winding streets

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "winding streets" is correct and usable in written English.
For example, you could use the phrase in the sentence: "We drove through the small town, taking in the sight of its winding streets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

We drove downhill through the winding streets of Bethlehem.

The New Yorker

A cluster of winding streets rose above a tight cove.

The New York Times - Travel

The houses sit back from the winding streets and next to tall trees, which add privacy.

The New York Times

Crestmoor, with its winding streets and capacious houses, was built around 1960.

The New York Times

Hundreds marched through winding streets while security officers shadowed them in a moving cordon.

The New York Times

The Old City's winding streets and mysterious stairways invite exploration and discovery.

The New York Times - Travel

Towering pin oaks, planted when the community was founded in 1910, lined quiet winding streets.

The New York Times

Elmadere is an idyllic hamlet where children play in the narrow winding streets.

Independent

The old town, now surrounded by boulevards, has picturesque, narrow, winding streets.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The Cité has about 1,000 inhabitants in its narrow, winding streets.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The neighborhood of Montmartre, with its winding streets and steep stairways, was Picasso's first home.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a location, use "winding streets" to evoke a sense of charm and history, particularly in older towns or neighborhoods.

Common error

Avoid using "winding streets" when describing modern, planned communities. This phrase is better suited for areas with a more historical or organic development pattern.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "winding streets" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase, modifying a location or area. It paints a picture of roads that are not straight, often suggesting a historical or charming setting. Examples from Ludwig showcase its use in describing towns and neighborhoods.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

7%

Wiki

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "winding streets" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe roads that are not straight, typically found in older or more historical areas. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts. It's often used in news, media, and encyclopedic descriptions to evoke a sense of charm and character. While versatile, it's best suited for areas with organic growth patterns rather than modern, planned communities. Alternatives like "meandering roads" or "twisting lanes" can offer a nuanced approach. Overall, "winding streets" remains a valuable descriptive tool for writers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

meandering roads

Focuses on the gentle, indirect nature of the roads.

twisting lanes

Emphasizes the narrow and turning nature of the pathways.

curving paths

Highlights the smooth bends in the routes.

serpentine routes

Suggests a shape similar to a snake, implying many bends.

labyrinthine alleys

Implies a complex, maze-like structure of narrow passages.

irregular roads

Focuses on the lack of a straight or consistent pattern.

zigzagging avenues

Describes a pattern of sharp, alternating turns.

undulating roads

Highlights the up-and-down, wave-like nature of the road.

sinuous paths

Emphasizes the elegant, flowing curves of the routes.

tortuous roads

Implies that the roads are complex and difficult to navigate.

FAQs

How can I use "winding streets" in a sentence?

You might say, "The charm of the old town lies in its "winding streets" and historic buildings".

What are some alternatives to "winding streets"?

Consider using alternatives like "meandering roads", "twisting lanes", or "curving paths" to add variety to your writing.

Is it appropriate to describe a modern city with "winding streets"?

While not incorrect, it's more common to use "winding streets" for older or historical areas. Modern cities are often characterized by gridded or planned street layouts.

What imagery does the phrase "winding streets" evoke?

The phrase "winding streets" typically evokes images of old towns, historical areas, and places with a sense of history and charm.