started thrashing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "started thrashing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something moving violently or flailing about, often in a state of distress or agitation. Example: "When the storm hit, the boat started thrashing against the waves, making it difficult to maintain control."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

But that was all before the Aussies started thrashing the Poms at this year's Ashes.

The Guardian - Opinion

As I lifted it out of the water, it started thrashing madly.

The Guardian

We'd travelled less than a mile down the road when my five-year-old daughter started thrashing around the back seat and screaming, "Snake!

The New Yorker

When he got the numbers this morning, he collapsed and started thrashing around, knocking things over and sort of — What would you guys call it?" "Foaming," Eric said.

The New Yorker

An audience member, Victoria Biniak, told WKMG-TV the whale "took off really fast in the tank, and then he came back, shot up in the air, grabbed the trainer by the waist and started thrashing around, and one of her shoes flew off".

The New York Times

At that point he started thrashing around and saying something corny like, "Put me down easy, Tom," or "Don't go rattlin' my bones" (accounts vary).

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The music is confusing to the kids at first, but inspired by the frenetic thrashing of the DJ, they start thrashing around themselves.

Vice

LOS ANGELES (AP) — When former Marine Joe Bonfiglio starts thrashing in his sleep, his pit bull service dog jumps on the bed, climbs on top of him and wakes him up to end the flashback.

Huffington Post

There will be a cut scene where he starts thrashing around wildly.

WikiHow

He and his partner started Thrasher in 1981.

The New York Times

Mr. Swenson and a partner, Fausto Vitello, started Thrasher in 1981, largely to promote their business, Independent Trucks, which made skateboard "trucks" -- the fixtures that connect the deck of the board to the wheels -- and other parts and accessories.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's reaction, use "started thrashing" to vividly convey a sense of panic, struggle, or extreme discomfort. Ensure the surrounding context supports the intensity of this phrase.

Common error

Avoid using "started thrashing" when a character is merely restless or slightly agitated. This phrase implies a significant loss of control; reserve it for moments of genuine turmoil.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "started thrashing" is a verb phrase indicating the commencement of a physical action. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is used to describe a sudden, often violent, movement. Examples from Ludwig show it describing people, animals, and even objects.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "started thrashing" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe the onset of violent or agitated movement. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct and effective in conveying distress or struggle. While not exceedingly common, it appears frequently enough in news and media to be considered familiar. When employing this phrase, it is important to ensure the context warrants the level of intensity that "started thrashing" implies, as overuse in milder situations can diminish its impact. Considering alternatives like "began to flail" or "began struggling violently" can also provide nuanced options to match the specific scenario.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suddenly began to thrash about

Adds the adverb 'suddenly' to emphasize the abruptness of the action and adds the phrasal verb "thrash about".

began to flail

Focuses on the uncontrolled, waving movement; 'flail' suggests less directed action than 'thrash'.

commenced thrashing

Uses 'commenced' to formalize the start of the action.

initiated a thrashing motion

Emphasizes the initiation of the 'thrashing' action; adds a more descriptive and technical tone.

exploded into a fit of thrashing

Emphasizes the sudden and forceful nature of the thrashing with 'exploded into a fit'.

began struggling violently

Replaces 'thrashing' with a more general term 'struggling violently', indicating resistance or uncontrolled movement.

started to convulse

Implies involuntary muscle contractions, changing the context to a more medical or physiological scenario.

started to wrestle uncontrollably

Replaces 'thrashing' with 'wrestle uncontrollably', suggesting a struggle or fight against something.

launched into a frenzy

Suggests a sudden burst of uncontrolled energy or activity, broadening the scope beyond physical movement.

became agitated and started to writhe

Expands the description to include 'agitated' before 'writhe', detailing emotional state.

FAQs

How can I use "started thrashing" in a sentence?

You can use "started thrashing" to describe someone or something moving violently or flailing about, often in distress. For example: "The injured animal "started thrashing" in the net."

What are some alternatives to "started thrashing"?

Alternatives include "began to flail", "began struggling violently", or "suddenly began to thrash about", depending on the context.

Is "started thrashing" formal or informal?

"Started thrashing" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although its intensity makes it more common in descriptive or narrative writing.

What does it mean when someone "started thrashing"?

When someone ""started thrashing"", it typically means they began to move their body violently and uncontrollably, often indicating distress, pain, or resistance. It suggests a loss of control and intense physical struggle.