yarns

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "yarns" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to long, often elaborate stories or tales, especially those that are imaginative or exaggerated. Example: "He always has the best yarns to share around the campfire, captivating everyone with his storytelling."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This year Cambodia holds the rotating chair of ASEAN.In this section Divided we stagger Ripping yarns The worm turns Julia's about-turn ReprintsRight after the Phnom Penh fiasco, Indonesia's foreign minister, Marty Natalegawa, in a vigorous exercise in diplomacy, tried hard to paper over the cracks.

The Economist

In September, Textronics announced a deal with Konarka, a pioneer in flexible solar panels, with a view to making jackets that can recharge mobile phones and other devices.International Fashion Machines (IFM), a firm based in Seattle, has just launched a range of light switches based on conductive yarns.

The Economist

If all melancholic yarns essentially knit naivety with nostalgia, then a young hero can be a heady thing.Such is the case with Ava Bigtree, the 13-year-old at the centre of "Swamplandia!", Karen Russell's impressive debut novel.

The Economist

He has a wry, watchful manner and is a practised storyteller, given to punctuating his yarns with cartoon gestures, such as a riffling of hands to mime a corrupt port official pocketing money.

The Economist

The 7,120 boat people who landed in the first seven months of this year were more than for each of the previous two years.In this section Divided we stagger Ripping yarns The worm turns Julia's about-turn ReprintsAfter more boat people drowned in June, and parliament failed to find a new approach, Ms Gillard appointed a panel headed by Angus Houston, a former chief of Australia's armed forces.

The Economist

Stacking several layers of unidirectional yarns at cross angles, for example, makes a powerful "multi-axial" fabric.

The Economist

Its garments will use silver- and steel-blended yarns to report on muscle activity.

The Economist

They also served The wild bunch Handicapped The baseball-card bubble Only fools and horses The loneliness of Tony Blair ReprintsAt first I was afraidReaders have always enjoyed scaring themselves with post-apocalyptic yarns, from Mary Shelley's "The Last Man" to Cormac McCarthy's "The Road".

The Economist

Some electronic devices, such as field-emission displays in some flat panels, are made from nanotube yarns.

The Economist

But the weaving of these yarns, which may be only one-thousandth of a millimetre thick, is complicated and expensive.

The Economist

The Onion is better at spotting good yarns, which is why, despite the recession, it is prospering.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "yarns" to describe engaging or elaborate stories, especially when implying a sense of tradition or embellishment.

Common error

Avoid using "yarns" when you mean "yearns", which expresses a strong feeling of longing or desire. Ensure the context clearly indicates you are referring to stories or threads, not a state of yearning.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "yarns" is as a plural noun. It denotes multiple strands spun from natural or synthetic fibers used in textiles, or, figuratively, multiple engaging and often embellished stories. Ludwig AI confirms the noun usage through its provided examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

35%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "yarns" functions primarily as a plural noun, referring either to textile fibers or engaging stories. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used. Its meaning varies with context, from describing crafting materials to narratives designed to entertain. While it maintains a neutral formality, its usage is most frequent in News & Media and Encyclopedias. When using "yarns", be mindful of its potential confusion with "yearns", and consider the nuance it adds to storytelling compared to simpler terms like "stories".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stories

Broader term referring to narratives, encompassing both true and fictional accounts.

tales

Similar to stories, but often implies a more imaginative or traditional narrative.

narratives

A more formal term for stories, often used in academic or analytical contexts.

anecdotes

Short, personal stories, often used to illustrate a point or entertain.

accounts

Descriptions of events or experiences, often factual or based on real events.

recitals

Formal or elaborate narrations, often with a performative aspect.

chronicles

Detailed and continuous records of events, usually in chronological order.

histories

Accounts of past events, often with a focus on their significance and causes.

fabrics

Refers to textile materials made from yarn.

textiles

A general term for woven or knitted materials.

FAQs

How can I use "yarns" in a sentence?

"Yarns" can be used to refer to long, often elaborate stories, or to the material used for knitting. For example, "He spun incredible "stories" about his adventures" or "She bought several balls of colorful "threads" for her knitting project".

What is the difference between "yarns" and "tales"?

While both "yarns" and "tales" refer to stories, "yarns" often implies a more casual, conversational, and sometimes embellished narrative, while "tales" can be more formal or traditional. For example, you might share "yarns" around a campfire but read "tales" from a storybook.

When should I use "yarns" instead of "stories"?

Use "yarns" when you want to emphasize the engaging, descriptive, or slightly exaggerated nature of the "stories" being told. It suggests a more personal and perhaps less formal account.

Is it correct to use "yarns" to refer to factual accounts?

While "yarns" can refer to factual accounts, it's more commonly used for narratives that have a storytelling element or may include some embellishment. For purely factual accounts, terms like "reports" or "accounts" might be more appropriate.