grammatical contortions

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "grammatical contortions" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe complex or convoluted sentence structures that may be difficult to understand or that seem unnecessarily complicated. Example: "The author's use of grammatical contortions made the article challenging to read and comprehend."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

I wasn't really aware of grammatical contortions.

The New Yorker

And how many grammatical contortions were necessary to ensure that the reader always knows whom you're referring to when the man multiplies?

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

This requires some contortions.

The Economist

The contortions of their legs.

The New York Times

Many were in acrobatic contortions.

The New Yorker

Notice a grammatical pattern?

The New York Times

Usage trumps grammatical purity.

The New York Times - Magazine

This is called grammatical conditioning.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Nearly all are marked by facial contortions.

The New York Times - Arts

These legalistic contortions now have enormous ramifications.

The New Yorker

The transaction requires multiple financial contortions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "grammatical contortions" when you want to critique writing that is technically correct but overly complex or difficult to understand. Ensure the context warrants the critical tone.

Common error

Avoid using "grammatical contortions" as a catch-all term for any grammatical issue. Reserve it for instances where the complexity itself is the problem, not a simple error.

Linguistic Context

Noun phrase. The phrase "grammatical contortions" functions as a noun phrase, typically used to describe instances of complex or convoluted sentence structures. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in criticizing writing style.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "grammatical contortions" is a valid and usable term in English, though relatively rare. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes writing that is grammatically correct but overly complex and difficult to understand. Its primary function is to offer a critical assessment, most commonly found in news and media sources. While not inherently incorrect, writers should use the term judiciously, reserving it for situations where complexity genuinely hinders comprehension. Consider using alternatives like "convoluted syntax" or "awkward phrasing" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tortured grammar

Suggests the grammar is strained or forced into an unnatural state.

convoluted syntax

Emphasizes the twisted and complicated arrangement of words.

linguistic gymnastics

Highlights the skillful but potentially excessive manipulation of language.

unwieldy syntax

Highlights the difficulty in handling or understanding the sentence structure.

syntactic complexities

Focuses on the complex nature of sentence structure rather than awkwardness.

strained constructions

Focuses on how the sentences are built feeling unnatural and forced.

awkward phrasing

Highlights the clumsy or unnatural aspect of the writing.

complicated grammatical constructions

A straightforward way to express the complexity of grammatical elements.

complex sentence structures

A more neutral way to describe intricate grammatical constructions.

byzantine prose

Implies the writing is overly elaborate and difficult to follow.

FAQs

How can "grammatical contortions" affect writing?

"Grammatical contortions" can make writing difficult to understand, even if technically correct. They add unnecessary complexity, potentially confusing or frustrating the reader.

What are some alternatives to "grammatical contortions"?

Depending on the specific issue, you could use phrases like "syntactic complexities", "awkward phrasing", or "convoluted syntax".

In what type of writing is "grammatical contortions" most likely to appear?

"Grammatical contortions" may occur in academic, legal, or technical writing where precision is prioritized, sometimes at the expense of clarity. It also appears in creative writing when experimenting with style.

Is there a positive side to using "grammatical contortions"?

While generally negative, deliberate "grammatical contortions" can create a specific stylistic effect or highlight the complexity of an idea, although it risks alienating the reader.