bow in front of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bow in front of" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of showing respect or submission to someone by physically bending at the waist in their presence. Example: "In many cultures, it is customary to bow in front of elders as a sign of respect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

At the final whistle the Korean players line up and bow in front of their buoyant believers.

The Guardian - Sport

"I saw an old lady come into the ape house and bow in front of Nénette as if she was the Queen.

The Guardian - Film

The decision suggested that the Labour leader, a republican, was unwilling to follow convention and bow in front of the monarch, sometimes seen as an essential part of the privy council ceremony.

The Guardian

Locals come in ones and twos, bow in front of a statue of the woman they fondly call Maa and go inside the small chapel where her body has been resting for 13 years.

Forbes

What is thy reason for not being among those who have prostrated themselves?" 15 33 (Asad) [Iblis] replied: "It is not for me to prostrate myself before mortal man whom Thou hast created out of sounding clay, out of dark slime transmuted!" This signifies lack of trust in God by Iblis (Shaitaan) and arrogance to bow in front of a thinking and independent creature.

Huffington Post

Steve Rowe, M&S's new chief executive, stepped up to take a bow in front of the City last week.

The Guardian - Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Then the sanitation commissioner, John J. Doherty, stood and bowed in front of the coffin.

The New York Times

Clinton, the former US president, also visited and stood, head bowed, in front of the casket.

The Guardian

Mr. Kujur remembered bowing in front of a statue of Jesus Christ that day, inhaling the sweet smell of the incense, angry at the injustice.

The New York Times

Mr. Aso, the deputy prime minister and a prominent conservative, was seen bowing in front of the shrine, but he left without answering questions.

The New York Times

The design duo will show their "Monsieur" collection for the first time in Paris, but they bowed in front of the Florentine windows to surreal effect.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "bow in front of", ensure the context clearly indicates the reason for bowing, such as respect, tradition, or religious practice.

Common error

Avoid using "bow in front of" without understanding the cultural context. Bowing can have different meanings in different cultures, and using it inappropriately can be seen as disrespectful or ignorant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bow in front of" functions as a prepositional phrase that typically modifies a verb, indicating the manner in which an action is performed. Ludwig provides numerous examples where it describes a physical act of respect or submission.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bow in front of" is a common prepositional phrase used to describe the act of bending one's body, especially at the waist, as a sign of respect, submission, or reverence. As noted by Ludwig, its grammatical status is correct, and it appears frequently across diverse contexts like News & Media, Wiki, and Science. Understanding its cultural nuances is essential to avoid misinterpretations. For alternative expressions, consider "show respect to" or "pay homage to", depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

show respect to

Indicates a general act of showing respect, but lacks the physical action implied by "bow in front of".

show deference to

Highlights the act of yielding or submitting to someone's judgment or authority.

pay homage to

Implies a more formal and reverential act of showing respect or honor.

yield to

Similar to "submit to", but can also mean giving way or conceding.

kneel before

Suggests a more submissive or religious gesture than a simple bow.

submit to

Focuses on yielding to authority or control, without necessarily involving a physical gesture.

genuflect before

Specifically involves bending the knee, often in a religious context.

kowtow to

Implies excessive subservience or flattery, often negatively perceived.

take a knee before

Modern expression referring to actions, which has a protest connotation in addition to being a sign of respect.

give way to

Suggests allowing someone to pass or proceed, often as a gesture of politeness or respect.

FAQs

How can I use "bow in front of" in a sentence?

You can use "bow in front of" to describe a physical act of showing respect or submission, such as, "The Korean players "bow in front of" their fans after the game".

What's a more formal way to say "bow in front of"?

A more formal way to express the same idea is to use phrases like "pay homage to" or "show deference to", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to "bow in front of" someone?

No, it is not always appropriate. The appropriateness of bowing depends heavily on cultural norms and the relationship between the individuals involved. It's essential to be mindful of cultural context to avoid causing offense.

What is the significance of "bowing in front of" someone in different cultures?

Bowing can signify respect, greeting, apology, or submission, among other things. The depth and duration of the bow, as well as the social status of those involved, can all influence its meaning, which varies across cultures.