fragile netting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fragile netting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a type of netting that is delicate or easily damaged, often in contexts related to fishing, sports, or protective coverings. Example: "The fragile netting around the garden was meant to keep out birds but was easily torn by the wind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Divine mnemosyne, whose fragile netting.

The New Yorker

By Arthur Guiterman The New Yorker, June 17 , 1933P. 54 Divine mnemosyne, whose fragile netting View Article By David Remnick By Jelani Cobb By Jia Tolentino By Robin Wright.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

While the inflationary Yankees fiddle with Javier Vazquez, Gary Sheffield and assorted friends, the fragile Nets seem ready to burn.

The New York Times - Sports

His company's finances are fragile, with net debts of €800m ($972m) and €660m in convertible bonds due in 2006.

The Economist

A cut in developing world emissions would mean the slashing of the already fragile safety-net of development being placed underneath an enormous number of people.

The Guardian - Opinion

Treatments we take for granted as routine, such as hip replacements or caesarean sections, complex operations such as organ transplants and chemotherapy, and conditions that we assume are easily treatable – such as gonorrhoea – all depend on the increasingly fragile safety net of antibiotics to ward off potentially deadly infection.

The Guardian - Opinion

Yet, proposed local government budget cuts threaten our region's fragile safety-net, hurting individuals and families who were already struggling and those who are in crisis as a result of the downturn.

Huffington Post

Hearts knew a second goal would further sink Hibs' fragile confidence and Sam Nicholson, who earlier netted after a dubious offside flag had been raised against a team-mate, tested Williams with a powerful diagonal shot.

BBC

At the same time, he's been caricatured by the left as the dunderheaded godfather of a red-state America, promoting lower taxes for the rich, higher deficits and a more fragile social safety net.

The New York Times - Books

Katrina ripped apart fragile family safety nets by scattering extended families.

HuffPost

Gelatinous zooplankton populations are difficult or nearly impossible to quantify with conventional sampling because they are often patchy, ephemeral and too fragile to survive net sampling [95][96].

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical structures such as fences or barriers, consider using "fragile netting" to highlight its delicate nature and susceptibility to damage.

Common error

Avoid using "fragile netting" metaphorically unless you intend to evoke a very literal sense of vulnerability. Simpler terms like "fragile system" or "tenuous network" are often more effective for abstract concepts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fragile netting" primarily functions as a descriptive noun phrase. The adjective "fragile" modifies the noun "netting", indicating a delicate or easily damaged quality. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "fragile netting" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It functions as a descriptive noun phrase, denoting a delicate or easily damaged net-like structure. While not overly common, occurring mostly in news, media, and scientific contexts, its meaning is straightforward. Alternatives like "delicate mesh" or "flimsy netting" may offer nuanced variations, but the core concept remains consistent. When employing this phrase, consider the specific context to ensure the vulnerability and easily breakable structure you want to evoke are clear.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

delicate mesh

Replaces "netting" with "mesh", emphasizing the fine structure.

flimsy netting

Uses "flimsy" instead of "fragile", suggesting poor construction.

weak net

Substitutes "fragile" with "weak", highlighting the lack of strength.

frail net

Uses "frail" to describe the net, suggesting it's weak and easily damaged.

brittle net

Replaces "fragile" with "brittle", indicating a tendency to break easily.

fragile web

Substitutes "netting" with "web", emphasizing the delicate and interconnected nature of the structure.

delicate network

Uses "delicate" and "network" to convey a similar concept of interconnected fragility.

thin web

Replaces "netting" with "web", focusing on the interconnected structure and delicacy.

unstable netting

Emphasizes the lack of stability and potential for collapse of the netting.

fragile screen

Replaces "netting" with "screen", implying a protective barrier that is easily damaged.

FAQs

How can I use "fragile netting" in a sentence?

You can use "fragile netting" to describe a delicate or easily damaged net-like structure, such as "The gardener used "fragile netting" to protect the young plants from birds."

What are some alternatives to "fragile netting"?

Alternatives include "delicate mesh", "weak net", or "flimsy netting", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "fragile netting" a common phrase in everyday conversation?

No, "fragile netting" is not particularly common in everyday conversation. It's more likely to appear in descriptive writing or technical contexts where the delicate nature of a net is relevant.

Which is a better choice, "fragile netting" or "fragile net"?

Both "fragile netting" and "fragile net" are grammatically correct. "Fragile netting" is slightly more specific, implying a network-like structure, while "fragile net" is more general. The best choice depends on the context.