at their shoulder

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at their shoulder" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone being physically close to another person, often in a supportive or guiding manner. Example: "The mentor stood at their shoulder, offering advice as the student worked on the project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

All across the country, people felt they'd really won… All across the country, people felt history at their shoulder.

The Guardian - Books

Wherever members of our union were engaged in struggle it was a matter of course that Tony Benn would be standing at their shoulder.

The Guardian

They'll always be able to look at their shoulder or rear end in the mirror and say, 'My employer appreciated me.' " So far, six brave employees have earned -- and accepted -- tattoos.

The New York Times

He is protected both by the Kurdish guerrillas, who control the eastern half of the city and a clutch of fortified government buildings in the western half, and by the Iraqi army and police, with American forces at their shoulder, when he ventures farther afield".Security is slowly getting better," he says, without much conviction.

The Economist

Patients with feelings of insecurity (apprehension) at their shoulder joint, which is not the result of a collision injury, with physical signs of shoulder joint instability will be invited to participate.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

A safe first place may be at their shoulder blades or whatever they rub on you first.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Many are still wearing their body armour, with radio sets at their shoulders.

The Guardian

At their shoulders, wearing a pink visor and lime-green spaghetti straps, is a kind of modern American Madonna, a young angel of tourism.

The New York Times - Arts

The officers who arrived on scene came with M4 assault rifles at their shoulders.

Huffington Post

Groups of armed soldiers waiting at the gates of Goa's Sunburn Music Festival, rifles slung at their shoulders, caught me off-guard.

Vice

The players at the front of the ruck push against each other at their shoulders, using their arms and hands for stability.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "at their shoulder" to emphasize a supportive or guiding presence, particularly when someone is facing challenges or making important decisions. This phrase conveys a sense of reassurance and assistance.

Common error

Avoid using "at their shoulder" solely to indicate physical proximity. The phrase implies active support or guidance, so ensure the context aligns with this connotation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at their shoulder" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action is performed. It indicates a position of support or guidance, describing how someone is helping or influencing another.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Wiki

29%

Science

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "at their shoulder" serves as an adverbial phrase indicating supportive presence or guidance, as affirmed by Ludwig. While grammatically correct and primarily used in news and media contexts, it’s essential to consider its connotation of active assistance. Alternatives such as "by their side" or "guiding them" can be used to fine-tune the intended meaning. Remember, "at their shoulder" is about more than just proximity; it's about actively offering support or direction. This phrase has an uncommon frequency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by their side

Indicates direct support and companionship, implying a helpful presence.

beside them

Emphasizes physical proximity, lacking the implication of assistance.

supporting them

Highlights the act of providing assistance or encouragement.

assisting them

Focuses on actively helping someone with a task or challenge.

guiding them

Suggests leadership and direction, often in a mentoring context.

backing them up

Implies providing reinforcement or defense.

standing with them

Highlights solidarity and shared beliefs.

in close proximity

Focuses on the nearness in space.

close to them

A more general term describing someone near to them.

nearby

Indicates spatial closeness, without any implications about support or guidance.

FAQs

How can I use "at their shoulder" in a sentence?

You can use "at their shoulder" to describe someone offering guidance or support. For example, "The experienced mentor stood at their shoulder, providing advice." Consider alternatives like "by their side" or "supporting them" depending on the context.

What does "at their shoulder" mean?

The phrase "at their shoulder" typically signifies providing support, guidance, or assistance to someone, often while being in close proximity. It suggests a helpful and reassuring presence.

Is there a difference between "at their shoulder" and "by their side"?

While both phrases indicate nearness, "at their shoulder" often implies active guidance or support, whereas "by their side" can simply mean being present and supportive without necessarily offering specific direction. "At their shoulder" might be more appropriate when someone is actively assisting or mentoring.

What are some phrases similar to "at their shoulder"?

Similar phrases include "beside them", "assisting them", "guiding them", or "backing them up". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. "Guiding them" emphasizes leadership, while "backing them up" highlights reinforcement.