loop

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'loop' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a noun to refer to a shape or a process that repeat or as a verb to mean to move or go in a circle. Example sentence: The children loved to loop around the playground on their rollerblades.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Music

Travel

Film

Politics

Sport

Education

Lifestyle

Arts

Tech

Money

World

Sustainable Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For the subsection most likely to be found lolling in the festival's green fields to the sound of a cycle-powered electric banjo, the Pyramid stage – where U2 play – is like going into town on a Saturday night: big, loud and lairy, with Radio 1 favourites blaring on a loop.

The Guardian - Opinion

We were to cross the Lewis Pass, touch the Tasman Sea, and return over Arthur's in a loop.

The Guardian - Books

In the very first second of opener On Sight, you are left alone in a field of distortion, a squelch of 303ish acid that rolls up and down a scale before settling into a loop of abrasive snarls.

The Guardian - Music

The Expert (Short Comedy Sketch) Drawing a line 7. Trombone loop cover of "Happy" Sliding scale 8. GoPro: Dane Jackson's 60ft Waterfall Drop Oar-some 9. Baby reveal gone wrong!

The Guardian

Reaction to the news has not been universally positive among Guardian readers: Adaptating sitcoms for the big screen can of course yield decent results – see recent examples Alpha Papa, The Inbetweeners and In the Loop.

The Guardian - Film

I craved connection, but had no idea how to create it, and so wound up in a loop: I was so often lonely, I assumed that loneliness was all there was.

The Guardian - Opinion

Showing on a loop on the screens outside Palazzo Grazioli was a compilation of clips that had a strangely retro feel to it.

The Guardian

Taxi drivers have to loop around to find it, you have to walk through a semi-construction area to get there from the SkyBus, and once you arrive – gloom descends.

The Guardian - Travel

They could probably turn this shot into a five-second GIF, run it as a loop, screen it as the entire film and I suspect nobody would notice.

The Guardian - Film

Also, keep your parents in the loop, they have far more experience of complaining about things than you – let them hassle the property owner too.

The Guardian

Those kept out of the loop included Jon Trickett, deputy party chair and the shadow minister without portfolio; Jon Cruddas, Miliband's policy chief; and Angela Eagle, the shadow leader of the House of Commons.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about repetitive processes, consider whether "loop" accurately conveys the intended duration and purpose of the repetition.

Common error

Be specific when using "loop" to describe processes; avoid vague references that don't clearly indicate the start, end, and purpose of the cycle.

Linguistic Context

The word "loop" functions primarily as a noun, denoting a closed curve or a repeating sequence. It also serves as a verb, indicating the act of forming something into a "loop" or moving in a "loop". Ludwig AI confirms its validity in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

24%

Music

12%

Travel

8%

Less common in

Film

8%

Politics

6%

Sport

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "loop" is a versatile word, commonly employed as both a noun and a verb to describe repeating sequences, circular paths, or repetitive actions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and frequently used across various contexts, particularly in news media, music, and travel. While generally neutral, understanding the specific context is key to its precise interpretation. Utilizing the writing guidance can help ensure clarity and avoid ambiguity in its application.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cycle

Emphasizes the repetitive nature of a sequence or process.

circuit

Refers to a closed path, often in electrical or systemic contexts.

iteration

Highlights a single repetition within a larger process.

repetition

Focuses on the act of doing something again.

round

Suggests a circular route or sequence of events.

spiral

Implies a winding, circling path that moves away from a center.

oscillation

Highlights a back-and-forth movement or fluctuation.

revolution

Indicates a complete turn or cycle around a point.

recurrence

Focuses on the reappearance of something at intervals.

rotation

Specifically denotes the act of turning around an axis.

FAQs

How can I use "loop" in a sentence?

You can use "loop" as a noun to describe a repeating sequence or a circular shape, as in "The song had a catchy "melody" on a "loop"" or as a verb meaning to move in a circle, like "The plane will "circle" the airport once before landing".

What are some alternatives to the word "loop"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "cycle", "circuit", "repetition", or "iteration".

What does it mean to be "out of the loop"?

To be "out of the "informed"" means to be unaware of current developments or inside information about a particular situation or group.

Is it correct to say a song is "on repeat" or "on a loop"?

Both phrases are generally acceptable, but "on a "continuous play"" is more precise. "On repeat" typically implies playing the same song again immediately after it ends, while "on a "loop"" can refer to a segment of the song repeating.