slings

USAGE SUMMARY

"slings" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a verb, noun, or adjective. Example sentence: The injured soldier was carefully lowered onto the medic's waiting sling.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Despite all the slings and arrows fired at Norris over the summer, he continued to be the most popular candidate in all the opinion polls.

The Guardian

The slings and arrow of outrageous fortune are not to be borne, it would seem.

The Guardian

Many are enjoying faster growth, lower inflation and better public finances.Higher reserves are an insurance policy against the slings and arrows of economic fortune.

The Economist

No one rushes and there are cute slings and swivelling loaders to take the heavy lifting out of the work.

The Economist

They found that the more often people (who had not then been treated for a disorder) felt nervous, fidgety, worthless or hopeless ten years ago, the higher were their chances of having developed a disorder in the interim.It may, of course, be that this reflects someone's underlying personality, rather than the actual slings and arrows of outrageous fortune.

The Economist

Wall Street needs to articulate this case firmly and often.Outrageous fortunes attract slings and arrowsBank bosses might also consider exposing themselves directly to the public's fury, by meeting the protesters face to face.

The Economist

Plenty of others seem to be heading the same way.Special report Slings and arrows From the people, for the people Cool, man Ask the algorithm Sweet and low A penny here, a penny there The bank in your pocket The next big thing An uneasy symbiosis Sources & acknowledgmentsReprintsThe momentum is such that all of banking's many metiers seem up for grabs.

The Economist

What an irony it would be if a Filipino David were to become vulnerable to the slings of Davids elsewhere.

The Economist

Yet today a canny editorial eye and brand name recognition no longer ensures publishing Goliaths can endure the slings and shot of nearly half a million Davids.

The Economist

If Mr Tebow wants to profess his faith in public, on the field, he should be prepared for the slings and arrows.

The Economist

HAMLET, Shakespeare's Danish prince, may blame "the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune" for his plight, but those watching often conclude that indecisiveness lies at the root of his troubles.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "slings" in the context of weaponry, consider the historical and cultural implications to add depth to your writing.

Common error

Avoid literal interpretations when "slings" is part of the idiom "slings and arrows of outrageous fortune"; it refers to misfortune and adversity, not literal projectiles.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "slings" is as a plural noun. It refers to multiple instances of a sling, which can be a weapon or a supporting device. Ludwig examples show it used both literally and figuratively, such as in the idiom "the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

7%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slings" functions primarily as a plural noun with both literal and figurative applications. Ludwig's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage, particularly in news media and encyclopedic contexts. While it can denote physical objects, it frequently appears in the idiomatic expression "the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune", representing life's adversities. Its register is generally neutral but can become more formal depending on the context. The variety of sources using this term underlines its versatility and widespread understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

throws

Changes the noun form to a verb, emphasizing the action of throwing.

casts

Similar to "throws", but can imply a wider range or a more forceful action.

hurls

Suggests a more violent or forceful throwing motion.

projects

Implies a deliberate and controlled throwing motion.

launches

Suggests a formal or organized act of throwing.

propels

Focuses on the force moving an object forward.

heaves

Implies lifting with effort before throwing.

flings

Highlights a quick and careless throwing action.

pitches

Refers to throwing something with a specific intention or target, commonly used in baseball.

catapults

Implies using a device for throwing objects, or figuratively, rapidly advancing someone or something.

FAQs

How is "slings" used in a sentence?

You can use "slings" to refer to a device for throwing objects, as in "The soldiers used "slings" to launch stones", or as part of the idiom "slings and arrows of outrageous fortune" to describe misfortune.

What are some synonyms for "slings" when referring to baby carriers?

Alternatives for "slings" when referring to baby carriers include "baby carriers", "wraps", or "baby carriers".

Is it correct to use "slings" in both literal and figurative contexts?

Yes, "slings" can be used literally to describe the weapon or support devices, and figuratively, especially in the phrase "slings and arrows", to denote challenges or misfortunes.

What does the phrase "slings and arrows of outrageous fortune" mean?

This phrase, originating from Shakespeare's Hamlet, refers to the trials and tribulations, or the adversities and misfortunes, that life throws at a person. It doesn't literally mean projectiles but represents figurative attacks.