bent double

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bent double" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who is stooped or hunched over, typically due to age, injury, or physical labor. Example: The old man slowly made his way down the path, bent double from years of working in the fields.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Both of us bent double with laughter.

The New York Times - Books

Leedom suddenly reared back as his rod bent double.

The New York Times - Sports

We passed farmers bent double as they tended their vines.

The Guardian - Travel

Soon he was bent double, choking in misery.

The New Yorker

Inzi is bent double with nausea and angst.

The Guardian - Sport

Women, bent double, work planting rice while men walk behind ploughs pulled by oxen.

Independent

Mallon turned to gloat and saw a man bent double, arms across his belly.

The New Yorker

The painted relief depicts human figures bent double by the weight of a serpentine scroll.

The New York Times

She pitched, bent double, attempting a vomity dash for Kromer's bathroom.

The New Yorker

"Lying for a living, Marlon called it," Nolte said, bent double.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Within the nucleus, Par14 was reported to bind to pre-ribosomal ribonucleoprotein particles [ 17], and sequence-specifically to bent double-stranded DNA [ 15].

BMC Biology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's physical state in writing, consider the emotional context. "Bent double" can convey exhaustion, pain, or even intense laughter depending on the situation.

Common error

Avoid assuming that someone "bent double" is always elderly or infirm. While age is a common factor, physical exertion, injury, or even emotional distress can also cause this posture. Ensure the context clarifies the reason.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bent double" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe their posture. It indicates a significant bending or stooping of the body, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

18%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "bent double" is a grammatically correct and commonly used adjective phrase that vividly describes a stooped or hunched posture. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is suitable for various contexts, with a prevalence in News & Media. While synonyms such as "stooped over" or "hunched over" exist, "bent double" carries its own specific nuance. When employing this phrase, consider the context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended meaning, whether it's age, pain, laughter, or exhaustion. Avoiding assumptions about the cause of the posture can enhance the precision and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stooped over

Emphasizes the posture of being hunched forward, often due to age or fatigue.

hunched over

Focuses on the rounded back posture, suggesting a more pronounced curve.

doubled over

Highlights the folding of the body at the waist, often due to pain or laughter.

folded over

Suggests a more complete bending or collapsing of the body.

bent at the waist

Specifies the point of bending, providing a more descriptive alternative.

huddled over

Implies a protective or defensive posture while bending.

bowed down

Conveys a sense of respect, submission, or being weighed down.

crooked

Focuses on a general lack of straightness or uprightness.

arched over

Describes the formation of an arch shape with the body.

stooping

Indicates the action of bending forward and downward.

FAQs

How is "bent double" typically used in a sentence?

"Bent double" typically describes someone who is stooped or hunched over, often due to age, pain, or laughter. For example, "The farmer was "bent double" after a long day of work."

What are some synonyms for "bent double"?

Alternatives to "bent double" include "stooped over", "hunched over", or "doubled over". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say someone is "bent double"?

Yes, it's grammatically correct. The phrase "bent double" functions as an adjective describing someone's posture.

What's the difference between "bent double" and "hunching over"?

"Bent double" describes a more pronounced and often involuntary stoop, while "hunching over" can imply a more deliberate or habitual posture.