undulating patterns

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "undulating patterns" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe shapes, movements, or designs that have a wavy or fluctuating quality. Example: "The artist's latest work features undulating patterns that evoke the feeling of waves gently rolling across the shore."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

The aria begins with undulating patterns in the orchestra, over which the singer has a descending three-note figure.

The New Yorker

First he combined hard-edged geometry with illusionistic space and light to futuristic effect; later his line became more fluid and forms flattened out into undulating patterns.

The New York Times - Arts

Her new songs expand concentrically into undulating patterns of guitars, voices and synthetic sounds, where rhythms are just as likely to come from ricocheting, contrapuntal vocal syllables as from the instruments.

The New York Times - Arts

Active in the 1920's, von Eiff modernized the ancient art of glass-cutting with a penchant for blunt, often undulating patterns and subtle brushy textures made more by shaving than cutting.

The New York Times - Arts

The London-based designer, in her Paris debut, kept her clothes young, with sophisticated touches like tube-shaped bands of silk worked by hand into undulating patterns on sexy tops and evening dresses.

The New York Times

On her albums "The Marble Index" (1969) and "Desertshore" (1970), Mr. Cale's stark, windswept productions and arrangements were usually built around the undulating patterns Nico played on a harmonium; adding austere string arrangements or keyboards, they suspended the songs far away from rock or pop.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

One is a Pop-style Chinese rock garden, with two Modernist white plastic chairs for boulders and, for sand, a beige shag rug to which an undulating pattern has been imparted using a stand-up Hoover.

The New York Times - Arts

Put superficially, Mr. Reilly's performances tend to develop in a straight line, a steady stream with implicit undercurrents; Mr. Hoffman's style suggests more of a squiggle, an undulating pattern of eruptions.

The New York Times

The tiny room, which seats twenty-two, has a ceiling made up of more than a hundred and twenty thousand bamboo skewers arranged in an undulating pattern, and two booths are set into the wall at different heights, like a receding wave.

The New Yorker

During the laser interference patterning process, beams reflected from the interface between the photoresist and the underlying substrate produce a vertical standing wave by combining with the incident light to generate a vertical undulating pattern on the sides of the nanopillar arrays [65].

Nano Convergence

These lines fly in an undulating pattern as they alternately flap and glide.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing artwork or designs, use "undulating patterns" to convey a sense of movement and flow within the composition. This phrase is particularly effective for depicting organic or natural forms, such as waves or dunes.

Common error

Avoid using "undulating patterns" to describe completely static or rigid designs. This phrase implies movement or a wave-like quality, so it's less appropriate for patterns that are entirely linear or geometric without any curvature.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "undulating patterns" functions as a descriptive noun phrase. "Undulating" modifies the noun "patterns", specifying the type of patterns being described. It serves to add detail and imagery to a description, painting a clear picture of the pattern's form. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically correct and readily usable expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Arts

15%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Encyclopedias

6%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "undulating patterns" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe wave-like or rhythmic designs. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is valid and readily usable in written English. It finds common application across various domains, including news media, scientific publications, and the arts, highlighting its versatility in portraying visually dynamic elements. When using this phrase, remember to reserve it for contexts where movement or a wave-like form is genuinely present, avoiding its application to static or rigid designs. Alternative expressions like "wavy designs" or "rippling forms" can offer nuanced variations, each emphasizing different aspects of the patterns' characteristics. Authoritative sources such as The New York Times and scientific journals consistently employ this phrase, confirming its credibility and appropriate use in formal and informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wavy designs

Focuses on the shape of the patterns, emphasizing the presence of waves.

rippling forms

Highlights the flowing and dynamic nature of the patterns.

wave-like arrangements

Compares the arrangements to the characteristics of waves.

serpentine shapes

Implies a winding, snake-like quality in the patterns.

meandering lines

Describes the patterns as lines that follow a winding course.

flowing configurations

Emphasizes the smooth and continuous nature of the patterns' structure.

oscillating sequences

Refers to patterns that move back and forth rhythmically.

rolling contours

Highlights the curved and rounded shapes within the patterns.

curvilinear motifs

Emphasizes the use of curves as recurring elements in the design.

sinuous designs

Implies elegant curves and bends in the patterns.

FAQs

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

You can use "undulating patterns" to describe designs or formations that feature wave-like or rhythmic curves. For example: "The artist created a mesmerizing effect with "undulating patterns" of light and shadow."

What are some synonyms for "undulating patterns"?

Alternatives to "undulating patterns" include "wavy designs", "rippling forms", or "serpentine shapes", depending on the specific visual characteristics you want to emphasize.

Is "undulating pattern" or "undulating patterns" more appropriate?

"Undulating pattern" can be used to describe a single instance of a wave-like design, while "undulating patterns" is used when referring to multiple instances or a design composed of many such elements. The plural form is generally more common.

In what contexts is the phrase "undulating patterns" commonly used?

"Undulating patterns" is often used in art criticism, scientific descriptions of natural phenomena (like geological formations or biological structures), and in design contexts to describe visually dynamic or flowing elements. It is often preferred to describe what the shape is rather than the meaning.