undulating folds

USAGE SUMMARY

"undulating folds" is a correct phrase in written English and can be used in a variety of contexts.
For example, you could use the phrase to describe the hills in a landscape: "The undulating folds of the rolling hills stretched for miles in every direction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The collection, which moved back and forth between subtle shades of blush pink and pearly white to lemon yellow and turquoise, also put on display Mr. Kayrouz's deft hand at knitwear, which he constructed to ripple about the body in undulating folds.

The New York Times

He sculptured the undulating folds around the entrance during his first infatuation with cob, a cladding that mixes earth, straw and water.

The New York Times

We open on a close-up of the undulating folds of a crimson dress, resembling both a heart and flower, signalling the thicker-than-water themes that will course through the narrative.

The Guardian - Film

And since they're going to gravitate into the undulating folds no matter what, Owen adds, the vase removes the guesswork -- if you're shy about arranging, it's a good choice.

The New York Times

Collectively, their focus on the Northeast -- and particularly the undulating folds and retreating horizons of the Hudson River Valley -- created a bond of aesthetics and environmentalism that became a thread of the local culture, visible from the battle to protect Storm King Mountain from development in the 1960's, to the struggles over PCB pollution in the river today.

The New York Times

This is Jaisalmer's Sahara-like desert, with huge, silky, undulating folds of sand.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

It can be smooth, as is typical of younger specimens, or undulating with folds and wrinkles.

Wikipedia

And then there's the giant upside-down mushroom perhaps the cause of it all with undulating sexual folds, all honey-yellow golden, radiating out from inside the cap.

Vice

The SEM showed that epicytic folds covered the protomerite and the deutomerite, and in some trophozoites the folds were undulating in their arrangement (Figure 2b).

Plosone

The effect was dressy but ultramodern, even when there were just undulating flat folds of fabric following the body shape.

The New York Times

Made of thousands of plastic playing-dice, "Secretion" (1995) is an intriguing mass of undulating, serpentine folds, topped with a bowling-pin-like head reminiscent of those of the metaphysical painter Giorgio De Chirico's faceless mannequins.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing landscapes or textiles, consider using "undulating folds" to evoke a sense of flowing movement and gentle curves. This phrase is particularly effective when aiming for a sophisticated and descriptive tone.

Common error

Avoid using "undulating folds" to describe something that is inherently static or rigid. The term implies movement and curvature, so applying it to a flat, unyielding surface would be inaccurate and confusing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "undulating folds" functions primarily as a descriptive element, typically used to modify a noun. It provides vivid imagery of a surface or material characterized by wave-like curves. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "undulating folds" is a grammatically correct and descriptive term used to depict surfaces or materials characterized by wave-like curves. It is most frequently found in news and media, as well as scientific writing. While generally neutral in tone, it tends towards a slightly more formal register. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is well-established in written English and serves to evoke a vivid image of flowing, curved formations. When writing, make sure to correctly consider the inherent sense of movement of "undulating folds" and avoid using it in static contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gentle undulations

Adds the adjective "gentle" to emphasize the smoothness and lack of abruptness in the undulations.

wavy contours

Replaces "undulating" with "wavy" and "folds" with "contours", emphasizing the curved shape.

rippling curves

Emphasizes the movement implied by "undulating" with "rippling", and uses "curves" as a synonym for "folds".

flowing undulations

Reverses the order and uses "undulations" as a noun derived from "undulating", highlighting the smooth movement.

curving pleats

Replaces "folds" with "pleats" suggesting a more regular and structured type of fold, while maintaining the curve.

rolling billows

Uses "rolling" to convey the undulating motion and "billows" to describe the voluminous folds.

wavelike formations

A more explicit comparison to waves, suitable for describing natural phenomena.

serpentine bends

Highlights the twisting and turning aspect of undulating shapes.

contoured waves

Focuses on the sculpted or shaped nature of the waves.

sweeping arcs

Emphasizes the broad, curved shape, replacing the idea of folds with arcs.

FAQs

How can I use "undulating folds" in a sentence?

You can use "undulating folds" to describe physical features like "The landscape was characterized by "undulating folds" of hills and valleys" or fabric: "The dress featured "undulating folds" of silk that cascaded down the back".

What are some synonyms for "undulating folds"?

Alternatives include "wavy contours", "rippling curves", or "flowing undulations", each emphasizing slightly different aspects of the shape and movement.

When is it appropriate to use "undulating folds"?

Use "undulating folds" when you want to convey a sense of gentle, wave-like curves in a surface or material. It is particularly suitable for describing textiles, landscapes, or other natural formations where a sense of movement or flow is present.

Is "undulating folds" a formal or informal phrase?

"Undulating folds" leans towards a more formal and descriptive register. While understandable in most contexts, it's more commonly found in writing or more articulate speech than in casual conversation. Consider simpler alternatives like "wavy" or "curved" in informal settings.