prance

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'prance' is correct and usable in written English.
It means to move with light, springy steps or to dance playfully. Example: The little girl couldn't contain her excitement and began to prance around the room, twirling and giggling as she did so.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If I'd have been able to relax, prance around, sing in the street, I might be a different person now.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Even British wrestlers know that, which is why whenever any of them ever go and ply their trade in America, they're bound by unspoken duty to immediately change their name to Duke Spiffington and prance around in a monocle to Land of Hope and Glory.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Nighy left school with two O-Levels, ran away to France, twice, the first aged 15, with the romantic and deluded notion of becoming Ernest Hemingway, before a girlfriend persuaded him to apply to Guildford School of Dance and Drama (Prance and Murmur, he called it; he has learned to murmur very well).

The Guardian - Film

Before long all these instruments disappear, studio recordings of the tracks are played and these art-tronic Sith prance, parade and karate-chop around like the Blue Man Group doing Les Miserables 2: Enter The Dragon.

The Guardian - Music

When all you do is kick a ball for a living, why prance about with two syllables when one will do just fine?

The Guardian - Sport

Though he would certainly continue to preen and prance before the cameras, he might yet turn from populism towards something more practical, especially when the country's economic problems start to press upon him (see article).

The Economist

Attempts to make him appear less stuffy by getting him to prance around the seafront with young female MPs and make (inaccurate) references to the Arctic Monkeys were uniformly cringe-making.

The Economist

And Gujarat's hardline Hindu-nationalist, Narendra Modi, if he wins a fourth consecutive term as chief minister next year, might also claim a right to run the country.Adding to the confusion, the party also has a president, Nitin Gatkari, pushed into his job by a powerful Hindu-revivalist group, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, or RSS, who prance about in khaki shorts.

The Economist

Cairo's bars remain open, and Egyptian women, as well as tourists, prance on beaches in bikinis.Indeed, some of the strongest criticism of Mr Morsi has come not from fearful secularists but from Egypt's religious right.

The Economist

This is because the current the electrodes detect is weak, and a really good contact needs to be made between apparatus and skin.Robert Prance and his colleagues at the University of Sussex, in England, plan to do away with all that.

The Economist

When the chief puppeteer comes to Washington, the puppets prance".Ralph Nader on the power of the Israeli lobby.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "prance" to describe movement that is not only energetic but also somewhat showy or flamboyant. It's appropriate when you want to convey a sense of exuberance or self-display in the action.

Common error

Avoid using "prance" when a more neutral verb like "walk" or "move" would suffice. "Prance" carries a connotation of deliberate showiness that may not always be intended.

Linguistic Context

The word "prance" primarily functions as a verb, describing a manner of movement. It signifies a way of walking or moving with high steps or exaggerated movements, as exemplified by the various sentences provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

0.5%

Wiki

0.5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "prance" is a versatile verb that describes a distinctive, often showy or lively manner of movement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and its common usage across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While generally neutral in register, its playful connotation suggests careful consideration in formal or serious writing. As evidenced by the examples provided by Ludwig, it effectively conveys exuberance or deliberate self-display, distinguishing it from more neutral terms like "walk" or "move".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strut

Implies a proud or conceited gait, often to display oneself.

swagger

Suggests a bold and arrogant manner of walking.

tittup

Refers to a lively and playful movement.

cavort

Implies lively and uninhibited behavior.

frolic

Indicates playful skipping or running around.

dance

General term for rhythmic movement, can be less showy than "prance".

skip

A light, springing step.

bound

To leap or spring.

caper

To skip or dance about in a playful way.

gambol

Means to run or jump about playfully.

FAQs

How can I use "prance" in a sentence?

You can use "prance" to describe a lively or jaunty manner of walking or dancing. For example, "The horses "pranced across the field"" or "She "pranced into the room", full of excitement".

What's the difference between "prance" and "strut"?

"Prance" suggests a light, springy movement with an element of display, while "strut" implies a more deliberate and often pompous or self-important walk.

What are some synonyms for "prance"?

Alternatives to "prance" include "strut", "swagger", "tittup", "cavort", and "frolic", each carrying slightly different connotations of movement and attitude.

Is it appropriate to use "prance" in formal writing?

While "prance" isn't inherently informal, its playful and somewhat theatrical connotation might make it less suitable for very serious or academic contexts. Consider your audience and the tone you wish to convey.