jerks all over

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "jerks all over" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe sudden, erratic movements or actions, often in a physical or metaphorical sense. Example: "The car hit a pothole and started to jerk all over the road, making it difficult to control."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

But now we're finding out that they were toying with what appears to be a pretty overtly misogynistic app, and they look like jerks all over again.

Vice

It promises a punk snog'n'tell, but is a real tease: strident, uncertain, compelling, with a structure that jerks all over the place via snapshots of Albertine's life.

The Guardian - Books

You're right in the thick of things, and the camera often jerks all over the place, making it impossible for you to get your bearings (something called an image shaker is employed to achieve this vertiginous effect), and at times you long for the storytelling equivalent of an overhead shot — some glimpse of the big picture — to help you make sense of what you're seeing.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

That was the gate money they gave you when you walked out the door after 11 and a half months of chopping cabbage, dicing onions and sucking up the reek of the grill, burgers, dogs, sloppy Joe on a bun, strip steak that was like jerky softened in water and then jerked all over again.

Forbes

"As I'm being jerked all over the sidewalk I'm working on my core.

The New York Times

Forbes: Financials continue to jerk all over the map.

Forbes

And yet you can be thankful that prices jerk all over the place.

Forbes

Knees are jerking all over creation right now.

Huffington Post

Internet forums were started that called for Orth's instant firing, and YouTube videos were made that detailed why Orth was a jerk, all over a flip remark.

Los Angeles Times

When Hiscock handed it to Seymour, another firefighter interjected that "you might want to go home and wash that, we jerked all over it".

Vice

When Sports Illustrated reported recently that His Airness is considering such a move for next season, knees all over the country predictably jerked.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "jerks all over" to describe movement, ensure the context clearly indicates what is being moved and the nature of the erratic movement. Consider if a more precise verb would be more effective.

Common error

Avoid using "jerks all over" in contexts where a literal interpretation of "jerks" (as in, offensive people) would be confusing. Ensure the intended meaning is clear from the surrounding text.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "jerks all over" functions primarily as a descriptive phrase, often modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate erratic movement or unpleasant behavior. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "jerks all over" is a grammatically sound expression primarily used to describe erratic movements or unpleasant behavior. As noted by Ludwig AI, its usage spans across different domains. While common in news and media, it's less frequent in formal academic or scientific contexts. When using this phrase, clarity is essential to avoid misinterpretations. Consider alternatives like "lurches erratically" or "behaves obnoxiously" depending on the intended meaning to enrich your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lurches erratically

Focuses on unstable, sudden movements instead of the underlying cause or agent.

moves spasmodically

Emphasizes jerky and uncontrolled movements

twitches uncontrollably

Emphasizes involuntary muscle spasms rather than broader erratic actions.

stumbles haphazardly

Focuses on clumsy or uncoordinated movement in many directions.

reacts impulsively

Shifts the focus to a spontaneous and often ill-considered response.

overreacts dramatically

Highlights an exaggerated response to a situation.

acts like a fool

Emphasizes foolish behavior instead of erratic movements.

behaves obnoxiously

Highlights offensive or unpleasant behavior.

is all over the place

Emphasizes being scattered or disorganized rather than a specific jerk-like action.

exhibits erratic behavior

Highlights unpredictable or inconsistent conduct.

FAQs

How can I use "jerks all over" in a sentence?

You can use "jerks all over" to describe erratic movements or to indicate that someone is behaving in an unpleasant or foolish manner. For example: "The old car hit a bump and started to jerk all over the road."

What does "jerks all over" mean?

The phrase "jerks all over" typically describes erratic or uncontrolled movements. It can also be used to express the idea that someone is behaving foolishly or obnoxiously.

Are there alternatives to saying "jerks all over"?

Yes, depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "lurches erratically" or "acts like a fool".

Is "jerks all over" grammatically correct?

Yes, "jerks all over" is grammatically correct in English, although it can be considered informal depending on the specific context. It is generally used in descriptive or narrative writing.