bowed down

USAGE SUMMARY

"bowed down" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a physical movement, often as an expression of respect or humility. For example, "The starving people bowed down before the king in a show of gratitude for his generosity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They bowed down.

The New Yorker

The world bowed down.

The Guardian

Proof the UK has bowed down to terror.

Independent

Both are motherless, and bowed down by burdensome lives.

The New Yorker

And he bowed down and said, "Hey, man, thank you".

The Guardian

Huge mop-headed hydrangeas bowed down under the rain, a peacock screamed.

The New York Times - Travel

Jenny always supported him: "Do not suppose that I am bowed down by these petty sufferings..

The New York Times - Books

A FEW years ago even global celebrities bowed down before the almighty euro.

The Economist

They trudged disconsolately off court, heads either bowed down or buried in hands.

Independent

Overton recalls: "When the Halston girls walked onstage, everybody else bowed down".

The New York Times - Magazine

Mr. Grace, when he met Mr. Trimarco, almost bowed down before him.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical actions, consider the nuance: "knelt" implies reverence, while "bent over" suggests burden or fatigue.

Common error

Avoid using "bowed down" when a more neutral term like "bent" or "inclined" is appropriate, especially if you don't want to imply submission or defeat. Always consider the emotional weight the phrase carries.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bowed down" functions primarily as a compound verb, often used to describe an action of bending the head or body downwards. This can signify reverence, submission, or being burdened. Ludwig AI indicates it's a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"Bowed down" is a versatile phrase used to express reverence, submission, or the feeling of being burdened. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase across various contexts, from news and media to academic writing. When using "bowed down", consider its connotation and choose it carefully to avoid misinterpretations. Alternatives like ""knelt"", "yielded", or "succumbed" may be more appropriate depending on the intended meaning. While versatile, this phrase benefits from careful consideration of its connotations to best communicate the intended emotional weight of submission, reverence, or being overburdened.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

knelt

Implies a more formal and deliberate act of submission or reverence.

succumbed

Suggests yielding to pressure or force, often with negative connotations.

yielded

Indicates giving way or surrendering to something or someone.

submitted

Emphasizes acceptance of authority or control.

capitulated

Highlights a formal surrender or agreement to terms.

prostrated oneself

Denotes extreme submission or reverence, lying face down.

paid homage

Focuses on showing respect and admiration.

caved in

Indicates giving way to pressure or demands, often reluctantly.

bent over

Describes a physical action of bending, sometimes under duress or difficulty.

humbled oneself

Implies a deliberate act of lowering oneself in status or importance.

FAQs

How can I use "bowed down" in a sentence?

You can use "bowed down" to describe a physical act of reverence, as in, "The worshippers "knelt" and bowed down before the altar". It can also describe being overwhelmed, such as, "She was "overwhelmed by cares" and bowed down by the weight of responsibility".

What are some alternatives to "bowed down"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as ""knelt"", "yielded", or "succumbed". The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize reverence, submission, or being overwhelmed.

Is "bowed down" formal or informal?

"Bowed down" can be used in both formal and informal contexts. In formal settings, it often describes acts of respect or submission. In informal settings, it can describe being burdened or overwhelmed.

What's the difference between "bowed down" and "bent over"?

"Bowed down" often implies a deliberate act of submission or being overwhelmed, while "bent over" typically describes a physical action of bending, often due to age, fatigue, or physical labor. "Bowed down" carries a stronger connotation of emotional or spiritual weight.