many turns

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "many turns" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or path that involves numerous changes in direction or decisions. Example: "The road ahead has many turns, so drive carefully."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At too many turns, anguish was likely to worsen.

The New York Times

Still, the Democratic nominating fight clearly has many turns ahead.

The New York Times

Lawsuits challenging the 2001 law have taken many turns over the last decade.

The New York Times

Other racers complained that the course had too many turns at the top, which diminishes speed.

The New York Times - Sports

The explanation, a tale rich with history, takes nearly as many turns as some races.

The New York Times

Somalia's decades-long instability has taken many turns, with nearby countries getting involved.

The New York Times

So how does he know how many turns each model can take?

The New York Times

But "of many turns" is also a canny way to describe the hero himself.

The New Yorker

The road to the trial scheduled to begin next month has taken many turns.

The New York Times

Her life has taken many turns since she slipped from the media spotlight.

The Guardian

How many turns in their own road they are going to have to navigate?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a narrative or situation with unexpected developments, use "many turns" to convey the sense of complexity and unpredictability.

Common error

Avoid using "many turns" in contexts where simpler terms like "several changes" or "a few adjustments" would suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "many turns" functions as a modifier describing a noun (e.g., road, path, story). It indicates a high quantity of changes in direction or development. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

27%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Huffington Post

13%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "many turns" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe something with numerous changes in direction, decision points or plot twists. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of the phrase. It's versatile, applicable in both literal (roads) and figurative (narratives) contexts. While appropriate in most situations, avoiding overuse in overly simple contexts can improve clarity. Consider alternatives like "numerous twists" or "several bends" for more precise language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

twists and turns

A more emphatic and common way of saying "many turns", highlighting unpredictability.

numerous twists

Emphasizes the unpredictable and winding nature of something, similar to "many turns" but more focused on unexpected changes.

winding path

Focuses on the indirect and circuitous route taken, rather than the number of changes.

several bends

Specifically refers to physical paths or courses, highlighting the changes in direction.

circuitous route

Similar to "winding path", emphasizing the indirectness of the journey.

multiple detours

Suggests deviations from a planned route or course, implying unexpected changes.

various shifts

Highlights changes in position, status, or perspective, similar to "many turns" in a figurative sense.

frequent changes

Directly indicates the presence of multiple alterations, but lacks the nuance of complexity or deviation.

complex developments

Emphasizes the intricate and evolving nature of a situation, implying numerous changes and advancements.

a lot of changes

A simpler and less formal way of expressing the same idea as "many turns".

FAQs

How can I use "many turns" in a sentence?

You can use "many turns" to describe a winding road, a complex plot, or a situation with frequent changes. For example, "The road had "many turns", making the journey slow." or "The negotiation took "many turns" before a final agreement was reached."

What are some alternatives to "many turns"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "numerous twists", "several bends", or "multiple detours".

Is it better to say "many turns" or "a lot of turns"?

"Many turns" is generally considered more formal and sophisticated than "a lot of turns". The choice depends on the context and desired tone, with the former being more suitable for formal writing and the latter acceptable in more casual settings.

Can "many turns" be used in both literal and figurative senses?

Yes, "many turns" can be used both literally, such as describing a road with multiple bends, and figuratively, to describe a complex situation or narrative with numerous changes or unexpected developments.