locomotion

USAGE SUMMARY

"locomotion" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to refer to the act of moving from one place to another, either by walking, running, or some other form of transportation. For example: The car gave us the freedom of locomotion that we had never experienced before.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

They also know which bits of the brain deal with vision, locomotion, language, memory and suchlike.

The Economist

In this case, a biologist, robotics engineer and analog-chip designer collaborated on a walking robot that used the principle of a "central pattern generator" (CPG a kind of flexible pacemaker that humans and other animals use for locomotion.

The Economist

Mr Azad chose to mount the DuctBot on wheels rather than mechanical limbs because they offer more energy-efficient locomotion and are easier to steer.

The Economist

At Dr Dario's laboratory, the Centre for Research in Microengineering, scientists have been designing prototypes of capsule robots that have legs for active locomotion.

The Economist

A Super Ball Bot, however, makes sense for such a place because it could double as both the locomotion system and a landing mechanism, says Vytas SunSpiral, an Ames roboticist.

The Economist

So an entirely different system of locomotion is needed for rovers operating in a microgravity.Surprising as it may seem, one promising form of transportation in microgravity is a space hopper.

The Economist

These markings, they report in Geology, are up to 13mm wide and up to 17cm long.In this section Highs and lows Flaky science Horny ladies Do the locomotion Correction: Alien life ReprintsWhat is most curious about these tracks is that the rock they are in is reckoned to have formed at least a kilometre below sea level.

The Economist

Yet at the annual meeting of the National Neurotrauma Society in Los Angeles this month, Susan Harkema of the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), described how seven of her patients whose spinal cords had been completely cut through were able to relearn the rudiments of walking.Dr Harkema's research suggests that the cord plays a bigger role in locomotion than was previously believed.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

On Rock's view, at least some forms of adaptation to ORDs can be explained by our ability to detect and exploit such invariant sources of spatial informational in locomotion-generated patterns of optic flow.

SEP

This is so already at the end of the Categories, where motion features as one of the postpraedicamenta, and the kinds of motion generation, perishing, growth, decay, alteration and locomotion are articulated according to the categorical status of entities acquired (and replaced) through the motion.

SEP

But to get more closely at Aristotle's original usage, he had to expand the meaning of motion to cover a much broader range of phenomena that include various other sorts of change, such as growth and diminution, alternation, and generation and corruption, making an objects motion in space (displacement or 'locomotion') just a special case of motion.

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "locomotion" when specifically referring to the ability or act of moving from one place to another, especially when discussing biological or robotic systems.

Common error

Avoid using "locomotion" in casual conversations; simpler terms like "movement" or "travel" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "locomotion" is as a noun. It refers to the act or ability to move from one place to another. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

44%

News & Media

42%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "locomotion" is a grammatically sound noun that describes the act or ability to move from one place to another. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While its primary contexts are in science and news media, it's important to note its formal register. Use it precisely in technical writing, but opt for simpler terms like "movement" or "travel" in casual settings. Remember that while alternatives exist, "locomotion" brings a unique emphasis to the process of moving, whether biological or mechanical.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Movement

This is a more general term referring to any change in position.

Self-propulsion

Highlights the ability to move without external assistance.

Mobility

Focuses on the ability to move or be moved easily.

Ambulation

Specifically refers to the act of walking.

Propulsion

Focuses on the mechanism or force that causes movement.

Progression

Emphasizes the act of moving forward or advancing.

Motion

A broad term encompassing all forms of movement, not just changes in location.

Travel

Emphasizes journeying from one place to another.

Kinesiology

The study of human movement; more scientific and technical.

Wayfaring

Suggests traveling, especially on foot.

FAQs

How is "locomotion" used in scientific writing?

In scientific contexts, "locomotion" refers to the ability of an organism or machine to move from one place to another, often studied in fields like biology, robotics, and biomechanics.

What are some common synonyms for "locomotion"?

Alternatives include "movement", "mobility", "ambulation" (for walking), and "self-propulsion".

How does "locomotion" differ from "motion"?

"Locomotion" specifically implies movement from one place to another, while "motion" is a broader term encompassing any change in position or state.

Is "locomotion" appropriate for everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "locomotion" is often too formal for casual conversation. Simpler words like "travel" or "movement" are usually more suitable.