tangle of limbs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'tangle of limbs' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a physical group of intertwined body parts, usually legs or arms. For example, "We got into a tangle of limbs when we tried to hug each other."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Arts

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

He just vanishes into the frantic tangle of limbs.

The New Yorker

Krauser was called for a foul as they flailed about in a tangle of limbs.

The New York Times - Sports

The tangle of limbs would kick in all directions, but I put it down to my baby being vigorously healthy.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Gray used his guitar as both instrument and weapon, while Garside flailed and thrashed around him in a tangle of limbs and microphone leads.

The Guardian - Music

Speaking to the small crowd on top of him in bleacher seats, he hints at complexities half-visible in the tangle of limbs, heads, backs and bums.

The Guardian - Sport

They met between the mound and the first-base line, Anderson's left leg and Seo's right leg a frightening tangle of limbs.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

But he also sensitises the men's gestures, even the surface of their skin, to create an emotional register that moves from quiet moments of tenderness, where one man's fingers delicately map his partner's body, to a more passionately visceral tangling of limbs.

The Guardian

I hate, like, talking to other people as much as anyone, but stuff like this makes me feel genuinely scared that in a few years time all human contact – hands, faces, lips brushing together, soft tangles of limbs – will just be replaced by us all hitting buttons which say things like "send pat" which result in the recipient being "comfortingly" rubbed by the finger on their phone.

Vice

Mother cradled mother, who cradled child, a tangle of ordinary limbs of ordinary women.

The New Yorker

Inside there's heated arguments about life and art and stuff, and a tangle of naked limbs in the bathtub.

The Guardian - Film

Working with sensuality but also meticulous detachment, the blanched body emerges from pitch blackness, a tangle of long limbs, the face obliterated.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "tangle of limbs" to vividly describe chaotic or intimate physical interactions, particularly when depicting struggles, embraces, or crowded scenes. Consider the emotional impact of the word "tangle" to convey the intended tone.

Common error

While "tangle of limbs" is acceptable in news and media, it might be too informal or graphic for strictly formal or academic writing. Opt for more neutral descriptions like "physical interaction" or "group engagement" in such settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "tangle of limbs" functions primarily as a noun phrase, serving as a descriptive element within a sentence. It vividly depicts a situation involving intertwined body parts, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples from news and media sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Sport

15%

Arts

10%

Less common in

Lifestyle

5%

Academia

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "tangle of limbs" is a common and grammatically sound noun phrase used to create a vivid image of intertwined body parts. Ludwig's analysis shows it's most frequently found in news and media, sport, and arts contexts. While its descriptive nature adds impact, remember to consider the formality of your writing, as it may not suit strictly formal or academic styles. Explore similar phrases like "jumble of limbs" or "intertwined limbs" to find the perfect nuance for your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

jumble of limbs

Replaces "tangle" with "jumble", suggesting a less chaotic arrangement.

mess of limbs

Substitutes "tangle" with "mess", implying a more disorganized and undesirable situation.

intertwined limbs

Uses "intertwined" to emphasize the interwoven nature of the limbs.

entwined limbs

Similar to intertwined, but with a slightly more intimate connotation.

cluster of limbs

Replaces "tangle" with "cluster", portraying a less chaotic but still dense gathering of limbs.

knot of limbs

Suggests a more tightly bound and complicated arrangement of limbs.

heap of limbs

Implies a disordered pile of limbs, often suggesting exhaustion or defeat.

mass of limbs

Focuses on the sheer volume and density of the intertwined limbs.

medley of limbs

Emphasizes a collection of different limbs, perhaps in a performance or artistic context.

commingling of limbs

A more formal and less common way to describe the mixing of limbs.

FAQs

How can I use "tangle of limbs" in a sentence?

You can use "tangle of limbs" to describe a chaotic or intertwined grouping of body parts. For example, "The players became a "tangle of limbs" during the scrum."

What phrases are similar to "tangle of limbs"?

Similar phrases include "jumble of limbs", "mess of limbs", or "intertwined limbs" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "tangle of limbs" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "tangle of limbs" is more common in descriptive or narrative writing. For formal writing, consider a more neutral term like "physical interaction" or "close proximity".

What does "tangle of limbs" imply?

"Tangle of limbs" often implies a chaotic, confused, or intertwined physical situation. It can also suggest intimacy or struggle, depending on the context.