basking under the sun

USAGE SUMMARY

"basking under the sun" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone (or something) enjoying the warmth of the sun. For example, "The beach was full of people basking under the sun."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The ceiling and roof retract on rails, letting you bask under the Lombardy sun or read by moonlight.

Forbes

The 43,000 people basking in the sun saw it.

The Guardian - Sport

"Animals need to be basking in the sun," Mr. Shapiro said.

The New York Times

I imagined myself basking in the sun on the flanks of the volcano Chimborazo.

The New York Times - Travel

She came back with these giddy dogs basking in the sun of the West Side Community Garden.

The New Yorker

By comparison with their counterparts in Asia, most of these are basking in the sun.

The Economist

We went to one of the corrals where the pair were basking in the sun.

The New York Times - Travel

Female timber rattlesnakes basking in the sun have shut down a highway rest stop near Corning.

The New York Times

The cells just sit there, basking in the sun and emitting nothing but electrons.

The New York Times - Science

Dunwich is a vital habitat for adders, which can be seen basking in the sun on warm days.

Independent

The pool cabanas are popular with the schmoozers basking in the sun, with some friendships going back 40 years.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "basking under the sun" to evoke a sense of relaxation and enjoyment of warmth, often in a leisurely setting. This phrase is suitable for descriptive writing where you want to emphasize the positive experience of being in sunlight.

Common error

Avoid using "basking under the sun" in formal or technical writing. Opt for more neutral or precise language depending on the context, such as "exposed to sunlight" or "absorbing solar radiation".

Linguistic Context

Descriptive phrase. The phrase "basking under the sun" functions primarily as a descriptive phrase, typically used to depict a scene or state of enjoying the warmth and light of the sun. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, though examples are limited.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "basking under the sun" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe enjoying the warmth and light of the sun. Ludwig AI indicates it's a usable phrase, but examples are scarce, suggesting it's not very common. While grammatically correct, it's best suited for descriptive writing and informal contexts. Alternatives include ""basking in the sun"" or ""soaking up the sun"". The phrase is more about conveying a sense of relaxation and enjoyment than factual reporting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

basking in the sunlight

Slight change by replacing the preposition "under" with "in".

sunbathing

A single-word substitute for "basking under the sun", implying deliberate exposure to sunlight.

soaking up the sun's rays

Replaces "basking under" with "soaking up", emphasizing absorption of sunlight.

soaking in the sunshine

Similar to "soaking up the sun's rays", emphasizing absorption.

enjoying the sun's warmth

Substitutes "basking under" with a more direct expression of enjoying warmth.

taking in the sun's warmth

Suggests actively receiving the sun's warmth.

reveling in the sunlight

Replaces "basking under" with "reveling in", suggesting a deeper sense of pleasure.

lounging in the sunshine

Uses "lounging" instead of "basking", implying a relaxed posture.

lying in the sun

A more basic and literal description of being exposed to the sun.

basking in solar radiation

A more scientific or technical way of saying "basking in the sun".

FAQs

How can I use "basking under the sun" in a sentence?

You can use "basking under the sun" to describe the act of leisurely enjoying the warmth and light of the sun. For example, "The lizards were "basking in the sun" on the rocks."

What's a more common phrase than "basking under the sun"?

A more common alternative is ""basking in the sun"", which is frequently used to describe enjoying the sunlight.

Is "basking under the sun" grammatically correct?

Yes, "basking under the sun" is grammatically correct. It describes the action of basking (enjoying warmth) while being positioned under the sun.

What does "basking under the sun" imply?

It implies a state of relaxation, contentment, and enjoyment of the sun's warmth and light. It suggests a deliberate act of exposing oneself to the sun for pleasure or comfort, similar to "soaking up the sun".