jagged shoreline

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "jagged shoreline" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a coastline that has a rough, uneven, or irregular outline, often characterized by cliffs or rocky formations. Example: "The boat navigated carefully along the jagged shoreline, avoiding the sharp rocks that jutted out of the water."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

She showed me a trail flanked by wild blueberry patches leading to a stony, jagged shoreline.

The New York Times - Travel

Running about 25 miles around the jagged shoreline, the main route takes him about three hours.

The New York Times

Wallow is busy highlighting the jagged shoreline, circling places that might harbor a cave, when Granana shuffles into the kitchen.

The New Yorker

Television and newspaper Web sites showed grim images of the wooden boat, about 20 to 30 feet long, splintered in the sea after slamming into the island's sharp rocks, with people in the water being tossed onto the jagged shoreline.

The New York Times

We pull onto a dirt road through a sunflower field, heading towards the abyss, and find the jagged shoreline and a lonely parking lot.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

She says that Cassini scientists can now look for evidence that the waves, now or in the past, have eroded into the jagged, frozen shorelines and created long, straight beaches features that have been mostly lacking in Cassini data.

Science Magazine

But history happened here, too, from the plains of Monmouth County, N.J., to the jagged palisades of the Hudson Valley to the windswept shorelines of Long Island Sound.

The New York Times

The people who live here can stand on almost any street corner and watch the postcard view unfurl, with the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge to the south, the New Jersey shoreline to the west, and on to jagged Manhattan.

The New York Times

THE nearly vertical, jagged, 200-million-year-old cliffs of the Palisades tower majestically above the western shoreline of the Hudson River.

The New York Times

"Less sharp and jagged".

The New York Times

Only a jagged stump remained.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing coastal landscapes, use "jagged shoreline" to vividly portray the presence of sharp, uneven rock formations meeting the water. This imagery is particularly effective in conveying a sense of wildness or danger.

Common error

Avoid using "jagged shoreline" metaphorically to describe non-coastal scenarios. While 'jagged' can be applied to abstract concepts, 'shoreline' strictly relates to the edge of a body of water. Misusing the phrase can lead to confusing or inappropriate imagery.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "jagged shoreline" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. It combines the adjective "jagged", which modifies the noun "shoreline", to vividly describe a coastline characterized by sharp, uneven features. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "jagged shoreline" is a descriptive phrase used to paint a vivid picture of coastlines marked by sharp, uneven features. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability, noting its effectiveness in describing rugged landscapes. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts, as well as encyclopedias, and exhibits a neutral register. When writing about coastal scenes, employing "jagged shoreline" can effectively convey the presence of sharp, irregular rock formations. While other phrases like "rugged shoreline" or "uneven coastline" can serve as alternatives, "jagged shoreline" emphasizes the sharp, angular nature of the coastline.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rugged shoreline

Similar to "jagged shoreline", emphasizes the rough and uneven nature but suggests a more natural, untouched quality.

sharp coastline

Directly describes the acute angles and points along the shore.

uneven coastline

Focuses on the lack of uniformity in the coastline, instead of sharpness.

craggy coast

Implies a coast characterized by steep, rugged rock formations.

rough coast

Emphasizes the turbulent or harsh nature of the coast.

irregular coastline

Highlights the non-uniform pattern of the shoreline.

serrated coastline

Uses a more technical term to describe the tooth-like projections of the shoreline.

rocky coastline

Specifies the presence of rocks as the cause of the jaggedness.

broken shoreline

Suggests a coastline that appears fragmented or discontinuous.

indented shoreline

Focuses on the inward curves and recesses of the coastline.

FAQs

How can I describe a coastline similar to a "jagged shoreline"?

You can use alternatives such as "rugged shoreline", "uneven coastline", or "rocky coastline" to convey a similar image of an irregular and rough coastal edge.

What does "jagged shoreline" typically refer to?

The phrase "jagged shoreline" refers to a coastline characterized by sharp, uneven, and often rocky features. It suggests a natural landscape that is not smooth or uniform.

Is it correct to use "jagged shoreline" to describe a lake?

Yes, the term "jagged shoreline" can be used to describe the edge of a lake if it exhibits the same sharp, uneven features typically associated with ocean coasts.

Can "jagged shoreline" be used metaphorically?

While primarily a literal descriptor, "jagged" can be used metaphorically to describe something with sharp, irregular qualities. However, "shoreline" should generally be reserved for contexts directly related to a body of water to maintain clarity.