an upright position

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an upright position" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a physical stance where someone is standing straight or in a vertical alignment. Example: "For the exercise, it is important to maintain an upright position to avoid injury."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He looks appalled, and is shocked into an upright position.

The Guardian - Music

I can nod off in an upright position.

The New York Times

The bottle is quickly turned to an upright position.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Half the dose is sprayed in each nostril while the recipient is in an upright position.

The New York Times

2 Arrange the brioche slices in the tin snugly, in an upright position.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"It was just supposed to lift him gently into an upright position".

The New Yorker

The next thing I knew, he was sitting in an upright position.

The Guardian

And I'm not gonna put my seat in an upright position".

The New Yorker

There they find Monica Farr, naked, and chained in an upright position.

The New Yorker

I have aero bars to rest my arms, which hurt like heck in an upright position.

The New York Times - Sports

She released him, and he sprang back on the stool to an upright position.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing instructions for medical procedures or exercises, use "an upright position" to clearly indicate the patient or participant should be straight and not leaning or lying down.

Common error

Be careful not to use "an upright position" interchangeably with terms like "erect" or "vertical" in contexts where the specific nuance of posture matters. "Erect" can imply tension, while "vertical" is more general and might not convey the postural element.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an upright position" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe how an action is performed or a state is maintained. Ludwig provides examples where it specifies the manner of sitting, standing, or storing objects, adding crucial details to the action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

32%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "an upright position" is a grammatically correct and versatile prepositional phrase widely used to describe a straight, vertical posture or orientation. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across diverse contexts. It's particularly prevalent in science, news, and wiki sources. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by considering alternatives like "in a vertical posture" or "standing straight" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. While suitable for both formal and informal settings, it's essential to avoid ambiguity and choose the most appropriate term based on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

standing upright

Slightly changes word order without changing the core meaning.

in a vertical posture

Emphasizes the vertical alignment of the body, similar to "an upright position".

in a standing posture

Focuses specifically on the act of standing straight, sharing the 'upright' aspect.

in an erect stance

Highlights the straight and firm nature of the posture.

in a perpendicular alignment

Describes a 90-degree angle relative to a surface, implying uprightness.

in an elevated position

Broader term referring to being raised or lifted, which can include being upright.

standing tall

Idiomatic expression suggesting confidence and maintaining an upright posture.

sitting straight

Focuses on the act of sitting with a straight back, relevant when 'upright' applies to seated posture.

in a raised configuration

More applicable to objects than people, referring to something being moved into an upright state.

in a vertical orientation

General term referring to being oriented vertically, which can include "an upright position".

FAQs

How can I use "an upright position" in a sentence?

You can use "an upright position" to describe a physical stance or orientation. For example, "The doctor asked the patient to stand in an upright position for the examination" or "The bottle must be stored in an upright position to prevent leaks".

What's the difference between "an erect position" and "an upright position"?

While both phrases describe a vertical stance, "an erect position" often implies a sense of rigidity or tension, while "an upright position" simply indicates a straight or vertical posture without necessarily implying stiffness.

Are there situations where I shouldn't use "an upright position"?

While generally acceptable, avoid using "an upright position" in highly informal contexts where more casual language might be preferred. In such cases, alternatives like "standing straight" or "sitting up straight" could be more suitable.

What are some alternatives to "an upright position"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "in a vertical posture", "in a standing posture", or simply "standing straight".