shoots of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shoots of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in the context of botany or gardening to refer to new growth or young stems that emerge from a plant. Example: "In spring, the garden was filled with the vibrant green shoots of new plants breaking through the soil."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Young shoots of S. aspera are edible.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It's not like there's not shoots of positivity happening.

The New Yorker

She points to the green shoots of economic recovery.

The Guardian

Yet such loyalties spring up, like the shoots of March.

The Guardian - Books

The new shoots of growth are real enough.

The Economist

The first shoots of inflation started to retreat.

The Economist

Then a few slender shoots of renewal emerged.

Independent

Economists talk about green shoots of recovery taking hold.

The New York Times

Are these the first green shoots of spring?Not necessarily.

The Economist

We had also pickled elderflowers and axelberry shoots, other shoots of spruce and beech.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

For the green shoots of AstroTurf are sprouting among a new breed of firms.

The Guardian - Money

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shoots of" to describe the initial signs of recovery or growth in abstract contexts like economies or relationships, drawing on the metaphor of new plant growth.

Common error

Avoid using "shoots of" excessively in formal or technical writing where a more direct term like "signs of" or "beginnings of" might be more appropriate. The metaphor can become clichéd if overused.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shoots of" functions as a noun phrase, often used metaphorically. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It typically describes the early signs or beginnings of something, drawing a parallel to the initial growth of plants.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shoots of" is a versatile phrase, often employed metaphorically to represent initial signs of growth, recovery, or development. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. While it is primarily found in News & Media and Science contexts, it's crucial to be mindful of potential overuse and adapt the phrase to align with the formality of the writing. Alternative phrases like "signs of" or "beginnings of" may be more appropriate in certain situations. Keeping these points in mind ensures effective and clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

signs of

Replaces "shoots" with "signs", focusing on indications rather than literal growth.

indications of

Similar to "signs of", but emphasizes the suggestive nature of the emerging elements.

beginnings of

Focuses on the initial stages of development, replacing the botanical imagery.

early stages of

Highlights the immaturity and potential of the development.

emergence of

Emphasizes the act of coming into being or becoming visible.

outset of

Implies a starting point or initial phase, different from sustained growth.

dawn of

Uses metaphorical imagery to suggest a new and promising start.

seeds of

Refers to the origin or potential for growth, rather than the visible growth itself.

hints of

Suggests subtle or indirect indications of something developing.

traces of

Focuses on the residual evidence or presence of something newly formed.

FAQs

How can I use "shoots of" in a sentence?

The phrase "shoots of" is commonly used metaphorically to describe the initial signs of growth or recovery. For example, "We're beginning to see "signs of recovery" in the housing market."

What's a good alternative to "shoots of"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "signs of", "indications of", or "beginnings of". The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize visibility, suggestion, or the initial phase of development.

Is "shoots of recovery" a cliché?

The phrase "shoots of recovery" has become somewhat of a cliché, particularly in economic contexts. While it's readily understood, consider using alternatives like "signs of economic improvement" or "early stages of recovery" to sound more original.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "shoots of"?

The phrase "shoots of" is most appropriate when describing the very early stages of something positive emerging after a period of decline or stagnation. It works well in both literal (gardening) and metaphorical (economic, social) contexts, but be mindful of overuse in formal settings.