase from advancing along the DNA.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A decrease in solar radiation, they suspect, forces the jet stream to fold back on itself over the Atlantic, creating a large spiral of air that can stay stable for weeks and prevent westerly winds from reaching Europe.

Science Magazine

Within the pri-miRNA, the miRNA itself is contained within a ∼60 80 nucleotide sequence that can fold back on itself to form a stem-loop hairpin structure.

British Journal of Cancer

Complementary regions spaced by a small 'loop' cause the transcript to fold back on itself forming a 'short hairpin' in a manner analogous to natural microRNA.

BMC Biotechnology

In this model, a flap that can fold back on itself may be generated at the site of a nick and form an expansion precursor.

Genetics

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

But cinema has a habit of folding back on itself; this week sees the reissue of one of those imperishable 1960s films, Far From the Madding Crowd, an adaptation of the Thomas Hardy novel, in which Stamp plays the coldly raffish Sergeant Troy opposite Julie Christie's Bathsheba.

The Guardian - Film

In "Mythos," time keeps folding back on itself.

The New York Times

The play is a subtle work that twists and folds back on itself, demanding that viewers reach their own conclusions.

The New York Times

His debut disc, "Within and Without" (Sub Pop), folds back on itself in mewling, not unlikable tinny repetition.

The New York Times - Arts

A cone of pollution climbs above the never-ceasing procession of cars and Eddie Stobart lorries, folding back on itself to become a prophylactic membrane: the true Millennium Dome.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fold back on itself" when describing a physical action of bending something to overlap with itself. Consider the context carefully, as it implies a specific type of bending.

Common error

While it can be tempting to use "fold back on itself" in abstract contexts, ensure that the image of a physical fold is still relevant. Overusing it can make your writing sound convoluted. Consider alternatives like "revert to" or "return to" for non-physical scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fold back on itself" functions as a phrasal verb, describing an action where something is bent or turned in such a way that it overlaps or comes into contact with itself. Ludwig AI highlights various scientific contexts where physical objects or abstract concepts engage in self-folding.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

36%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fold back on itself" is a phrasal verb denoting a specific type of bending or overlapping action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and utility across varied contexts, from describing the folding of molecules in science to the structure of narratives in literature. While primarily used in science and news media, it is essential to ensure that a more straightforward term doesn't suffice to prevent convoluted writing. Related phrases like "double back" and "bend back" offer similar, though nuanced, alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bend back

A more literal description of bending something in the opposite direction.

double back

Implies reversing direction sharply, rather than a smooth folding.

turn inward

Suggests a direction change towards the inside, not necessarily a physical folding.

turn back

General reversal of direction without the specific connotation of folding.

loop back

Indicates forming a loop shape rather than a straight fold.

curl up

Implies a rounding or coiling action, different from a sharp folding.

inflect inward

Describes curving or bending inward, especially used in more formal contexts.

bend over backwards

While involving bending, this idiom primarily describes excessive effort, not a physical folding action.

recurvate

A botanical term for bending or curving backward.

revert to

Describes a return to a previous state, not a physical folding movement.

FAQs

How can I use "fold back on itself" in a sentence?

You can use "fold back on itself" to describe a physical action, such as "The paper was folded back on itself to create a stronger edge". It can also be used metaphorically, as in "The narrative of the story folds back on itself, revisiting earlier themes".

What does it mean when a story "folds back on itself"?

When a story or narrative "folds back on itself", it means that later events or themes echo or repeat earlier ones, creating a sense of circularity or interconnectedness. The narrative may "revisit earlier themes" or characters, adding depth and complexity.

Which is correct, "fold back on itself" or "folds back on itself"?

Both "fold back on itself" and "folds back on itself" are grammatically correct, depending on the subject. Use "fold" for plural subjects (e.g., "The edges fold back on themselves") and "folds" for singular subjects (e.g., "The paper folds back on itself").

What are some synonyms for "fold back on itself"?

Some synonyms for "fold back on itself" include "double back", "bend back", or "loop back", depending on the specific context and the nature of the folding action.