fold inward

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fold inward" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing an action where something is being bent or turned towards the inside. Example: "To assemble the origami crane, first, you need to fold inward the corners of the paper."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Like a James Bond product, the Phibian's wheels fold inward when the craft heads for the damp.

The New York Times

The most potent inhibitor has several favorable interactions with the binding site and induces the P-loop to fold inward, creating a significant hydrophobic enclosure for itself.

Journal of Molecular Graphics and Modelling

Doug's steps are light, tentative, and when he sits he appears to fold inward on himself, minimizing his narrow shoulders, as if he wishes to assume none of the power he watched his father acquire.

The New York Times - Magazine

Well, it's alienating and lonely-making when people close up shop on us and fold inward, when they turn off the lights and no longer look on us kindly.

The New Yorker

It can be the most maddeningly presentational of arts: "Here I am! Watch me while I whip around like a crazed, grinning whirligig!" And then it can fold inward, offering windows into those ineffable, fleeting questions of existence.

The New York Times - Arts

In non-polar environments, the outer, hydrophilic groups of CMS have been shown to partially fold inward, exposing the lipophilic inner regions and giving them good solubility in polar solvents similar to a supramolecular micelle reversing its polarity [4].

Nanoscale Research Letters

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

She turned a few others, tops folded inward, into a kind of bookshelf.

The New York Times - Magazine

The teenagers lit an outer layer of copper petals, which folded inward like a venus flytrap, igniting the cauldron in a primal blaze.

The New Yorker

Within a patch of lesser celandines, most of the petals are still folded inward, and those that aren't appear bleary and out-of-sorts, like the occasional passers-by at this time of day.

The Guardian

The cloud is opening up while Oracle is folding inward.

TechCrunch

The kit tosses some curve balls at you — as in the case of some tabs that are folded inward, to double as springs.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fold inward" to describe a deliberate action where something is being bent or turned towards its center or interior. For example, when instructing someone to fold a piece of paper or fabric.

Common error

Avoid using "fold inward" when describing abstract concepts like emotions or ideas becoming internalized. More appropriate phrases like "retreat" or "internalize" are better suited for these contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fold inward" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating an action of bending or turning something towards its center or interior. As per Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

40%

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fold inward" is a grammatically sound verb phrase that describes the action of bending or turning something towards its center. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. It's most frequently found in Wiki guides and news articles, with a neutral register that makes it appropriate for a variety of contexts. Remember to use it for literal, physical actions rather than abstract concepts and to consider alternative phrases like "bend inward" or "turn inward" for varied writing. With these tips, you're well-equipped to use "fold inward" effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bend inward

This alternative replaces "fold" with "bend", maintaining the direction of the action.

turn inward

This alternative uses "turn" instead of "fold", emphasizing the rotational aspect of the movement.

collapse inward

This alternative adds a sense of suddenness or force to the inward movement.

draw inward

This alternative suggests a pulling or attracting motion towards the inside.

retract inward

This alternative implies a pulling back or withdrawing motion towards the inside.

curve inward

This alternative focuses on the formation of a curve as the movement occurs.

angle inward

This alternative suggests forming an angle pointing towards the inside.

roll inward

This alternative indicates a turning motion toward the inside.

tuck inward

This alternative implies concealing or securing something by folding it toward the inside.

double over

This is a more general phrase indicating bending over, but it can imply an inward folding motion.

FAQs

How can I use "fold inward" in a sentence?

You can use "fold inward" to describe the act of bending something towards its center. For example: "The instructions say to fold the edges inward to create a seal."

What's a synonym for "fold inward"?

Synonyms for "fold inward" include "bend inward" or "turn inward". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Which is more appropriate, "fold inward" or "fold outward"?

Both "fold inward" and "fold outward" are grammatically correct, but they describe opposite actions. Use "fold inward" when bending something towards the center, and "fold outward" when bending it away from the center.

Is it ever wrong to say "fold inward"?

While grammatically sound, "fold inward" may sound awkward in certain abstract contexts. It's best reserved for describing literal actions of bending or folding physical objects. Consider using phrases like "retreat inward" or "turn internal" when describing emotions or thoughts.