jumble of limbs

USAGE SUMMARY

"jumble of limbs" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a messy cluster of arms and legs when someone or something is in a disorganized position. For example: "When the baby moved around too quickly, she ended up in a jumble of limbs on the floor."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

City have an apparently insoluble weakness at full-back and in Eliaquim Mangala, an error-prone jumble of limbs and sweat at centre-half.

The Guardian - Sport

Stakhovsky is a fidgety, beanpole-ish figure, dissolving at times into a jumble of limbs mid-point, but there was a freedom to his shot-making as he mixed lobs and drives and volleys on his way to levelling the first set at 6-6.

The Guardian - Sport

But before I do...tell me, am I not more likely to fall because I am looking down at a phone, distracted by text messages, than I am to randomly get hurt and have as my only potential savior my own phone?" (Not only will help be called, but my crippled, bloodied, and mangled jumble of limbs will be instagrammed, vined, and retweeted many times over before help arrives).

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Bounden is immensely enjoyable, and it made me laugh — perhaps at the unexpected proximity between me and the friends I played with, or at the uncoordinated jumbles of limbs we created.

The New Yorker

The shop girls, a jumble of attenuated limbs and stringy hair, tolerated me with a spirit of resigned professionalism.

The New Yorker

Amputations of limbs.

The Economist

These were Qaddafi's soldiers, some of them shot to death, some burnt to death, their blackened limbs with bones protruding from a jumble of flesh and green uniform cloth.

The New Yorker

But it is also a jumble of contradictions.

The New York Times - Science

The industry remains a fragmented jumble of national champions.

The Economist

(Its airport code seems a jumble of leftover letters, YTZ).

The New York Times

Or a jumble of broken glass.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "jumble of limbs" to vividly describe a situation where limbs are tangled or disorganized, creating a strong visual image for the reader. Ensure the context makes it clear whose or what the limbs belong to.

Common error

Avoid using "jumble of limbs" when the limbs are neatly arranged or intentionally placed. The phrase implies disorder and lack of coordination, so it's unsuitable for describing posed or orderly arrangements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "jumble of limbs" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. It is used to depict a chaotic or disorganized arrangement of arms and legs. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English. The examples show its use in describing both human and animal forms in disarray.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "jumble of limbs" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a tangled, disorganized arrangement of arms and legs. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability. While relatively rare, it effectively creates a vivid image of disorder and is primarily found in news and media contexts. When writing, ensure the phrase accurately reflects the intended state of disarray, avoiding its use for neat or intentional arrangements. Alternative phrases like "tangle of limbs" or "mass of limbs" can be used to convey slightly different nuances. The phrase functions as a descriptive noun phrase, aiming to provide a clear visual depiction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tangle of limbs

Replaces "jumble" with "tangle", emphasizing the intertwined nature of the limbs.

mass of limbs

Substitutes "jumble" with "mass", focusing on the quantity and density of the limbs.

mess of limbs

Replaces "jumble" with "mess", highlighting the disorganized state of the limbs.

heap of limbs

Uses "heap" instead of "jumble", suggesting a piled-up arrangement of limbs.

cluster of limbs

Substitutes "jumble" with "cluster", emphasizing the close grouping of the limbs.

muddle of limbs

Replaces "jumble" with "muddle", highlighting the confused or disordered state of the limbs.

tangle of arms and legs

Specifies "arms and legs" instead of the more general "limbs".

disordered limbs

Focuses on the state of being disordered rather than the collection.

uncoordinated limbs

Emphasizes the lack of coordination in the arrangement of the limbs.

entangled limbs

Uses "entangled" to describe the state of the limbs being intertwined.

FAQs

How can I use "jumble of limbs" in a sentence?

You can use "jumble of limbs" to describe a tangled or disorganized arrangement of arms and legs, such as "The children were a "jumble of limbs" as they played on the floor."

What's a good alternative to "jumble of limbs"?

Alternatives include "tangle of limbs", "mass of limbs", or "mess of limbs", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "jumble of limbs" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "jumble of limbs" might be more suitable for descriptive or creative writing. In formal contexts, consider more precise or clinical terms if describing a physical state.

What's the difference between "jumble of limbs" and "entanglement of limbs"?

"Jumble of limbs" emphasizes disorganization and lack of coordination, while "entanglement of limbs" highlights the intertwining or wrapping of limbs around each other. The phrases "tangle of limbs" and "entanglement of limbs" are used depending on the degree and nature of the physical connection.