arms held horizontally

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "arms held horizontally" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a position of the arms, often in contexts related to posture, movement, or physical activities. Example: "The dancer stood with her arms held horizontally, creating a striking silhouette against the backdrop."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The perturbation test was performed with eyes focusing on the black spot, feet in the Romberg position and arms held horizontally forward, a shoulder width apart.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Patients underwent closed reduction, as the first step, with a finger trap through the fingers and counter-traction with a water bottle, while the arm held horizontally, to regain radial height.

Bone and Joint Research

This implies that Caudipteryx was running on a horizontal substrate, with the wing also held horizontally.

Nature

Another is that Windows 8 uses a touch-screen interface, which is not only an expensive addition, but also tiring (the "gorilla arm" effect) when used on an office computer with a vertical screen, rather than on a tablet held horizontally.

The Economist

Umbrellas held horizontally like spears instead of vertically like canes.

The New York Times

Probably cast rather than spun, they were held horizontally, one above the other.

Britannica

In his right hand he clutches a tasselled cane, held horizontally".--British Museum online catalogue.

Yale University

The capsules are held horizontally and have long, deep furrows when mature.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A handheld game console, the Game Gear was designed to be played while being held horizontally.

Wikipedia

Preparing host shells The egg was held horizontally.

Biological Procedures Online

A manual hand dynamometer, held horizontally, was used to measure grip strength in kilograms.

BMJ Open

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing exercises or physical assessments, use "arms held horizontally" to clearly specify the arm position for accurate execution and measurement.

Common error

Ensure context clarifies whether "arms held horizontally" refers to the upper arms, forearms, or the entire arm. Specify "upper arms held horizontally" or "forearms held horizontally" for precision when needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "arms held horizontally" functions as a descriptive phrase, specifying a particular position of the arms. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Examples show its use in describing physical exercises, testing balance, and illustrating body positions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

26%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "arms held horizontally" is a grammatically correct descriptive phrase used to specify the position of arms extended outwards, parallel to the ground. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its validity and usage. While not extremely common, it appears across various contexts, including science, news, encyclopedias and wikis. The phrase is most frequently found in science and news contexts, suggesting a neutral register appropriate for both technical and general descriptions. Related phrases offer alternative ways to express similar concepts, while guidance on usage helps ensure clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

arms extended laterally

Replaces "held horizontally" with a more descriptive term for sideways extension.

arms outstretched horizontally

Emphasizes the act of extending the arms outwards.

arms positioned horizontally

Focuses on the static position of the arms.

arms kept horizontal

Highlights maintaining a horizontal position.

arms at shoulder level

Specifies the height at which the arms are held.

arms aligned horizontally

Emphasizes the alignment of the arms in a horizontal plane.

arms in a horizontal position

Rephrases the concept using a more descriptive noun phrase.

arms spread out horizontally

Highlights the spreading or opening of the arms.

horizontal arm posture

Uses a noun phrase to describe the overall posture.

arms sideways

Simplifies the phrase to a more concise description.

FAQs

How can I describe a similar arm position to "arms held horizontally"?

You could use phrases like "arms extended laterally", "arms outstretched", or "arms at shoulder level" depending on the context.

Is it more appropriate to say "arms held horizontally" or "arms held horizontal"?

"Arms held horizontally" is grammatically correct. "Horizontal" is an adjective, and "horizontally" is an adverb, which correctly modifies the verb "held".

What does it mean when someone says "arms held horizontally"?

It generally means the person's arms are extended outwards from their body, parallel to the ground, often at shoulder height.

In what situations would you typically see someone with their "arms held horizontally"?

This position is common in balance tests, exercises, dance, or when trying to maintain stability. It can also be a gesture of openness or surrender.