crouch

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "crouch" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that is low to the ground, especially on their feet and knees. Example sentence: The child crouched down in fear as the thunder roared overhead.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

On a cold lino floor, in the front room of a Rotherham council house, Kya, aged five, and Robbie, two, crouch beside Styrofoam boxes eating their teas with their tiny fingers.

The Guardian

Working from right to left, I crouch down and use a sickle to hack through the tall grasses.

The Guardian

Welcome as this is, Bayern will perhaps hope their manager spends part of the summer pondering his defensive repertoire for an occasion such as this, where the refusal to crouch behind the guard a little can become a point of stubborn principle.

The Guardian - Sport

And Mr Cantor's defeat makes it more likely than ever that his colleagues will adopt a defensive crouch.

The Economist

For "Osedax" (2010), made with her partner, Edgar Cleijne, visitors crouch to enter a black-box theater and settle in to view two simultaneous projections: one of glass slides hand-painted with watery abstractions, the other a 16-millimeter film incorporating footage of a shipwreck off Rhode Island.

The New York Times - Arts

Having at first gone into a defensive crouch when hackers tried to improve Kinect, a motion sensor for its video games, Microsoft decided to co-operate with them to solve problems its own researchers had not yet turned their attention to.Ideas from everywhereMessrs Radjou and Prabhu are right that a frugal revolution is sweeping the rich world.

The Economist

They can now crouch in foxholes and shoot as snipers, but are still banned from driving tanks (although female engineers may fix them).

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

But Marko Arnautovic ought to have scored for Stoke on 67 minutes and the substitute and former Liverpool striker, Peter Crouch, enjoyed the last word when he headed home unmarked from Diouf's cross.

The Guardian - Sport

Featuring a cast including film star Gillian Anderson and England footballer Peter Crouch, with music donated by Radiohead and shot by a 40-strong professional film crew led by director Dougal Wilson, it was intended to galvanise viewers into taking personal action to reduce their own carbon footprint.

The Guardian

While a black columnist, Stanley Crouch, has declared that, "When black Americans refer to Obama as 'one of us', I do not know what they are talking about".I find it preposterous that my fellow black Americans harbour misgivings about supporting Mr Obama.

The Economist

Stanley Crouch, another commentator, wondered whether the senator was "really black".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "crouch" to describe a posture of bending low, often close to the ground. It is particularly suitable when describing animals preparing to pounce or people seeking cover.

Common error

Avoid using "crouch" when simply bending to pick something up or reaching for an object at a slightly lower level. More appropriate verbs in those scenarios would be "bend", "lean", or "reach".

Linguistic Context

The primary function of "crouch" is as a verb describing the action of lowering the body by bending the knees and back, often to be closer to the ground or to take cover. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

22%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "crouch" functions primarily as a verb, describing the action of lowering one's body close to the ground. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and versatility across numerous contexts. It holds a neutral register, fitting both formal and informal writing, and is commonly found in news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. When using "crouch", be mindful of its specific meaning—bending low, often in preparation or concealment—and avoid using it for general bending movements. Instead, consider alternatives like "squat" or "stoop" for nuanced accuracy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

squat

Implies lowering the body by bending the knees.

stoop down

Emphasizes bending forward and downward.

stoop low

Emphasizes the lowering of the head and shoulders.

hunker down

Suggests a defensive or protective posture.

bend low

Highlights the degree of bending.

bend over

Focuses on the action of bending the body.

duck down

Implies a quick downward movement, often to avoid something.

kneel down

Involves going down on one or both knees.

get down

A simple and direct way of indicating movement to a lower level.

lower oneself

A more formal way of expressing the action of moving downward.

FAQs

How can I use "crouch" in a sentence?

You can use "crouch" to describe someone lowering their body close to the ground by bending their knees, often in preparation for action or to stay hidden. For example, "The soldier had to "crouch" behind the wall for cover".

What can I say instead of "crouch"?

You can use alternatives like "squat", "stoop", or "hunker down" depending on the context.

Is "crouch" formal or informal?

"Crouch" is generally considered a neutral term suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The context of the sentence determines the overall formality.

What is the difference between "crouch" and "kneel"?

"Crouch" involves bending the knees and keeping the body low to the ground, while "kneel" specifically involves resting on one or both knees. You "crouch" to stay agile, you "kneel" for prayer or stability.