twisted

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "twisted" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adjective used to describe something that has been bent out of shape or something that is devious or complex. For example: The twisted plot of the novel kept me guessing until the very end.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Film

Music

Opinion

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I came out and the first thing I saw was a woman with no head and no legs," he said, standing amid the twisted remnants of laptops and televisions, twisted into spidery globules of black metal.

The Guardian

"It was a very, very simple bowl, and the rim was thick but it twisted," he said.

The Guardian - Tech

The last demonstrated the purest skill, as he twisted into position to drill in after Nathan Aké's beautiful assist.

The Guardian - Sport

They have been helped to an extent by unguarded statements from MPs who should know better or, at least, show have grasped that their words could be twisted.

The Guardian

When they came back with Patience, which began this style, they were genuinely uplifting because there was a note of humility and vulnerability – now twisted into the kind of thing to soundtrack the drive home from a successful afternoon at the SCS sale, they are among the most venal musicians in the UK.

The Guardian - Music

The child-sized blue jeans lay twisted and forlorn in the scrubland along one of the most popular routes for undocumented migrants crossing from Mexico into Texas.

The Guardian

I remember the raw pain and how he twisted it, left, right, left, right, left, right… Thirty years later, here I am again.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There's always doubles, but the health of Sock's partner Vasek Pospisil is a question mark after the Canadian badly twisted his ankle trying to avoid stepping on Sock's foot during a match in Madrid a few weeks ago.

The Guardian - Sport

Graham Greene, infamously, reviewing Wee Willie Winkie in the London weekly Night and Day, wrote: "Infancy with her is a disguise, her appeal is more secret and more adult … her neat and well-developed rump twisted in the tap dance: her eyes had a sidelong searching coquetry … watch the way she measures a man with agile studio eyes, with dimpled depravity.

The Guardian - Film

Foxx has his phone in his hand and his cap on his head, the peak twisted off-centre so that it points to two-o'clock.

The Guardian - Film

They've got to mind what they say, be careful about this, careful about that, because something might be misconstrued, twisted around".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "twisted" to describe abstract concepts like ideas or logic, ensure the context clearly indicates the nature of the distortion or deviation you intend to convey.

Common error

Avoid using "twisted" when simply describing something complex. "Twisted" implies a deeper level of distortion or perversion, not just intricacy. Opt for words like "complex" or "intricate" instead.

Linguistic Context

The word "twisted" primarily functions as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe something that is contorted physically or figuratively. As Ludwig AI confirms, it denotes a state of being bent or distorted, often with negative connotations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Sport

12%

Film

7%

Less common in

Music

7%

Opinion

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "twisted" functions primarily as an adjective, denoting a state of being physically or morally distorted. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's frequently employed in news and media, sports, and film contexts to convey a sense of abnormality or corruption. To avoid misusing it, remember that it implies a deeper distortion than simple complexity. Alternatives like "contorted", "distorted", and "warped" offer nuanced variations. It's important to check if a certain meaning is intended before using the adjective. Remember that context is key!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

contorted

Focuses on the physical distortion or bending of something out of its normal shape.

distorted

Implies an alteration or misrepresentation of something, either physically or figuratively.

warped

Suggests a bending or twisting, often implying a negative change or corruption.

deformed

Emphasizes the irregularity or disfigurement of something's shape.

perverted

Indicates a deviation from what is considered normal or acceptable, often with a moral connotation.

mangled

Highlights the severity of damage, suggesting something has been crushed or torn.

askew

Describes something that is not in a straight or level position.

awry

Similar to askew, indicating a deviation from the correct or expected course.

crooked

Suggests something is bent or not straight, often implying dishonesty.

spiraled

Describes something moving or shaped in a circular or winding pattern.

FAQs

How can I use "twisted" in a sentence?

You can use "twisted" to describe something physically bent out of shape, like "twisted ankle", or something morally corrupt, like "twisted logic".

What are some synonyms for "twisted"?

Some synonyms for "twisted" include "contorted", "distorted", and "warped". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "twisted" metaphorically?

It's appropriate to use "twisted" metaphorically when describing something that is distorted, corrupted, or morally wrong. For example, "twisted sense of humor" or "twisted version of reality".

What is the difference between "twisted" and "complex"?

"Complex" describes something with many interconnected parts, while "twisted" implies something is distorted or morally wrong. Something can be complex without being "twisted", and vice versa.