swivel

USAGE SUMMARY

"swivel" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to refer to a type of motion in which something turns around a central point, usually in a circular motion. For example, "She swiveled her chair around to face the other side of the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

And the scoops swivel out of the way if they encounter anything solid, so the dredge does not destroy such protuberances.

The Economist

In last year's elections, 910 candidates had criminal cases pending.Morale in the civil service, meanwhile, has been dented by Miss Mayawati's policy of transferring officials faster than their chairs can swivel.

The Economist

It might even persuade the prime minister, Najib Razak, to postpone going to the polls for a bit longer, to allow time for the political spotlight to swivel back onto his own agenda.In the longer term, however, the verdict might not serve the opposition so well.

The Economist

Sitting in a former hairdressing salon adorned with mirrors and swivel chairs, Abu Omar echoes a warning common among moderate commanders: failure to arm them means people will turn to al-Qaeda-inspired groups instead.Indeed the jihadi Jabhat al-Nusra, originally a small outfit with a penchant for bombings, has started to find favour in rebel strongholds.

The Economist

Few people doubt that, should she take over, the searchlights would swivel on to his business activities.

The Economist

The sails are able to swivel slightly, and the ground crew can tilt them individually in order to catch the most sunlight.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Political policy is based on swivel-eyed assumptions and prejudices, rather than the world, evidence, the reality of suffering, the reality of global warming.

The Guardian - Opinion

Though accused here in London of being a hand-wringing Euro-quisling, I was taxed in Brussels with being a swivel-eyed Anglo-Saxon ultra-liberal Eurosceptic.

The Economist

Mr Obama is an Ivy-League-educated intellectual whose associates include unrepentant terrorists and swivel-eyed preachers.

The Economist

The intention is not to frighten the horses.But in trying to head off Labour's charges that he is a swivel-eyed extremist, Mr Howard has opened up a space for UKIP, which has no such inhibitions.

The Economist

Rather, as in other Western countries with greying populations, they will increase, forcing reluctant governments, in the end, to trim old-age benefits, boost retirement ages and, in Britain, enforce more house-building.This makes the Cheltenham Tory Association less a swivel-eyed loony bin than a skirmisher in an historic conflict.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "swivel" to describe movements that involve rotation around a fixed point. Ensure the context makes it clear what is swiveling and around what it is swiveling.

Common error

Avoid using "swivel" to describe movements that don't involve rotation around a central point. For linear or back-and-forth motions, use words like "slide", "shift", or "move" instead.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "swivel" is as a verb, describing an action of turning or rotating around a fixed point. As Ludwig confirms, it accurately portrays circular movement. It can also function as a noun, referring to a device that allows for such rotation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Encyclopedias

16%

Independent

12%

Less common in

The Guardian - Travel

3%

The Guardian - Opinion

2%

OtherRelated

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "swivel" is a versatile word primarily used as a verb to describe a rotating movement around a fixed point. As Ludwig confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly found in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Encyclopedias. When writing, ensure that "swivel" accurately portrays a rotational motion, and consider synonyms like "rotate" or "pivot" for subtle differences in meaning. Avoid using it for linear movements. Ludwig's examples showcase its wide applicability, from describing chair movements to the action of gun turrets. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rotate

Focuses on a circular movement around a fixed point.

pivot

Implies a turn on a central axis, often in a more controlled manner.

turn around

Describes a complete change in direction or focus.

revolve

Suggests a continuous circular movement, often around something.

spin

Indicates a rapid, whirling motion.

gyrate

Describes a rhythmic, circular motion, often of the body.

twirl

Implies a light, graceful turning motion.

wheel

Suggests turning as on an axis.

pirouette

Describes a specific ballet movement of turning on one foot.

swing around

Focuses on a broad, sweeping rotational movement.

FAQs

How can I use "swivel" in a sentence?

You can use "swivel" to describe something turning around a fixed point. For example, "The chair swiveled to face the desk" or "The gun turrets swiveled and locked on to him."

What's a good synonym for "swivel"?

A good synonym for "swivel" is "rotate", which also describes a circular movement around a fixed point.

Is it correct to say "swivel around"?

Yes, "swivel around" is a common and acceptable phrase that emphasizes the circular motion of swiveling. For example, "She swiveled around in her chair to see who had entered the room."

What is the difference between "swivel" and "pivot"?

"Swivel" generally implies a smooth, circular rotation, while "pivot" suggests a more defined turn on a fixed point, often with less continuous motion. The choice depends on the specific action you want to describe.