aloft

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "aloft" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is in the air or at a height, often referring to objects or people elevated above the ground. Example: "The kite soared aloft, dancing in the gentle breeze."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There is a duel, in which the knight is beheaded by Arthur's nephew, Sir Gawain; he then picks his head up, holds it aloft and promises that the two of them shall meet again.

The Guardian - Books

Behind her, protesters warned Johnson that the march was just the start of their campaign by holding aloft a huge banner that read: "This is the beginning of the end of the housing crisis".

The Guardian

She does a perfectly pleasant vocal performance held aloft by big backing vox and strummed guitars.

The Guardian - Music

The arms were outstretched and aloft just as they always were in his pomp 10 years ago.

The Guardian - Sport

This morning, he held it aloft and declared: "This manifesto is an insurance policy against a government lurching off to extremes".

The Guardian

The flower buds, like milky pearls held in the green clasp of its pointed green sepals, held aloft on a four-inch stalk, were still closed.

The Guardian

"Good job last night, Nicola," shouted one man as supporters mobbed the first minister, their hands holding mobile phones aloft for that closeup moment; a woman near by yelled out: "You were wonderful".

The Guardian

He turned round, arms aloft and trudged back to the centre-circle with the mother-in-law of all frowns while his team-mates celebrated wildly around him.

The Guardian - Sport

The artist's previous work in Gaza on the barrier wall that seals off the Palestinian territories from Israel included an image depicting a group of girls being lifted aloft my balloons.

The Guardian - Arts

Most ardent fan: The many shirtless dudes greeting this starry-eyed, 60s-influenced music bare-chested and with arms aloft.

The Guardian - Music

In 2010 George Osborne's palanquin was borne aloft by a host of imaginary porters, now vanished, one by one.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "aloft" when you want to evoke a sense of elevation or being airborne, particularly in descriptive or literary contexts. It adds a touch of formality and can enhance the imagery of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "aloft" in casual or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or pretentious in everyday conversations. Opt for simpler alternatives like "up high" or "in the air" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "aloft" is as an adverb, modifying verbs to describe movement or position in the air or at a height. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, aligning with examples from various sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Formal & Business

7%

Science

6%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "aloft" is a versatile adverb that effectively conveys the idea of being high up or in the air, finding frequent use in news and media sources. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and usability, suggesting it as a descriptive element best suited for neutral to formal writing contexts. While it is grammatically correct, consider the context and audience when choosing "aloft", as simpler alternatives like ""in the air"" or ""up high"" may be more appropriate in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the air

Focuses on the physical location in the atmosphere, lacking the sense of elevation implied by "aloft".

up high

More informal and general, lacking the slightly elevated or literary tone of "aloft".

overhead

Specifically indicates a position directly above, unlike "aloft" which can imply a more general elevated position.

in the sky

Refers specifically to the sky as the location, lacking the emphasis on height relative to a reference point.

on high

Emphasizes the elevated position but can have a more archaic or religious connotation.

high up

Similar to "up high" but slightly more formal, still lacking the specific nuance of "aloft".

above

Indicates a higher position but is very general and lacks the dynamic sense often associated with "aloft".

in elevation

More technical and less common, referring to a raised position, lacking the stylistic flair of "aloft".

at altitude

Focuses on height above sea level, typically used in aviation or geography contexts.

raised up

Describes the action of lifting, whereas "aloft" describes the state of being elevated.

FAQs

How can I use "aloft" in a sentence?

You can use "aloft" to describe something that is in the air or at a height, for example, "The kite soared "aloft", dancing in the gentle breeze".

What's a simple substitute for "aloft"?

Alternatives for "aloft" include "in the air", "up high", or "overhead" depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "aloft" in formal writing?

Yes, "aloft" is suitable for formal writing, especially when describing a scene or setting where elevation or flight is important.

What's the difference between "aloft" and "high up"?

"Aloft" is generally more formal and literary, suggesting a graceful or elevated position, while "high up" is a more straightforward description of being at a height.