irregular coastline

USAGE SUMMARY

"irregular coastline" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a coastline that has a jagged shape, rather than a regular, smooth one. For example, "The island nation's irregular coastline is dotted with hidden coves and inlets."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Numerous streams, bays, and tidal estuaries indent the irregular coastline.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Pleistocene glaciation over most of the island produced a highly irregular coastline.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Its irregular coastline is broken by Ise Fjord and Roskilde Fjord.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The predominantly urban settlements of Hong Kong are typically distributed linearly, following the irregular coastline and transportation routes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The fourth largest island of the Danish archipelago, its irregular coastline is broken by Sakskøbing and Nakskov fjords.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The length of the province's irregular coastline, including more than 400 islands, is about 1,400 miles (2,250 km).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Cuba's approximately 3,570 miles (5,745 km) of irregular, picturesque coastline are characterized by many bays, sandy beaches, mangrove swamps, coral reefs, and rugged cliffs.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The highly irregular southeastern coastline of Vancouver Island is indented with natural deep harbours (such as that of Victoria, whose Inner Harbour is the heart of the downtown area) and an interplay of peninsulas.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Adams is still musically footloose: he roves through bucolic New England in his symphonic autobiography My Father Knew Charles Ives; charts the stark and irregular California coastline in his violin concerto The Dharma at Big Sur; and evokes the searing heat and thundery air of New Mexico in his opera Doctor Atomic.

The Guardian - Music

The coastline is irregular.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The gulf coastline is irregular, and the coastal waters are very shallow.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a coastline, use "irregular coastline" to convey the presence of numerous bays, inlets, and peninsulas, offering a more detailed picture of the landscape's form.

Common error

Avoid using "irregular coastline" as a synonym for 'damaged coastline'. "Irregular" refers to the natural, non-uniform shape, not to alterations caused by erosion or human activity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "irregular coastline" functions as a descriptive noun phrase, where 'irregular' modifies 'coastline'. It characterizes the physical appearance of a coastal region, indicating a lack of uniformity and the presence of indentations and projections. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is valid and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

47%

News & Media

22%

Science

19%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "irregular coastline" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a coastline that is not smooth or uniform, possessing many bays, inlets, and peninsulas. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is valid and suitable for written English. Its usage is prevalent in encyclopedic, scientific, and news contexts, reflecting a descriptive and often formal tone. When writing, it is important to distinguish "irregular coastline" from descriptions of damaged coastlines. Alternatives like "jagged shoreline" or "indented coastline" can add nuance. Remember to describe the natural shape of the coast, and avoid using this phrase to describe coastlines altered by storms or human impact. The frequency analysis confirms its presence across diverse authoritative sources, solidifying its acceptance and usability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

jagged shoreline

Replaces 'coastline' with 'shoreline' and 'irregular' with 'jagged', emphasizing the sharpness of the features.

uneven coast

Uses 'uneven' instead of 'irregular' offering a simpler description.

rough coastline

Substitutes 'irregular' with 'rough', indicating a lack of smoothness.

broken coastline

Emphasizes the fragmented nature of the coastline.

indented coastline

Focuses on the presence of inlets and bays.

contorted coastline

Highlights the twisted and complex shape of the coastline.

serrated coastline

Implies a tooth-like or saw-like edge.

varied coastline

Indicates a coastline with diverse features.

complex coastline

Highlights the intricate nature of the coastal outline.

rugged coastline

Emphasizes the steep and uneven nature.

FAQs

What does "irregular coastline" mean?

An "irregular coastline" refers to a coastline that is not smooth or uniform but has many bays, inlets, peninsulas, and other indentations. It signifies a varied and complex shape.

How can I describe an "irregular coastline" in other words?

You can use alternatives such as "jagged shoreline", "uneven coast", or "indented coastline" depending on the specific characteristics you want to emphasize.

Is it correct to describe a coastline damaged by a storm as "irregular"?

While a storm-damaged coastline might appear "irregular", it's more accurate to describe it as 'eroded', 'damaged', or 'altered'. The term "irregular coastline" typically describes a naturally occurring shape, not one resulting from damage.

What natural processes create an "irregular coastline"?

Glaciation, erosion, and tectonic activity are common natural processes that contribute to the formation of an "irregular coastline". These forces create varied coastal features like fjords, bays, and peninsulas.