undulating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "undulating" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that moves in a wave-like motion or has a wavy form, often in reference to landscapes, surfaces, or movements. Example: "The undulating hills of the countryside created a picturesque view that captivated all who visited."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Samsung is close to completing its palatial glass box in San Jose, Amazon is planning to bestow Seattle with a cluster of jungle-filled biospheres, while Google is reviving the 1970s dream of sweeping the world beneath an undulating transparent tent.

The Guardian - Arts

The "undulating" 85km bike course definitely became "hilly" on the second lap, but it was the half marathon at the end I had been dreading.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The sun makes an appearance at last and then, quite suddenly, we spill from under the green canopy into a massive, undulating field of poppies (apparently, a breathless runner tells us, the poppies are harvested and turned into codeine "in a drug factory in Edinburgh").

The Guardian - Travel

A bird flew from the forest, its compact form and gently undulating flight suggesting one of the wrynecks nesting there.

The Guardian

A GIANT Kurdish flag undulating atop a raised plateau inside Syria faces the town of Senyurt in Turkey's mainly Kurdish south-east.

The Economist

At first glance these canvasses look like flat monochromes, but a longer gaze suggests that they are undulating oceans of dots.

The Economist

Hills rise from the flat land, followed by undulating dunes of deep oranges, whites and ochres, crafted by the wind, their crests and dips creating contour upon the horizon.

The Economist

It then falls at a steep angle and starts undulating from side to side.

The Economist

A Uruguayan engineer, Eladio Dieste, built humble brick churches with undulating walls and high interior vaults that are at once sensuous and austere.Some architects embraced international modern architecture, which they believed symbolised progress, with an imagery that was free of colonial associations.

The Economist

Spending on federal highways, which have a high cost per mile on account of the twisting, undulating terrain, have helped too.

The Economist

Dr Hanke and Mr Wieskotten then tested Henry with the wakes of paddles of different shapes: triangular, cylindrical, flat and undulating.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "undulating" to describe surfaces or movements that have a wavelike quality, especially in descriptive or literary contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "undulating" when a simpler word like "wavy" or "rolling" would suffice. "Undulating" is more formal and specific, so ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The word "undulating" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe surfaces, landscapes, or movements characterized by a wave-like or rolling form. Ludwig's examples showcase this function across diverse contexts, indicating its descriptive capacity.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "undulating" is a versatile adjective used to describe wave-like motion or form, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is grammatically sound and sees frequent use in News & Media and encyclopedic contexts. While synonyms like "wavy" and "rolling" exist, "undulating" offers a more formal and descriptive nuance. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its application across diverse domains, highlighting its capacity to evoke visual and sensory experiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wavy

More general term describing the presence of waves or curves.

rolling

Suggests a gentle, continuous series of curves, often in reference to landscapes.

rippling

Implies small, gentle waves on a surface.

billowing

Describes a large, flowing movement, like fabric in the wind.

serpentine

Suggests a winding, snake-like movement or shape.

fluctuating

Implies irregular rising and falling.

oscillating

Describes a regular back-and-forth movement.

sweeping

Suggests a broad, continuous movement across a space.

curving

A simple term for having a bent or non-straight shape.

meandering

Suggests a winding and indirect path or course.

FAQs

How can I use "undulating" in a sentence?

You can use "undulating" to describe something moving in a wave-like pattern, like "The "undulating hills" of Tuscany" or "The flag was "undulating in the breeze"".

What are some synonyms for "undulating"?

Alternatives to "undulating" include "wavy", "rolling", "rippling", or "sweeping", depending on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "undulating" formal or informal?

"Undulating" is generally considered a more formal and descriptive term. In casual conversation, simpler words like "wavy" might be preferred.

Which is correct, "undulating motion" or "undulating movement"?

Both "undulating motion" and "undulating movement" are grammatically correct, but "undulating motion" is more commonly used to describe the way something moves, while "undulating movement" might refer to a specific instance of such motion.