taut

USAGE SUMMARY

"taut" is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is tense, tight, or rigid. For example: "His face was taut with worry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Many had predicted recognition for Whiplash's editing and best supporting actor (JK Simmons), but Damien Chazelle's taut drama about a ferocious drum teacher also scored best picture, best sound editing and best adapted screenplay nominations.

The Guardian - Film

And there, at the centre of it, was Crenshaw, a fellow whose taut face and strained features spoke of someone on the brink.

The Guardian - Sport

As Beglin lay on the floor taut with agony, players from both sides pursued the referee in a panic, while in commentary Barry Davies quickly appreciated the gravity of the situation, his delivery racked with urgency.

The Guardian - Sport

'71, directed by feature newcomer Yann Demange (also a best British film nominee) is a taut thriller set at the height of the Northern Ireland conflict and features Jack O'Connell as a young soldier separated from his company when a house-to-house search triggers a riot.

The Guardian - Film

The aim is to create a 30-minute monologue that is so taut you could ping a coin off it.

The Guardian

They seemed suspicious of fame and possessive of an angular indie sound that, while impressively taut, carried little emotional weight.

The Guardian - Music

This interestingly-timed Instagram post from her husband featuring Crawford in a bikini and looking more taut than the unretouched picture makes me think that's not the case, and that she'd rather not be the poster girl for aging "naturally".

The Guardian - Opinion

They are distorted versions of our desires and the taut thrillers we write every night.

The Guardian - Opinion

For Sir Martin Sweeting it began with forging a communications device out of two tin cans connected with a taut piece of string.

The Economist

The result is our current financial system which is as taut as it can be, in a state of fragility where any snap-back will be catastrophic.And next from Nassim Nicholas Taleb and Mark Blyth Complex systems that have artificially suppressed volatility tend to become extremely fragile, while at the same time exhibiting no visible risks.

The Economist

He likened the economy to a piece of string stretched taut on a board.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing writing or narratives, use "taut" to convey a sense of controlled tension and efficiency in storytelling. For instance, a "taut thriller" implies a plot that is tightly woven and suspenseful.

Common error

Avoid using "taut" to describe situations or objects that are meant to be relaxed or loose. "Taut" implies tension and tightness, so it would be inappropriate to describe a comfortable, flowing garment as "taut".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "taut" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe their state of tension, tightness, or conciseness. Ludwig AI indicates that "taut" is a correct and usable word in written English. Examples include "taut rope" and "taut thriller".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adjective "taut" is used to describe something that is stretched tightly, tense, or concise. According to Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It appears most frequently in news and media sources, as well as encyclopedias, indicating its suitability for both formal and informal contexts. When writing, use "taut" to convey controlled tension, and avoid using it in relaxed contexts. Consider alternatives such as "tight" or "tense" depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tight

Implies a state of being closely drawn together or stretched, similar to "taut" but can also refer to physical closeness.

tense

Focuses on the emotional or psychological strain, akin to the feeling of being "taut" with anxiety.

strained

Suggests pressure or overexertion, similar to "taut" when describing relationships or situations.

rigid

Emphasizes inflexibility and stiffness, much like a "taut" material that resists bending.

firm

Highlights steadiness and resistance to pressure, comparable to the stability implied by "taut".

stretched

Indicates an extension or lengthening under force, related to the physical tension of something "taut".

concise

Refers to brevity and directness in communication, mirroring the "taut" nature of well-structured writing.

controlled

Highlights restrained and deliberate action, akin to a "taut" control over emotions or situations.

stressed

Indicates pressure or strain, related to emotional tension.

under pressure

Implies experiencing duress or strain, similar to the feeling of being "taut" with stress.

FAQs

How can I use "taut" in a sentence?

You can use "taut" to describe something stretched tightly, like "a taut rope", or to describe something concise and controlled, like "a taut narrative".

What's a good synonym for "taut"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "taut" include "tight", "tense", or "concise".

Is it correct to say "taut nerves"?

Yes, "taut nerves" is a correct and commonly used expression to describe a state of anxiety or heightened tension.

How does a "taut drama" differ from a regular drama?

A "taut drama" suggests a narrative that is tightly constructed, suspenseful, and maintains a high level of tension throughout. It is more concise and controlled than a typical drama.