winding

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "winding" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has many twists and turns, often in reference to roads, paths, or narratives. Example: "The winding road through the mountains offered breathtaking views at every turn."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Travel

Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Labor estimates that the winding back of the concessions would be worth $14bn over 10 years.

The Guardian

We spent a blissful, greedy day winding in and out of many of the area's finest, sharing just the one plate of tacos or dividing a burrito (still a mammoth meal) in each.

The Guardian - Travel

Anglo Irish was eventually rebranded as the IBRC, which was tasked with winding down the bank's operations.

The Guardian

A blog I began a few years ago – a stunningly successful experiment in national secrecy located several thousand miles up a winding gorge in the outer reaches of the internet – had, like most blogs, all the virtual footfall of a moon crater in low season.

The Guardian - Opinion

With the rent on this eastern Paris flat still fixed at postwar prices, Cauchetier was able to travel the world as a photographer, always returning up the rickety winding stairs to the fifth-floor set of rooms where his single mother raised him while scrabbling to make an income from piano tuition and nursing.

The Guardian - Arts

The government is also considering reducing "red tape" by winding back rules which have businesses reporting the gender make-up of their workplaces.

The Guardian

You can almost hear your pulse winding down.

The Guardian - Travel

Hobart is a compact place that fades from view rapidly as you leave it – traffic and houses are quickly replaced by rolling hills and winding roads.

The Guardian - Travel

I must confess that when I first saw his new bus, with its ribbon window winding up the rear and side, I feared the worst.

The Guardian - Arts

I remember it from when we first started: going out, winding up at a club and it didn't seem to make sense.

The Guardian - Music

In fact, she says, they 'take pleasure in flouting the law and deliberately winding up motorists'.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In business contexts, consider using "winding down" to describe the gradual reduction or termination of operations, providing a clear and professional tone.

Common error

While "winding" is versatile, excessive use in formal reports or business communications can sound informal. Opt for more direct synonyms like "terminating", "reducing", or "phasing out" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The word "winding" functions primarily as a verb, specifically the present participle of the verb "wind". It can also act as an adjective describing something with curves or turns, as seen in Ludwig's examples like "winding roads" or "winding paths".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Travel

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "winding" is a versatile word frequently used as a verb or adjective. As Ludwig AI indicates, it’s grammatically correct and suitable for various contexts. Its usage ranges from describing physical paths to processes in business. While common, it's important to consider the register and choose synonyms carefully to maintain the appropriate tone, especially in formal writing. Authoritative sources like The Guardian and The Economist frequently employ "winding", reflecting its widespread applicability and acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

twisting

This alternative highlights the physical act of turning or coiling, similar to the literal sense of "winding".

meandering

Emphasizes a slow, indirect path or course, similar to "winding" in describing roads or rivers.

curving

Focuses on the shape of something that deviates from a straight line, akin to a "winding" road.

spiraling

Suggests a continuous, circling motion that rises or falls, like a "winding" staircase.

coiling

Implies wrapping around something in a circular or spiral fashion, relating to the action of "winding".

turning

A general term for changing direction, which is a core aspect of "winding".

snaking

Describes a path or object that resembles a snake in its curves and bends, similar to a "winding" road.

undulating

Refers to a wavelike motion or appearance, analogous to the gentle curves of a "winding" path.

looping

Suggests a circular or oval shape, relating to a specific type of "winding".

progressing gradually

This alternative captures the sense of moving forward in a non-linear or straightforward manner, which can be associated with the figurative sense of "winding".

FAQs

What does it mean when something is described as "winding"?

When something is described as "winding", it means it has many twists and turns. This can apply to physical paths like a "winding" road, or to abstract concepts like a "winding" narrative.

What are some synonyms for "winding" when describing a road?

When describing a road, you can use synonyms like "twisting", "meandering", or "curving" as alternatives to "winding".

How can I use "winding down" in a business context?

In a business context, "winding down" refers to the gradual reduction or termination of operations. For example, "The company is "winding down" its operations in Europe".

Is it appropriate to use "winding" in formal writing?

While "winding" is generally acceptable, be mindful of the context. In very formal writing, consider more precise synonyms depending on the intended meaning. For example, instead of "winding up" a company, use "liquidating" or "dissolving".