spun back

USAGE SUMMARY

"spun back" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It usually refers to a quick change of direction, often associated with movement or action. For example, "He spun back just in time to see the ball coming towards him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Each day's lineup was spun back from its headliners.

The New York Times - Arts

But he spun back, stepping toward O'Neal quickly.

The New York Times - Sports

Price's hit on the crest about 20 feet away and spun back in".

The New York Times - Sports

At the 18th, Watson's wedge spun back to the front of the uphill green.

The New York Times - Sports

Mahlberg spun back around to see that Quam had just lobbed the microphone toward her.

The Washington Post

His shot bounced a foot behind the hole and spun back in.

The New York Times - Sports

His pitch from about 30 feet landed short and spun back into the same swale.

The New York Times - Sports

On No. 2, he hit a perfect approach that spun back and nearly dropped it in the cup.

The New York Times

The ball landed eight feet past the hole and then spun back violently and into the cup.

The New York Times - Sports

He pitched 10 feet from the flag and it spun back to within two inches of the hole.

The Guardian - Sport

His second-shot sand wedge landed about 4 feet past the cup, then spun back into the hole.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "spun back" to describe a physical movement with a rotational element, especially in sports contexts where a ball or player changes direction abruptly.

Common error

Avoid using "spun back" to describe situations lacking actual movement or rotation. For instance, don't say "the discussion spun back to the initial topic" if the conversation simply returned without a sense of dynamic shift. Consider alternatives like "reverted" or "returned".

Linguistic Context

"Spun back" functions as a phrasal verb, often used to describe a change in direction with a rotating or whirling motion. The Ludwig examples showcase its common usage in describing physical actions, especially in sports and accident scenarios. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Sports

45%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "spun back" is a versatile phrasal verb that effectively conveys a swift change in direction, often involving a rotational element. Ludwig AI affirms its validity, and its frequent appearance in news and sports contexts highlights its relevance in describing dynamic events. While generally neutral in tone, it's best suited for scenarios involving actual motion, as misuse in static contexts can diminish its impact. Remember to consider synonyms like "bounced back" or "snapped back" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

turned around

A general phrase for changing direction to face the opposite way.

snapped back

Highlights a quick, forceful return or reaction.

bounced back

Implies a resilient recovery or return to a former position or condition.

reverted

Emphasizes a return to a previous state or condition.

swung back

Describes a movement in an arc to return.

recoiled

Suggests a sudden, involuntary movement backwards, often in fear or disgust.

flipped back

Indicates a turning motion to return to a previous position.

wheeled around

Suggests a circular movement to face the opposite direction.

veered back

Highlights a change in direction to return.

whirled around

Implies a rapid spinning motion to turn back.

FAQs

What does "spun back" mean?

"Spun back" typically describes a quick reversal of direction, often with a rotational motion. It's frequently used in sports, for example, to describe how a golf ball reacts after hitting the green.

How can I use "spun back" in a sentence?

You can use "spun back" to describe a literal spinning motion such as, "The car crashed into a protective wall and "spun back" on the track," or to describe something quickly returning as in, "The politician "spun back" to the topic at hand after a brief digression."

Are there any synonyms for "spun back" that I can use?

Yes, depending on the context, you could use phrases like "bounced back", "reverted", or "snapped back".

Is "spun back" formal or informal?

"Spun back" is generally considered neutral in register, suitable for both formal and informal contexts, especially when describing physical actions or events.