soft corners

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "soft corners" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has gentle or rounded edges, often in a metaphorical sense to imply a gentle or forgiving nature. Example: "The design of the furniture features soft corners, making it safe for children to play around."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Receiver Brian Hartline was his go-to guy – mainly outside the numbers on hook routes (something soft corners Pat Lee and Joselio Hanson had no answer for).

The New York Times

"This group of buildings readily sinks into the soft corners of one's brain," says Sir Peter Cook, 80 this year, and the most talkative member of the radical 1960s group Archigram, "in the same way that under-amplified Vivaldi can be fed to you in a gift shop".

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

As it is Muslims have a soft corner for the word "madrasa".

The New York Times

It explodes into the soft corner of his forehead, just above the eye.

The Guardian - Music

"He left many commanders behind if they had a soft corner (of their heart) for the government".

Independent

Sampath, who "had always had a soft corner for the lady on the label of the coconut-hair-oil bottle," is nonplussed.

The New Yorker

While I might have a "soft spot" for the actor Irrfan Khan, for instance, a speaker of Indian English might have a "soft corner" for him.

The Guardian

A combination of spray, anchors, anchor bolts, and soft corner coupled truss supports allowed the deformation to be controlled.

International Journal of Mining Science and Technology

"To get our top rating, every classroom has to have a soft corner," she said.

Huffington Post

"Most people have a soft corner for Congress because of its history...

Los Angeles Times

Shankara, while "not a Shakta in the sectarian sense, had a soft corner for Shakta religion, perhaps due to its popularity among the masses".

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing design elements, use "soft corners" to convey safety or a welcoming aesthetic, especially in contexts involving children or relaxation.

Common error

Avoid using "soft corners" in highly technical or formal documents where precise geometric descriptions are required. In these cases, opt for more specific terms like "rounded edges" or numerical specifications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "soft corners" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase, where "soft" modifies "corners". It often describes a design feature, emphasizing a lack of sharp edges. Ludwig AI also confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Wiki

31%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "soft corners" is a descriptive noun phrase used to indicate rounded or non-sharp corners. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. It appears frequently in News & Media and Wiki sources. Alternatives include ""rounded edges"" and ""gentle curves"". It's important to consider the context when using "soft corners", avoiding it in highly formal or technical contexts where more precise terminology might be needed. Overall, it's a versatile phrase for describing physical attributes emphasizing safety or aesthetic appeal.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rounded edges

Focuses specifically on the physical characteristic of being rounded instead of sharp.

gentle curves

Emphasizes the smoothness and lack of sharp angles in a shape.

padded edges

Highlights the softness and cushioning of the edges.

cushioned corners

Focuses on the comfortable and yielding nature of the corners.

beveled corners

Refers to corners that have been cut at an angle to reduce sharpness.

smooth curves

Highlights the continuous and flowing nature of the rounded areas.

softened angles

Indicates a reduction in the sharpness or harshness of angles.

blunted corners

Suggests that the corners have been deliberately made less sharp or pointed.

dulled edges

Refers to edges that are no longer sharp or crisp.

roundish shapes

Describes shapes that approximate a round form, lacking distinct corners.

FAQs

How can I use "soft corners" in a sentence?

You can use "soft corners" to describe physical objects, like furniture with "rounded edges", or metaphorically to describe a person's gentle nature.

What are some alternatives to "soft corners"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "rounded edges", "gentle curves", or "padded edges".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "soft corners"?

The phrase "soft corners" is appropriate when you want to emphasize the gentle, non-abrasive nature of something's edges or to suggest a welcoming or safe environment.

Is "soft corners" formal or informal language?

"Soft corners" is generally considered neutral language, suitable for both informal and professional contexts, but it may be less precise than technical terms in formal settings.