bent over a computer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bent over a computer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is physically leaning over a computer, often implying a posture of intense focus or effort. Example: "After hours of coding, I found myself bent over a computer, trying to solve the last bug in the program."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Think of spending hours bent over a computer without a break, or carrying a heavy purse on the same side of your body every day.

Huffington Post

Inside on most days was rapper-producer Mike Shinoda, working at the big soundboard or bent over a computer monitor, tinkering obsessively into the night with new sounds and mixes, and determined that nothing leak out to the world.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Every once in a while, a body bent over and a head poked under the gate.

The New York Times

One was bent over like a question mark.

The New York Times

She stood, bent over, for a second.

Los Angeles Times

She is bent over, untying a bedroll at her feet.

Huffington Post

Now 70, my back is bent over, spine is an S shape & no longer supports me.

Harvard University

I've bent over backward".

The New York Times

The guy bent over backward.

The New York Times - Magazine

We have bent over backwards".

The New York Times

Some must have bent over backward.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bent over a computer" to vividly describe someone's posture when they are deeply focused or working intently at a computer, implying a degree of physical strain or absorption in the task.

Common error

Avoid using "bent over a computer" when simply referring to someone using a computer. This phrase implies a specific posture and level of engagement; "using a computer" is more appropriate for general scenarios.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bent over a computer" functions as a descriptive phrase, often acting as an adjective modifying a noun (e.g., "a figure bent over a computer"). It vividly portrays a posture and can imply focus or strain. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Academia

33%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "bent over a computer" is a grammatically sound and usable expression in English that describes someone leaning forward towards a computer, often implying intense focus or prolonged work. As supported by Ludwig, it's most frequently found in news and academic contexts, indicating a neutral register. While less common, its descriptive nature makes it a vivid choice for portraying a specific posture. Alternatives like "hunched over a computer" or "leaning over a computer" can be used for nuanced differences in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hunched over a computer

Focuses on the posture of hunching, emphasizing a rounded back and shoulders.

leaning over a computer

Describes a simple leaning action, less intense than "bent over".

working at a computer

Highlights the activity of working, omitting the physical posture.

focused on a computer screen

Emphasizes concentration rather than physical position.

glued to the computer

Indicates being intensely focused or captivated by the computer.

staring at a computer

Emphasizes the act of looking intently at the screen.

using a computer

A general term for computer interaction, lacking postural detail.

typing at a computer

Specifically refers to the action of typing.

sitting at a computer

Focuses on the seated position, not the bending posture.

at the computer

Simple location indicator, lacking action or posture.

FAQs

What does "bent over a computer" mean?

The phrase "bent over a computer" describes someone leaning forward and downward towards a computer screen, often implying intense focus, prolonged work, or a less-than-ideal posture.

What's a more neutral alternative to "bent over a computer"?

If you want to avoid implying a specific posture or level of engagement, you can use more neutral alternatives such as "using a computer" or "working at a computer".

Is it grammatically correct to say "bent over a computer"?

Yes, "bent over a computer" is grammatically correct and commonly used to describe someone's posture while using a computer.

What are some phrases similar to "bent over a computer"?

Similar phrases include "hunched over a computer", "leaning over a computer", or "focused on a computer screen", each emphasizing different aspects of the situation.