jagged edges

USAGE SUMMARY

The term "jagged edges" is an acceptable phrase in written English.
It is most often used to describe sharp or uneven edges or shapes that protrude and are not even. For example: The jagged edges of the broken wall were a harsh contrast to the smooth stone pavement.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Time began to pass with jagged edges.

The New Yorker

Geddes's optimistic and easygoing demeanor smoothes Fernandez's jagged edges.

The New York Times

Of course, those fragments can have jagged edges.

The New York Times

And yet, there have been a few jagged edges.

The New York Times - Sports

"It has jagged edges and sharp points and smooth lines.

The New York Times

Moving objects, in particular, tend to be seen as images with jagged edges.

The Economist

I was cut through by the jagged edges of all three.

The New York Times

"It's good for digging foxholes," he said approvingly, pointing out the instrument's jagged edges.

The New York Times

"He saw the jagged edges of Chicago politics and urban politics pretty close up," Axelrod said.

The New Yorker

Under warming, ice crystals lose their jagged edges, becoming more rounded with reduced areas of reflectivity.

The Guardian

Swooping lines of gold, blue and ivory create harmony amid the jagged edges and contrasting textures.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing abstract concepts like emotions or situations, using "jagged edges" can vividly convey a sense of discomfort, conflict, or difficulty. For example: "The negotiation process had several 'jagged edges' that needed smoothing out."

Common error

Avoid using "jagged edges" when describing something intended to be smooth or seamless. This creates a contradiction and weakens the impact of your writing. For example, it would be inappropriate to say "the 'jagged edges' of the new user interface made it easy to use."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "jagged edges" primarily functions as a noun phrase, often used as a subject or object within a sentence. Ludwig's examples show it describes physical attributes or metaphorical challenges. The grammatical function is to identify or characterize something with sharp or uneven boundaries.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Wiki

27%

Science

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "jagged edges" is a commonly used noun phrase that vividly describes sharp and uneven boundaries, both literally and metaphorically. Ludwig's AI confirms its acceptability in written English. It frequently appears in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts. While the phrase has a neutral register, its use can subtly shift depending on the surrounding context. When writing, be mindful of using "jagged edges" only when the intended meaning involves sharpness and irregularity, avoiding applications in smooth contexts. Related terms include "rough edges", "uneven borders", and "serrated edges", each carrying slightly different connotations. The phrase is grammatically sound and commonly found across diverse sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rough edges

Emphasizes the uneven and imperfect nature of the edge, but not necessarily the sharpness.

ragged edges

Conveys a sense of being torn or worn, suggesting an uneven and unkempt appearance.

uneven borders

Focuses on the lack of uniformity in the boundary rather than the sharpness of the edge.

broken edges

Suggests that the edges are not continuous and have been fragmented.

irregular margins

Highlights the non-standard shape of the boundary, often in a more formal context.

serrated edges

Implies a saw-like edge with sharp teeth or notches.

toothed edges

Similar to serrated, but may imply larger, more distinct teeth.

sharp projections

Highlights the protruding and pointed nature of the edges.

spiky edges

Implies the presence of sharp points that protrude outward.

craggy borders

Evokes a rugged and rough appearance, often in a natural or geological context.

FAQs

How can I use "jagged edges" in a sentence?

You can use "jagged edges" to describe physical objects with uneven or sharp borders, such as "The broken glass had 'jagged edges'". You can also use it metaphorically to describe unpleasant or difficult situations, like "The relationship had some 'jagged edges' that needed to be resolved".

What is a more formal alternative to "jagged edges"?

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "irregular borders", "uneven boundaries", or "serrated edges" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "rough edges" instead of "jagged edges"?

"Rough edges" is suitable when describing a texture that is not perfectly smooth but isn't necessarily sharp. "Jagged edges", on the other hand, specifically implies sharp, uneven protrusions. Depending on the object's nature, consider also using "uneven edges".

Can "jagged edges" be used to describe abstract concepts?

Yes, "jagged edges" can be used metaphorically to describe abstract concepts such as difficult situations or relationships. It conveys a sense of unease, conflict, or things not fitting together smoothly. An alternative could be "complex issues".