spin

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "spin" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to something that is rotated around an axis or to a particular interpretation which is used to explain or view a situation. Example sentence: The politician tried to put a positive spin on the negative news.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"Little Wheel Spin and Spin was so haunting and so frightening to me as a child," he says.

The Guardian - Music

Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 5.55am BSThe:55 The Guardian's Ewen MacAskill reports from the post-debate spin room, where the spinning is in full tilt: In the Spin Room, the Republicans focused on Biden's laughter in the first half of the debate.

The Guardian

People who are systematically oppressed do have to work harder than those who are privileged, and the positive spin is often that it builds character.

The Guardian - Opinion

If I were a Tory spin doctor right now I'd be on Twitter using the hash tag #muddledthinking.

The Guardian

Spearhead. stattrick Facebook Twitter Google plus Share Share this post Facebook Twitter Google plus close 11.16am BST11 16 4th over: Australia 22-1 (Villani 5, Lanning 2) Grundy enters the attack with her left-arm spin.

The Guardian - Sport

iPhone / iPad Zombie Puzzle Panic (Free + IAP) Billed as "a new spin on match 3 with 1000% more zombies and guaranteed no candies", this is an alternative to Candy Crush Saga, with a similar mix of swapping, power-ups and social bragging with your scores.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

He thanked the X Factor host, Dermot O'Leary, and Caroline Flack, the presenter of its ITV2 spin-off show The Xtra Factor, before appearing briefly to forget the name of the show's new co-host, Matt Richardson.

The Guardian

Like Woakes, the spin-bowling all-rounder Mooen Ali missed Friday's dead-rubber against Afghanistan with a side strain but is expected to be named.

The Guardian - Sport

And there were anxious murmurs from the sector earlier this month when Eco-Actif – a community interest company spin-out and sub-contractor providing support for the long-term jobless in south- east London – went into voluntary liquidation, claiming its banks considered the Work Programme too financially risky.

The Guardian

On spin-ups we increase the cadence to maybe 130-140 rpm - a purely neural, not muscular move.

The Guardian - Sport

The network also cancelled expensive flop Terra Nova (proof that dinosaurs do not always equal hit show), JJ Abrams' produced Alcatraz, Bones spin-off The Finder, animated shows Allen Gregory and Napoleon Dynamite and sitcoms I Hate My Teenage Daughter and the Christian Slater-led Breaking In.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In technical writing, specify the type of "spin" you are referring to, whether it's related to physics (angular momentum) or statistics (data manipulation), to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Ensure you use the correct verb form. "Spin" is the base form, while "spun" is the past tense and past participle. Avoid using "spin" when "spun" is grammatically required, for instance, 'The yarn was spun into thread' not 'The yarn was spin into thread'.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "spin" is as both a verb and a noun. As a verb, it denotes the action of rotating. As a noun, it signifies rotation or a biased interpretation. Ludwig provides examples of both usages.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Sport

16%

Opinion

10%

Less common in

Lifestyle

5%

Books

3%

Tech

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "spin" is a versatile term with meanings ranging from physical rotation to the presentation of information in a biased way. Ludwig AI confirms that the word is correct and usable in written English. Its frequency is very common and it is found in various contexts, including News & Media, Sport and Opinion. When using "spin", consider the potential for misinterpretation and choose the correct form to ensure clarity and precision. Remember to select synonyms like "rotate" or "twirl" depending on the specific nuance you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rotate

Emphasizes the act of turning around an axis.

revolve

Focuses on circular movement around a central point.

gyrate

Suggests a rapid, whirling motion.

twirl

Implies a light, quick rotation.

slant

Highlights a biased perspective or interpretation.

bias

Indicates a prejudice or leaning towards a particular viewpoint.

interpretation

Refers to a specific explanation or understanding of something.

present an angle

Implies offering a particular perspective or viewpoint on an issue.

take a drive

Means to go for a short trip by car.

go for a ride

Suggests a brief excursion in a vehicle.

FAQs

How can I use "spin" in a sentence?

You can use "spin" as a verb to describe something rotating quickly, as in 'The skater did a beautiful spin'. It can also be used as a noun to describe a particular interpretation of events, such as 'The politician put a positive "spin" on the bad news'.

What does it mean to put a "spin" on something?

To put a "spin" on something means to present it in a way that is favorable to your agenda. This often involves highlighting positive aspects and downplaying or omitting negative ones.

What are some synonyms for "spin" when referring to rotation?

When referring to rotation, you can use words like "rotate", "revolve", "twirl", or "whirl" as alternatives to "spin".

How is "spin" used in the context of politics or public relations?

In politics and public relations, "spin" refers to the way information is presented to influence public opinion. It often involves carefully crafting messages to create a particular image or perception.