jigsaw

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "jigsaw" is correct and usable in written English.
It can refer to both the physical puzzle piece game, or a complex problem that needs to be solved. For example: "We are slowly putting the pieces of the jigsaw together to find a solution to this problem."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

'We have the edges of the jigsaw in place,' said Alastair McWhirter, the Chief Constable of Suffolk.

The Guardian

However, the map of the world today is far from being a perfectly fitted jigsaw of successfully modernised nation-states.

The Guardian - Opinion

As Matt Ritchie's missile of a shot flashed past Chris Kirkland and soared into the top-right corner, it felt like the moment when all the pieces in the jigsaw had fallen into place for Bournemouth.

The Guardian - Sport

The story of Twitter, as told over the past few days, snaps perfectly into this bigger jigsaw.

The Guardian - Opinion

He even described the move as the "last piece in the jigsaw".

The Guardian

Each piece of the data jigsaw is a point in a cloud of data in a high dimensional space, but we want to find the interesting stuff, and that means we need some way to find it.

The Guardian

"We need to look at a whole jigsaw of options in treating cancer – diet, anti-inflammatory drugs and others – to see how it fits in with chemotherapy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"This is the last part of the jigsaw for me..."....

The Guardian - Sport

9.18am: Below the line @usini suggests that I've missed a major part of this jigsaw.

The Guardian

However, the pace of movement towards putting the final piece of the devolution jigsaw in place is slow because the DUP leader and first minister, Peter Robinson, has to sell the deal to nervous backbenchers who worry about having to face the TUV and a hardline loyalist backlash on the doorsteps.

The Guardian

"I wouldn't say all the pieces of the jigsaw are in place," Osborne said, adding that the members of the eurozone had to supplement monetary union with closer fiscal ties.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "jigsaw" metaphorically, ensure the context clearly indicates that you're referring to a situation where individual pieces contribute to a complete picture. For instance, "The investigation is like a "jigsaw", with each clue adding to the overall understanding."

Common error

Avoid using "jigsaw" in contexts where the concept of interconnected pieces doesn't apply. For example, don't say, "The weather is a "jigsaw"", as weather patterns don't inherently suggest a puzzle-like assembly.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "jigsaw" is typically as a noun, referring either to a puzzle or a situation involving many interconnected parts. As seen in Ludwig, it can also function as a verb, meaning to cut something using a jigsaw.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "jigsaw" is a versatile word primarily functioning as a noun to denote a puzzle or a complex problem. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English, highlighting its applicability in describing scenarios where individual pieces fit together to form a complete picture. Predominantly featured in News & Media, its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts. Related phrases like "puzzle", "problem", and "enigma" offer alternative ways to express similar concepts. The effective use of "jigsaw" lies in ensuring the context aligns with the idea of interconnected elements contributing to a unified whole.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

puzzle

This alternative refers to a game or problem designed to test ingenuity or knowledge.

problem

This suggests a situation regarded as unwelcome or harmful and needing to be dealt with.

enigma

An enigma is something mysterious, puzzling, or difficult to understand.

conundrum

A conundrum is a confusing and difficult problem or question.

mystery

This implies something that is difficult or impossible to understand or explain.

riddle

A riddle is a question or statement intentionally phrased so as to require ingenuity in ascertaining its answer or meaning.

complex situation

This phrase emphasizes the intricate and multifaceted nature of a particular scenario.

intricate problem

This highlights the elaborately detailed and complicated nature of a problem.

challenging puzzle

This suggests that the puzzle is difficult and requires considerable effort to solve.

complicated issue

This denotes a matter or point of difficulty that requires careful consideration.

FAQs

How can I use the word "jigsaw" in a sentence?

The word "jigsaw" can be used to describe both a physical puzzle and a complex problem with many interconnected parts. For example, "Solving this crime is like completing a complex "jigsaw"" or "She enjoys relaxing with a "jigsaw" puzzle after work".

What's the difference between a "jigsaw" and a "puzzle"?

While both terms refer to games or problems that require solving, a "jigsaw" specifically involves interlocking pieces that form a complete picture. The term "puzzle" is a broader term that can include riddles, brain teasers, and other types of challenges.

What can I say instead of "pieces of the "jigsaw""?

You can use alternatives like "elements of the "puzzle"", "components of the problem", or "aspects of the situation" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "jigsaw" in formal writing?

Yes, "jigsaw" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when used metaphorically to describe a complex system or problem. However, consider your audience and ensure the metaphor is easily understood. In some cases, more technical terminology might be preferable.