lunge

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "lunge" is an accepted and usable word in written English.
It is used as a verb, meaning to make a sudden forward movement. For example: "He lunged at the ball, trying to kick it away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Independent

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

As it is, the world has been left to decode the post-gala lunge by Solange Knowles at Jay Z from other sources – primarily, she and her sister's accounts on Instagram, the world's foremost wire service for passive aggressively-rendered news.

The Guardian - Opinion

He would be on 78 minutes for a lunge at Morata.

The Guardian - Sport

Fortunate to be only booked for a dangerous lunge at McArthur his was an otherwise anonymous performance.

The Guardian - Sport

It was Schweinsteiger's early free-kick, conceded after Nicolás Otamendi's late lunge on Podolski, that was flicked in by Müller who had slipped away from the right-back to glance a header through Sergio Romero.

The Guardian - Sport

But Voller went down over Sensini's lunge, the penalty was given and Brehme calmly stroked the ball past Goycochea's right hand.

The Guardian - Sport

In Bahrain the revolution simply crumpled, crushed under the weight of arms and demonised by a Sunni ruling family that painted demands for democracy by the country's Shia majority as a lunge for sectarian dominance.Most other governments that survived the wave of change used softer tactics.

The Economist

But when Mrs Merkel does her Mutti-talk, she gets away with it.A more personal lunge at Mrs Merkel over the euro crisis missed the mark.

The Economist

I give Mr Obama the win here because he stayed cool and grounded, but I give Mr McCain credit for resisting the temptation to lunge over the podium and wreak some havoc.

The Economist

For their current task is not to lunge at each other, but to draw up long-term political platforms for their parties.Indeed, all parties are at it.

The Economist

Mosul has a similar home-guard force.The ruling factions in the autonomous zone, the PUK and the KDP, have had to promise the Americans and Turks that, this time, they will not make a lunge for either Kirkuk and Mosul.

The Economist

Kiev's geopolitical lunge towards the West has made him even more zealous in his post-Soviet integration project.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about physical actions, use "lunge" to convey a sense of suddenness and forward motion. It's especially effective in descriptions of sports, fights, or exercises where quick movements are involved.

Common error

Avoid using "lunge" to describe stationary actions or gradual movements. It implies a rapid, directed movement, so ensure the context aligns with this sense of suddenness.

Linguistic Context

The word "lunge" primarily functions as both a noun and a verb. As a verb, it describes the action of making a sudden forward thrust. As a noun, it refers to the act of lunging. This is supported by Ludwig, which provides various examples of its usage in different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Encyclopedias

15%

Independent

15%

Less common in

Science

16%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "lunge" is a versatile term used to describe a sudden forward movement, functioning as both a noun and a verb. As indicated by Ludwig, it's grammatically correct and frequently used across various contexts. The primary contexts include News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Sports, reflecting its utility in describing dynamic actions. While it maintains a neutral register, it’s essential to use "lunge" appropriately to convey suddenness and direction. To improve your writing, use "lunge" in sports contexts or to describe quick and precise movements and be sure to avoid applying it in a static way. Considering the context, other choices can be "thrust", "plunge" or "charge".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sudden thrust

Focuses on the forceful and abrupt nature of the movement, emphasizing the power behind it.

forward plunge

Emphasizes the downward and forward motion, suggesting a less controlled movement.

abrupt advance

Highlights the sudden and immediate nature of moving forward, often implying a strategic or aggressive intent.

swift surge

Implies a rapid and powerful increase or movement, often associated with energy or force.

hasty dash

Suggests a quick and often impulsive movement forward, typically driven by urgency or necessity.

unplanned assault

Focuses on the unexpected and aggressive initiation of a movement, emphasizing the element of surprise.

impetuous charge

Implies a rash and forceful movement forward, driven by sudden impulse or emotion.

precipitate launch

Highlights the quick and sudden beginning of a movement, often without adequate preparation or planning.

forceful stab

Emphasizes a directed and forceful action, with the intention of causing damage or harm.

active stretching

Highlights the physical activity of stretching a muscle or limb to its full extent, often for exercise or preparation.

FAQs

How is the word "lunge" typically used in a sentence?

The word "lunge" is used to describe a sudden forward movement or attack. For example: "The fencer executed a precise "lunge" during the match."

What are some synonyms for "lunge"?

Alternatives to "lunge" include "thrust", "surge", or "plunge". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "lunge" in writing?

Use "lunge" when you want to emphasize a sudden and often aggressive movement. It is appropriate in contexts involving sports, combat, or any situation where a quick, forward motion is key. For example, when someone makes a "sudden thrust".

What's the difference between "lunge" and "leap"?

"Lunge" typically implies a forward motion, often with one leg extended, while "leap" involves jumping into the air. A "lunge" is more grounded, while a "leap" involves a more substantial airborne movement.