turning in place

USAGE SUMMARY

"turning in place" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a movement in which someone (or something) completes a rotation in the same spot, without moving away. For example, "The ballerina slowly began to turn in place, her arms slowly rising above her head."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

It was a modest test drive: moving forward 15 feet, turning in place 120 degrees, then backing up about 8 feet.

The New York Times - Science

The dynamic model of turning in place motion is derived in the light of the theory of moment of momentum.

Mechanism and Machine Theory

Finally, the effectiveness of turning in place control strategy is validated through both numerical simulation and prototype experiment.

Mechanism and Machine Theory

About turning in place, three strategies are investigated and compared, including body-first, leg-first, and body/leg-simultaneous.

Journal of Bionic Engineering

The spherical inspector features turning in place motion which can enhance the mobility and the adaptation to the environment.

Mechanism and Machine Theory

We report the development of turning behavior on a child-size bipedal robot that addresses two common scenarios: turning in place and simultaneous walking and turning.

Journal of Bionic Engineering

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

You can't turn in place without damaging plants".

TechCrunch

If the female is interested, she takes a slightly submissive stance and turns in place.

BBC

The works are concentrated next to the A10 autoroute, which has been turned in places and deviations built.

The Economist

But public opinion has turned in places after hundreds of claims of assaults by immigrants on women on New Year's Eve in Cologne, Germany.

The Guardian

He brings history alive at every corner we turn in the place that is, in some ways, his home.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing robotic movements or technical procedures, "turning in place" provides a precise and easily understood description of rotation without translation. Use it when accuracy is paramount.

Common error

Be mindful of contexts where "turning in place" might be confused with similar phrases like "turning around". Ensure the context clearly indicates a rotation within a fixed location, not a change in direction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "turning in place" functions as a gerund phrase, often used as a noun to describe the action of rotating without changing location. Ludwig provides examples of its use in describing robotic movements and animal behavior, highlighting its descriptive capabilities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

31%

News & Media

31%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "turning in place" is a commonly used gerund phrase that describes the action of rotating without changing location. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability in written English. It is frequently found in science and news contexts, providing a clear and precise description of movement. While alternatives like "pivoting" or "rotating on the spot" exist, the choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance. When precision is needed in describing rotational movement within a fixed area, "turning in place" is a reliable and effective choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rotating on the spot

Emphasizes the circular movement confined to a single location.

pivoting

Implies a turn around a fixed point, often used in a more technical or strategic context.

swiveling

Suggests a smooth, continuous rotation, often associated with objects or mechanisms.

spinning around

Highlights the act of rotating rapidly and completely.

twirling

Indicates a playful or dance-like rotation.

wheeling around

Implies a swift and forceful rotation.

revolving

Focuses on continuous rotation around a central axis.

gyrating

Suggests a more complex, often sensual, rotational movement.

pirouetting

Specifically refers to a ballet movement involving a turn on one foot.

doing an about-face

Describes a complete reversal of direction or opinion.

FAQs

How can I use "turning in place" in a sentence?

You can use "turning in place" to describe a rotation without forward or backward movement. For example, "The robot executed a precise "turning in place" maneuver to scan its surroundings."

What's a simple way to explain what "turning in place" means?

"Turning in place" means rotating on the spot, like "rotating on the spot", without moving to a different location.

Is it always clear when to use "turning in place" instead of "turning around"?

Not always. "Turning around" usually implies reversing direction, while "turning in place" specifies rotation in the same spot. If the distinction matters, use "turning in place" for clarity, "for clarity".

What are some alternatives to "turning in place"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "pivoting", "rotating on the spot", or "swiveling". Choose the word that best fits the specific type of rotation.