numerous turns

USAGE SUMMARY

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

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The road itself comprises numerous turns and hills, making it a very popular drive for tourists visiting the area from areas such as Chicago and Detroit, especially during autumn.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Along the way he takes numerous turn-offs and diversions into subjects that really shouldn't be interesting, but which he makes fascinating: the development of the road atlas, for instance, or the history of the roadside verge.

The Guardian - Books

In her spare time, Ms. Stanley works to further the legacy of Stanley history, while Mr. Davidson, a holder of 27 patents in the United States, is involved in restoring and preserving numerous turn-of-the-century vehicles, including several Stanley Steamers.

The New York Times

Seminal work in this field by the Czarnik and Lippard laboratories led to the development of numerous turn-off, and later turn-on fluorescent sensors for Hg2+.

Chemical Reviews

Gregory House remains a highly complicated man, of course, though in Mr. Laurie's hands he has taken numerous character turns, highlighted by the spell in a mental institution that started this season.

The New York Times - Arts

The plot has numerous twists, turns and subplots, but the central story is one of downfall.

The New York Times - Arts

Less familiarly, the 56-year-old put it in language that might have come straight from the lips of his numerous geezer turns, from Sexy Beast to those lucrative bet365 adverts (which must have particularly delighted the taxman).

The Guardian - Film

After numerous wrong turns, the car pulls up to a cluster of mud homes with thatched roofs.

Los Angeles Times

Numerous tragic turns -- including one major "cheat" by the film; that is, a misleading plot twist where we are denied information to create undue suspense -- give this once romantic tale a very sober, dispiriting tone.

Huffington Post

"Dinosaur 13," the story of a controversial T. rex named Sue and the havoc her ancient bones wreaked on numerous lives, turns out to be an altogether splendid documentary.

Los Angeles Times

This strategy, called 'local search', is characterised by the worm making numerous sharp turns that keep it in its target search area.

eLife

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a physical route or journey, use "numerous turns" to convey a sense of complexity and challenge, especially when the turns are frequent and potentially disorienting.

Common error

Avoid using "numerous turns" when simpler terms like "many bends" or "several curves" would suffice. Reserve it for situations where the multiplicity of turns is a significant aspect of the description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "numerous turns" functions as a noun phrase, where "numerous" modifies the noun "turns". It acts as a descriptive element within a sentence, specifying the quantity or nature of changes in direction or course. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "numerous turns" is a grammatically correct and usable noun phrase that suggests a multitude of changes in direction or course. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a versatile phrase applicable in various contexts, from describing physical routes to abstract plot developments. While alternatives like "many bends" or "several twists" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. Though categorized as "Uncommon" in frequency, its presence across news, science, and wiki sources indicates a broad applicability in both formal and informal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

twists and turns

A more idiomatic expression emphasizing unpredictability and change.

many bends

Emphasizes the physical aspect of curves in a road or path; less formal.

several twists

Focuses on the complexity and unexpected nature of the changes in direction.

multiple curves

Highlights the repetitive nature of the bending or curving.

frequent turns

Indicates that the turns occur often and regularly.

a winding path

Emphasizes the continuous and non-linear nature of the route.

a serpentine route

Suggests a path that is twisting and turning like a snake.

complex navigation

Shifts focus to the difficulty in navigating due to the many turns.

labyrinthine course

Implies a complicated and confusing path with many turns and dead ends.

many deviations

Highlights departures from a straight path or expected course.

FAQs

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

You can use "numerous turns" to describe a road with many bends, a plot with unexpected twists, or any situation involving multiple changes in direction. For example: "The hiking trail had numerous turns, making it longer than expected."

What can I say instead of "numerous turns"?

You can use alternatives like "many bends", "several twists", or "multiple curves" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "numerous turns" or "many turns"?

"Numerous turns" and "many turns" are both grammatically correct and can often be used interchangeably. "Numerous" suggests a more precise or countable quantity, while "many" is more general. The choice depends on the desired level of specificity.

Can "numerous turns" refer to abstract situations, or only physical paths?

"Numerous turns" can refer to both physical paths and abstract situations. For example, you can say "The plot of the movie had numerous twists and turns", using a variation of "twists and turns" to describe unexpected plot developments.