nestling together

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "nestling together" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe two or more entities that are closely positioned or cuddled together, often conveying a sense of warmth or intimacy. Example: "The puppies were nestling together in a cozy pile, enjoying the warmth of each other's presence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Sweet, sour, bitter and salty taste all harmoniously nestling together?

Independent

The more scurrilous practitioners rely on indirection and innuendo, nestling together in a bed of lush sophistry.

The New York Times

They were found nestling together in their super yachts in Venice for this year's spectacular art biennale.

The Guardian - Opinion

A case in point is "Suburban Kiss," two large, rounded, tomato-colored shapes (one smaller than the other) nestling together, their surfaces closely hugged by an irregular partial grid painted in alternate blue and yellow.

The New York Times

Various venues, Wed to 26 Mar, visit hrw.org/iff Andrea Hubert There's little to galvanise this year's crop (over 75 films and documentaries), besides tragedy, love, religion, schooldays and nestling together under a big rainbow-coloured umbrella.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

The paintings are small and nestle together.

The Economist

Why are those five people nestled together in a box?

The New Yorker

Her design nestles together three buildings, which softly zigzag in and out as they rise.

The New Yorker

Sometimes satisfactions and eyebrow raisers are nestled together in a single movement.

The New York Times - Arts

Three curving shells of concrete, nestled together like an immense sculpture, shelter the congregation.

The New York Times - Arts

In the popular imagination, the animals nestle together, fur by beak, claw by nape, the humans happy among them.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "nestling together" to evoke a sense of comfort, intimacy, or harmonious arrangement, particularly when describing physical proximity or emotional connection. Ensure the context aligns with the gentle and affectionate connotation of the phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "nestling together" in highly formal or technical writing where more precise or neutral language is appropriate. In such cases, consider alternatives like "adjacent", "close proximity", or "harmoniously combined" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "nestling together" is as a gerund phrase, often used adjectivally to describe nouns or adverbially to modify verbs. This is evidenced by Ludwig's examples of the phrase being used to describe arrangements, actions, or states of being that involve closeness and intimacy.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "nestling together" is a grammatically correct gerund phrase that evokes a sense of warmth, intimacy, and harmonious arrangement. While its usage is relatively rare, it is most frequently found in News & Media and Academia contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase typically carries a neutral tone, but leaning towards the informal, therefore writers should consider their context carefully. For formal writing, synonyms such as "closely positioned" or "harmoniously arranged" may be more suitable. The phrase is best used to describe physical proximity or emotional connection when a sense of comfort is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cuddling together

Focuses specifically on physical affection and warmth, implying a closer embrace.

snuggling together

Similar to cuddling, but emphasizes comfort and coziness.

huddling together

Suggests a need for warmth, protection, or solidarity in a group.

clustering together

Implies a close grouping or aggregation, often for a specific purpose.

hugging each other

Highlights reciprocal embrace and affection, very closely related to cuddling.

embracing each other

Similar to hugging, but can imply a stronger emotional connection.

close together

A more general term for proximity, lacking the warmth implied by "nestling".

harmoniously combined

Focuses on the balanced arrangement rather than physical closeness.

fitting together

Emphasizes how parts combine well to create an unified entity.

intertwined

Stresses a complex form of closeness or union.

FAQs

What does "nestling together" mean?

"Nestling together" describes a situation where two or more things or beings are close together in a comfortable, cozy, or affectionate way. It suggests a sense of intimacy, protection, or harmonious arrangement.

How can I use "nestling together" in a sentence?

You can use "nestling together" to describe animals cuddling, objects fitting perfectly, or even abstract concepts blending harmoniously. For example: "The kittens were "cuddling together" for warmth."

What are some alternatives to "nestling together"?

Alternatives include "cuddling together", "snuggling together", "huddling together", or "close together" depending on the specific context.

Is "nestling together" appropriate for formal writing?

While "nestling together" is grammatically correct, it carries a somewhat informal and affectionate tone. For formal writing, consider more neutral alternatives like "closely positioned" or "harmoniously arranged" to maintain a professional tone.