weave

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "weave" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a verb to mean "to interlace (threads, strips of material, etc.), typically in an intricate or decorative pattern," as in the sentence: "He wove the threads together carefully to create a colorful tapestry." You can also use it as a noun to mean "an intricate and beautiful pattern or design," as in the sentence: "The blanket was decorated with a beautiful and intricate weave."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Motorbikes weave between the large mining trucks and NGO vehicles, as locals make their way to the huge market; the airstrip is in the middle of the town, making for some scary landings.

The Guardian

As we weave between highway lanes towards the coast, Guzman explains he is currently creating an encyclopedia of Chilean food, called Endemics, about the country's edible ingredients and lost recipes.

The Guardian - Travel

The dredging is to make way for the ships as they weave their way through the Great Barrier Reef – a wondrous icon of the blue planet that doubles as the world's most iconic coal shipping lane.

The Guardian

Because all these different threads will shape not only the next government, but will weave together the fabric of the UK for many years to come.

The Guardian

Recording from place cells and grid cells as animals perform complex behaviours has not only revealed hidden mechanisms, but has also shown just how beautiful our brains can be in the patterns they create and weave.

The Guardian

Sheep pick their way through the foliage looking for a feed and goats weave in and out of fences.

The Guardian

Successful sports people are like this: preternaturally tough, stitched together out of shark hide and flameproof nylon weave.

The Guardian - Sport

The sorry tale of Chris Huhne, Vicky Pryce, the speeding points and the jail sentences was a perfect illustration of the old adage: "Oh, what a tangled web we weave when first we leave our wives for a bisexual press strategist".

The Guardian - Opinion

She could weave a novel out of nothing, as Haydn could compose a symphonic movement from a couple of bars of music.

The Guardian - Books

The musical chemistry between them – intricate guitar and vocal parts that wind and weave around each other – is one of the band's defining features.

The Guardian - Music

Hal Robson-Kanu, who nearly scored from inches out before the break, began to trouble City down their left, with the winger's trickery allowing him to weave into the area, before poking in a ball the visitors were lucky to clear.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "weave" metaphorically, ensure the image is clear and contributes to the overall meaning. For example, "weave a story" should create a sense of intricate storytelling.

Common error

Avoid using "weave" in contexts where the connection between elements is weak or unclear. Overusing it can make your writing seem forced or confusing. Be sure the metaphor you're using with "weave" is clear to your audience.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "weave" is a verb, describing the action of interlacing threads or strands to create a fabric or structure. It can also function as a noun, referring to a particular pattern or style of weaving. Ludwig AI confirms these usages with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Formal & Business

29%

Science

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Wiki

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "weave" is a versatile term used both literally and figuratively. As a verb, it describes interlacing threads or strands, and as a noun, it refers to a particular pattern or style of weaving. Ludwig AI confirms that "weave" is grammatically correct. It is "very common", appearing frequently in "News & Media", "Formal & Business", and "Science" contexts. When using "weave", ensure the context is clear, especially in metaphorical applications. Alternatives include "intertwine" and "interlace", which can provide nuanced variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

intertwine

Focuses on the act of connecting things by twisting them together.

interlace

Highlights the crossing and weaving of elements to form a pattern.

braid

Implies a specific type of weaving, often referring to hair or rope.

knit together

Emphasizes the joining or uniting of separate elements.

entwine

Suggests a winding or twisting around something.

plait

Similar to braid, but can also refer to other materials.

mesh

Focuses on the interlocking of different components.

crisscross

Highlights a pattern of crossing lines or paths.

interconnect

Emphasizes the mutual connection or linking of different parts.

construct

Focuses on building something complex by combining elements.

FAQs

How can I use "weave" in a sentence?

You can use "weave" to describe the process of interlacing threads to create fabric, as in "She learned to weave intricate patterns". It can also be used metaphorically, such as, "The author expertly wove together multiple plotlines".

What are some synonyms for "weave"?

Alternatives to "weave" include "intertwine", "interlace", and "knit together", each carrying slightly different nuances depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "weave a story"?

Yes, "weave a story" is a common and accepted metaphorical usage of "weave", suggesting the creation of a complex and interconnected narrative.

What is the difference between "weave" and "braid"?

"Weave" generally refers to creating fabric by interlacing threads, while "braid" specifically refers to interlacing strands of hair or other flexible materials in a particular pattern. They are related, but not interchangeable in all contexts.