curves en 30 secondes
- Curves are smooth, non-straight lines or shapes found in nature, art, and geometry.
- As a verb, 'curves' describes the action of bending or following a non-linear path.
- Commonly used to describe roads, body shapes, and statistical graphs (like the bell curve).
- Idiomatically, it appears in phrases like 'ahead of the curve' and 'learning curve.'
The word curves is a multifaceted term that serves as both a plural noun and the third-person singular form of the verb 'to curve.' At its most fundamental level, a curve represents a departure from a straight line. It is a smooth, continuous bending that lacks sharp angles or sudden breaks. In our physical world, curves are everywhere—from the organic shapes of a rolling hillside to the engineered precision of a high-speed racetrack. People use this word to describe the aesthetic quality of objects, the trajectory of moving bodies, and even abstract concepts like statistical data or learning progress.
- Physical Geometry
- In mathematics and design, curves are defined by their lack of straightness. Unlike a polygon which has vertices, a curve flows. Architects often use curves to create a sense of movement or to mimic natural forms, making buildings feel more 'organic' and less 'industrial.'
The coastline curves gently along the bay, creating a natural harbor for the fishing boats.
Beyond the physical, 'curves' is frequently used in social and professional contexts. For example, in the fashion and body positivity movements, the term 'curves' is used to celebrate the natural, rounded shapes of the human body, moving away from rigid, narrow beauty standards. In a professional or academic setting, you might hear about a 'learning curve,' which describes the rate of a person's progress in gaining a new skill. A 'steep learning curve' implies that the subject is difficult to master quickly, requiring significant effort at the beginning.
- Motion and Physics
- In sports, particularly baseball or cricket, a ball that 'curves' is one that changes direction in mid-air due to spin. This is known as the Magnus effect. Understanding how a ball curves is essential for both the pitcher trying to deceive the batter and the batter trying to predict the ball's path.
The pitcher threw a ball that curves away from the batter at the last second.
- Data and Statistics
- In data science, we often talk about 'bell curves' or 'growth curves.' These are visual representations of how data is distributed or how a variable changes over time. A 'bell curve' shows that most results are in the middle, with fewer results at the extreme ends.
The teacher decided to grade the exam on a curve, adjusting the scores based on the overall performance of the class.
The elegant curves of the violin are essential for its acoustic resonance.
In summary, whether you are talking about the 'curves' of a road that requires careful driving, the 'curves' of a graph showing economic recovery, or the 'curves' of a sculpture in a museum, you are describing a non-linear, flowing quality that adds complexity and beauty to the world. It is a word that bridges the gap between the rigid logic of mathematics and the fluid grace of nature.
Using 'curves' correctly depends on whether you are employing it as a noun or a verb. As a noun, it typically refers to the physical bends themselves. As a verb, it describes the action of bending or moving in a non-straight path. Because it is a B1 level word, it is important to understand its pluralization and its use in different tenses.
- As a Noun (Plural)
- When used as a noun, 'curves' often describes multiple bends. For example, 'The road has many dangerous curves.' Here, 'curves' is the object of the sentence, identifying the physical features of the road.
Drivers must slow down when approaching the sharp curves in the mountain pass.
- As a Verb (Third-Person Singular)
- When used as a verb in the present tense with a singular subject (he, she, it, or a singular noun), we add an 's'. For example, 'The river curves through the valley.' This describes the continuous action or state of the river's path.
The artist curves the clay with her fingers to create a bowl.
- In Figurative Language
- We often use 'curves' to describe non-physical things. 'The path of his life curves in unexpected directions' uses the word to mean changes or developments that weren't planned.
Success rarely follows a straight line; it often curves through many failures.
The smile that curves her lips shows she is happy.
When writing, consider the intensity of the curve. You can use adverbs to modify the verb: 'curves sharply,' 'curves gently,' or 'curves slightly.' This provides the reader with a clearer mental image of the shape or movement being described. In technical writing, 'curves' might refer to specific data points on a graph, such as 'the supply and demand curves.'
The word 'curves' is ubiquitous in daily life, appearing in contexts ranging from the mundane to the highly specialized. You will hear it most frequently when people are describing geography, movement, or data. If you are driving with a GPS, the voice might warn you about 'curves ahead.' If you are watching a documentary about space, the narrator might discuss how gravity 'curves' space-time. It is a word that bridges the gap between sensory experience and scientific explanation.
- In Transportation and Travel
- Road signs often use a symbol of a curving line to indicate that the road is not straight. Pilots and ship captains must also account for the 'curves' of the earth when navigating long distances, as the shortest path on a sphere is actually a curved line called a great circle.
The train tracks follow the natural curves of the riverbank.
- In Sports Commentary
- You will hear this word constantly in baseball, where a 'curveball' is a specific type of pitch. In soccer (football), commentators often talk about how a player 'curves' the ball into the corner of the net during a free kick. This ability to manipulate the path of the ball is a hallmark of elite skill.
He curves the ball around the wall of defenders to score a goal.
- In Art and Design
- Fashion designers talk about 'cutting for curves,' meaning they create clothes that fit the natural shape of the body. Graphic designers use 'Bézier curves' to create smooth digital illustrations. In these fields, curves represent elegance and sophistication.
The architect's design is famous for its sweeping curves and lack of right angles.
Whether you are in a math class discussing the 'parabolic curves' of a function, or at a car dealership looking at the 'sleek curves' of a new model, the word is used to highlight a specific type of visual or physical flow. It is a word that suggests something more interesting and complex than a simple straight line.
While 'curves' is a common word, learners often make specific mistakes regarding its spelling, its confusion with similar-sounding words, and its grammatical application as a verb. Understanding these pitfalls will help you use the word with more confidence and precision.
- Confusion with 'Curb'
- A very common mistake is confusing 'curve' with 'curb.' A 'curb' (or 'kerb' in British English) is the stone edge of a sidewalk. A 'curve' is a bend. You drive around a curve, but you might hit the curb if you aren't careful. They sound similar but have completely different meanings.
Incorrect: The car hit the curve of the sidewalk.
Correct: The car hit the curb of the sidewalk.
- Adjective Confusion: 'Curved' vs. 'Curvy'
- Learners often use 'curvy' when they should use 'curved.' 'Curved' is a general description of a shape (a curved line, a curved blade). 'Curvy' is more often used to describe something with many curves, often in a decorative or physical sense (a curvy road, a curvy figure). Using 'curvy' in a technical context can sound informal.
Technical: The screen has a curved surface.
Descriptive: The mountain road is very curvy.
- Verb Agreement
- As a verb, 'curves' is only for singular subjects. 'The road curves' (singular) vs. 'The roads curve' (plural). Learners often add the 's' to the plural form by mistake.
Incorrect: The paths curves through the park.
Correct: The paths curve through the park.
Finally, be careful with the idiom 'ahead of the curve.' It means to be more advanced than others. Some learners say 'above the curve' or 'before the curve,' but the standard expression is always 'ahead of the curve.' Similarly, 'throwing a curveball' means to surprise someone with something difficult, not just to throw a ball.
To enrich your vocabulary, it is helpful to know words that are similar to 'curves' but carry slightly different nuances. Depending on whether you are describing a road, a shape, or a movement, one of these alternatives might be more precise.
- Bend
- 'Bend' is the most common synonym. However, a 'bend' can sometimes imply a sharper or more sudden change in direction than a 'curve.' You might 'bend' a wire, but a river 'curves' through a valley. 'Bend' is also more commonly used as a verb for physical objects you can touch.
- Arc
- An 'arc' is a specific type of curve that is part of a circle. It sounds more mathematical or formal. We talk about the 'arc of a rainbow' or the 'story arc' of a movie. Use 'arc' when the curve is very smooth and symmetrical.
The ball traveled in a high arc before landing in the basket.
- Twist and Turn
- These words are often used together to describe a path that has many curves. 'The road twists and turns' suggests a more complex and perhaps difficult path than simply saying it 'curves.' 'Twist' often implies a spiral or a more extreme rotation.
The mountain trail twists and turns up the steep slope.
- Meander
- This is a beautiful verb specifically used for rivers or paths that curve slowly and aimlessly. It suggests a peaceful, slow movement. 'The stream meanders through the meadow' is more descriptive than 'The stream curves through the meadow.'
The river meanders through the countryside, taking its time to reach the sea.
In a technical or academic context, you might use 'contour' to describe the curves of a landscape or 'curvature' to describe the degree to which something is curved. For example, 'The curvature of the lens determines how it focuses light.' Choosing the right word depends on whether you want to be poetic, descriptive, or scientific.
How Formal Is It?
Le savais-tu ?
In the 1600s, 'curve' was used in mathematics to describe any line, even a straight one, though this usage has since changed.
Guide de prononciation
- Pronouncing it like 'carves' (changing the vowel).
- Pronouncing the 's' as a hard 's' instead of a 'z' sound.
- Confusing the vowel with 'curbs'.
- Dropping the 'v' sound.
- Adding an extra syllable like 'cur-vess'.
Niveau de difficulté
Easy to recognize in context.
Requires correct verb agreement and spelling.
Pronunciation of 'ur' and 'vz' can be tricky.
Distinct sound, though can be confused with 'curbs'.
Quoi apprendre ensuite
Prérequis
Apprends ensuite
Avancé
Grammaire à connaître
Third-person singular 's'
The river curves (singular) vs. The rivers curve (plural).
Plural nouns
One curve, two curves.
Adjective formation
Curve (noun) -> Curved (adjective).
Prepositional use
Curves around, curves through, curves toward.
Gerund formation
The curving road was beautiful.
Exemples par niveau
The road has many curves.
La route a beaucoup de virages.
Noun, plural.
I like the curves of this drawing.
J'aime les courbes de ce dessin.
Noun, plural.
The ball moves in curves.
La balle bouge en courbes.
Noun, plural.
The river has curves.
La rivière a des courbes.
Noun, plural.
Draw some curves here.
Dessine quelques courbes ici.
Noun, plural.
The track curves left.
La piste tourne à gauche.
Verb, third-person singular.
Look at the curves of the hills.
Regarde les courbes des collines.
Noun, plural.
The snake moves in curves.
Le serpent bouge en courbes.
Noun, plural.
The road curves around the mountain.
La route contourne la montagne.
Verb, third-person singular.
She has curves in her handwriting.
Elle a des courbes dans son écriture.
Noun, plural.
The path curves through the woods.
Le sentier serpente à travers les bois.
Verb, third-person singular.
The car follows the curves of the road.
La voiture suit les virages de la route.
Noun, plural.
The coastline curves beautifully.
Le littoral s'incurve magnifiquement.
Verb, third-person singular.
Be careful of the sharp curves.
Fais attention aux virages serrés.
Noun, plural.
The river curves near the village.
La rivière s'incurve près du village.
Verb, third-person singular.
The artist curves the metal wire.
L'artiste courbe le fil métallique.
Verb, third-person singular.
The learning curve for this software is steep.
La courbe d'apprentissage de ce logiciel est abrupte.
Noun, singular (part of a compound noun).
The road curves sharply to the right.
La route tourne brusquement à droite.
Verb, third-person singular.
The graph shows several curves.
Le graphique montre plusieurs courbes.
Noun, plural.
The design features elegant curves.
Le design présente des courbes élégantes.
Noun, plural.
The pitcher curves the ball expertly.
Le lanceur donne de l'effet à la balle avec expertise.
Verb, third-person singular.
The track curves gently toward the finish line.
La piste s'incurve doucement vers la ligne d'arrivée.
Verb, third-person singular.
The road has many dangerous curves at night.
La route a beaucoup de virages dangereux la nuit.
Noun, plural.
The smile curves her lips.
Le sourire fait s'incurver ses lèvres.
Verb, third-person singular.
Our company is staying ahead of the curve.
Notre entreprise garde une longueur d'avance.
Idiom: 'ahead of the curve'.
The professor graded the exams on a curve.
Le professeur a noté les examens selon une courbe.
Noun, singular (idiomatic use).
The road curves through the scenic valley.
La route serpente à travers la vallée pittoresque.
Verb, third-person singular.
The architect used curves to soften the building's look.
L'architecte a utilisé des courbes pour adoucir l'aspect du bâtiment.
Noun, plural.
Life often curves in unexpected ways.
La vie prend souvent des tournants inattendus.
Verb, third-person singular (figurative).
The ball curves due to the Magnus effect.
La balle s'incurve à cause de l'effet Magnus.
Verb, third-person singular.
The dress is designed to highlight her curves.
La robe est conçue pour mettre en valeur ses formes.
Noun, plural (referring to body shape).
The coastline curves inward to form a bay.
Le littoral s'incurve vers l'intérieur pour former une baie.
Verb, third-person singular.
The narrative curves back to the beginning in the final chapter.
Le récit revient au début dans le dernier chapitre.
Verb, third-person singular (figurative).
The sculpture's curves evoke a sense of maternal warmth.
Les courbes de la sculpture évoquent un sentiment de chaleur maternelle.
Noun, plural.
The road curves precariously along the cliff edge.
La route serpente dangereusement le long du bord de la falaise.
Verb, third-person singular.
The economic recovery curves upward after a long recession.
La reprise économique s'oriente à la hausse après une longue récession.
Verb, third-person singular.
He curves his argument to appeal to the audience's emotions.
Il oriente son argument pour faire appel aux émotions du public.
Verb, third-person singular (figurative).
The lens curves light to create a sharp image.
La lentille courbe la lumière pour créer une image nette.
Verb, third-person singular.
The dancer's body curves in a graceful arc.
Le corps du danseur s'incurve dans un arc gracieux.
Verb, third-person singular.
The project fell behind the curve due to technical delays.
Le projet a pris du retard à cause de délais techniques.
Idiom: 'behind the curve'.
Gravity curves the very fabric of space and time.
La gravité courbe le tissu même de l'espace et du temps.
Verb, third-person singular (scientific).
The poet uses the curves of the landscape as a metaphor for grief.
Le poète utilise les courbes du paysage comme métaphore du chagrin.
Noun, plural (literary).
The mathematical model curves to fit the empirical data.
Le modèle mathématique s'ajuste pour correspondre aux données empiriques.
Verb, third-person singular.
The melody curves through various keys before returning to the tonic.
La mélodie serpente à travers diverses tonalités avant de revenir à la tonique.
Verb, third-person singular (musical).
The architect's philosophy curves away from traditional brutalism.
La philosophie de l'architecte s'éloigne du brutalisme traditionnel.
Verb, third-person singular (abstract).
The trajectory of history often curves toward justice.
La trajectoire de l'histoire s'oriente souvent vers la justice.
Verb, third-person singular (philosophical).
The river curves in oxbows across the flood plain.
La rivière serpente en méandres à travers la plaine inondable.
Verb, third-person singular.
The politician curves his rhetoric to avoid direct questions.
Le politicien détourne sa rhétorique pour éviter les questions directes.
Verb, third-person singular (figurative/negative).
Collocations courantes
Phrases Courantes
— A graph showing how much people want a product.
The demand curve is downward sloping.
Souvent confondu avec
A curb is the edge of a sidewalk; a curve is a bend.
Carves means to cut into something; curves means to bend.
A course is a direction or a class; a curve is a shape.
Expressions idiomatiques
— To be more advanced or modern than others.
Our tech is ahead of the curve.
Professional— To be slower or less advanced than others.
They are behind the curve in AI.
Professional— To surprise someone with something difficult.
The boss threw me a curveball today.
Informal— To maintain a leading position.
We must innovate to stay ahead of the curve.
Business— The physical roundness of the planet.
You can see the curve of the earth from space.
Scientific— To slow the spread of something (often a disease).
We need to flatten the curve of infections.
Medical/Social— The shape of a smile or expression.
A slight curve of the lip showed his amusement.
Literary— To reject or ignore someone romantically.
She curved him when he asked for her number.
SlangFacile à confondre
Both are related to curves.
'Curved' is an adjective describing the state; 'curves' is the plural noun or the verb.
The curved line has many curves.
Both describe non-straight things.
'Curvy' is informal and often describes things with many bends or a person's figure; 'curved' is more technical.
A curvy road vs. a curved lens.
They mean almost the same thing.
'Bend' can be sharp; 'curve' is usually smooth.
The pipe has a bend; the river has a curve.
Both are smooth lines.
An 'arc' is specifically part of a circle; a 'curve' can be any shape.
The rainbow's arc is a perfect curve.
Both involve changing direction.
'Turn' is a general action; 'curve' describes the shape of the path.
Turn left at the curve.
Structures de phrases
The [noun] has curves.
The road has curves.
The [noun] curves [direction].
The path curves left.
There is a [adjective] curve in the [noun].
There is a sharp curve in the road.
The [noun] curves around the [noun].
The river curves around the mountain.
Staying ahead of the [noun].
Staying ahead of the curve is important.
Graded on a [noun].
The test was graded on a curve.
The [abstract noun] curves toward [noun].
The narrative curves toward a happy ending.
The [scientific noun] curves [noun].
Gravity curves space-time.
Famille de mots
Noms
Verbes
Adjectifs
Apparenté
Comment l'utiliser
Common in both spoken and written English.
-
The road curve to the left.
→
The road curves to the left.
The subject 'road' is singular, so the verb needs an 's'.
-
I hit the curve with my car tire.
→
I hit the curb with my car tire.
You hit a 'curb' (sidewalk edge), not a 'curve' (bend).
-
The lines is curves.
→
The lines are curves.
The subject 'lines' is plural, so use 'are'.
-
He is above the curve in his class.
→
He is ahead of the curve in his class.
The correct idiom is 'ahead of the curve'.
-
The river curves gentlys.
→
The river curves gently.
Adverbs like 'gently' do not take an 's'.
Astuces
Verb Agreement
Always remember that 'curves' is for singular subjects. 'The road curves,' but 'The roads curve.'
Adjective Choice
Use 'curved' for technical descriptions (curved monitor) and 'curvy' for more descriptive or informal ones (curvy road).
Curveball
Use 'throw a curveball' when you want to describe a surprising or difficult situation that someone didn't expect.
Don't forget the 'E'
The singular is 'curve'. When adding 's', keep the 'e': 'curves'.
The 'Z' Sound
The 's' at the end of 'curves' is voiced, meaning it sounds like a 'z'.
Math Context
In math, a 'curve' can be any line on a graph, even if it's not very bent.
Descriptive Adverbs
Pair 'curves' with adverbs like 'sharply', 'gently', or 'slightly' to give better detail.
Driving
In driving contexts, 'curves' always implies a need for caution and reduced speed.
Slang Usage
Be aware that 'to curve someone' is very informal slang for rejecting them.
Organic Shapes
Use 'curves' to describe natural things like rivers, hills, and clouds to make your writing sound more organic.
Mémorise-le
Moyen mnémotechnique
Think of the letter 'C'. The letter 'C' curves. 'Curves' starts with 'C' and describes that shape.
Association visuelle
Imagine a winding mountain road. The road is full of curves. Visualize the car turning left and right.
Word Web
Défi
Try to find five objects in your room that have curves and describe them using the word.
Origine du mot
From the Latin 'curvus', meaning bent, crooked, or curved.
Sens originel : Something that is not straight.
Indo-European (Latinate).Contexte culturel
When describing people, 'curves' is generally positive but should be used respectfully.
Commonly used in driving warnings and sports commentary.
Pratique dans la vie réelle
Contextes réels
Driving
- Watch for curves
- Sharp curve ahead
- Slow down on curves
- Winding curves
Mathematics
- Plot the curve
- Bell curve
- Area under the curve
- Linear vs. curved
Art/Design
- Elegant curves
- Sleek curves
- Draw a curve
- Flowing curves
Body/Fashion
- Embrace your curves
- Fit for curves
- Highlight curves
- Natural curves
Business
- Ahead of the curve
- Learning curve
- Growth curve
- Market curves
Amorces de conversation
"Do you prefer driving on straight highways or roads with many curves?"
"Have you ever faced a very steep learning curve when starting a new hobby?"
"What do you think of modern architecture that uses lots of curves instead of straight lines?"
"In your country, do teachers ever grade exams on a curve?"
"Can you think of any famous buildings that are known for their curves?"
Sujets d'écriture
Describe a time when life threw you a curveball and how you handled it.
Write about a scenic road trip you took that had many beautiful curves.
How do you feel about the 'learning curve' of the language you are currently studying?
Describe the curves of a piece of art or a building that you find beautiful.
Reflect on the phrase 'ahead of the curve'—in what area of your life are you ahead of the curve?
Questions fréquentes
10 questionsIt can be both. As a noun, it's the plural of 'curve' (bends). As a verb, it's the third-person singular present tense of 'to curve' (it bends).
It means to be more advanced, innovative, or prepared than others in a particular field or situation.
Yes, 'curves' is often used to describe a person's rounded physical shape, usually in a positive or descriptive way.
It is a metaphorical way to describe how quickly or slowly someone learns a new skill. A 'steep' learning curve means it is difficult at first.
It is pronounced /kɜːrvz/. The 'ur' is like 'bird' and the 's' sounds like a 'z'.
A 'curve' is a bend in a line or road. A 'curb' is the stone or concrete edge of a sidewalk.
It means the teacher adjusts the students' grades based on the average performance of the whole class rather than a fixed scale.
It is a pitch thrown with spin so that it appears to drop or move sideways as it approaches the batter.
It is a neutral word used in both formal (math, science) and informal (daily life, slang) contexts.
The opposite of a curve is a 'straight line' or 'straightens'.
Teste-toi 180 questions
Write a sentence about a road with curves.
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Describe a river using the word 'curves'.
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Write about a 'learning curve' you have experienced.
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Explain what 'ahead of the curve' means in your own words.
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Describe how an architect might use curves in a building.
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Write a sentence about drawing curves.
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Write a sentence about a path in a park.
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Write a sentence about a car's design.
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Write a sentence using 'throw a curveball'.
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Write a sentence about gravity and space.
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Write a sentence about a ball.
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Write a sentence about a mountain road.
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Write a sentence about a graph.
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Write a sentence about grading on a curve.
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Write a sentence about a coastline.
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Write a sentence about a snake.
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Write a sentence about handwriting.
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Write a sentence about a smile.
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Write a sentence about a growth curve.
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Write a sentence about a melody.
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Say: 'The road has many curves.'
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Describe a river in one sentence using 'curves'.
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Talk about a skill that has a steep learning curve.
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Explain the phrase 'ahead of the curve'.
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Describe a famous building that uses curves.
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Say: 'I draw curves on paper.'
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Say: 'The path curves to the left.'
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Say: 'The car has sleek curves.'
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Say: 'He threw me a curveball.'
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Say: 'Gravity curves space and time.'
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Say: 'The snake moves in curves.'
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Say: 'The road curves around the mountain.'
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Say: 'The graph has several curves.'
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Say: 'We are ahead of the curve.'
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Say: 'The coastline curves inward.'
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Say: 'The hills have curves.'
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Say: 'The track curves at the corner.'
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Say: 'A smile curves her lips.'
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Say: 'The growth curve is high.'
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Say: 'The melody curves through keys.'
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Listen and spell: /kɜːrvz/
Listen to the sentence: 'The road curves.' What is the verb?
Listen to the phrase: 'Learning curve.' What does it mean?
Listen to the idiom: 'Ahead of the curve.' Is this positive or negative?
Listen to the scientific term: 'Space-time curves.' What causes this?
Listen and spell: /kɜːrv/
Listen: 'The path curves left.' Which way?
Listen: 'Sleek curves.' What is being described?
Listen: 'Throw a curveball.' Is it a surprise?
Listen: 'Coastline curves.' What is the shape?
Listen: 'Snake curves.' How does it move?
Listen: 'Road curves.' Is it straight?
Listen: 'Bell curve.' Where is it used?
Listen: 'Behind the curve.' Are they fast?
Listen: 'Melody curves.' Is it music?
/ 180 correct
Perfect score!
Summary
The word 'curves' is essential for describing anything that deviates from a straight line in a smooth way. For example, 'The road curves through the forest' describes a scenic, non-linear path that is visually and physically distinct from a straight highway.
- Curves are smooth, non-straight lines or shapes found in nature, art, and geometry.
- As a verb, 'curves' describes the action of bending or following a non-linear path.
- Commonly used to describe roads, body shapes, and statistical graphs (like the bell curve).
- Idiomatically, it appears in phrases like 'ahead of the curve' and 'learning curve.'
Verb Agreement
Always remember that 'curves' is for singular subjects. 'The road curves,' but 'The roads curve.'
Adjective Choice
Use 'curved' for technical descriptions (curved monitor) and 'curvy' for more descriptive or informal ones (curvy road).
Curveball
Use 'throw a curveball' when you want to describe a surprising or difficult situation that someone didn't expect.
Don't forget the 'E'
The singular is 'curve'. When adding 's', keep the 'e': 'curves'.
