huddled over a computer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "huddled over a computer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is closely gathered around a computer, often implying focus or concentration on the screen. Example: "The students were huddled over a computer, working together on their group project."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Aides huddled over a computer just outside the Oval Office to draft the statement accepting Mr. Rosenstein's decision and asserting the president's innocence.

The New York Times

Ramira Rivera was with two other girls, huddled over a computer, writing their own story about Geronimo Stilton, a mouse journalist for The Rodent's Gazette, who stars in a series of books they had read.

The New York Times

After a brief discussion, however, calmer heads prevailed, and Mr. Trump's staff huddled over a computer just outside the Oval Office to draft the statement that was ultimately released, asserting the president's innocence and determination to move on.

The New York Times

We gambled like squares out in the open in a smoke-filled racino, or huddled over a computer late at night like creepy perverts.

Vice

BEIRUT -- Shortly after midnight one night last week, two 20-something Syrians huddled over a computer, trying to sort out exactly what had happened that day at Damascus University.

Huffington Post

It wasn't more than a year ago when I wandered into my neighbor's living room to find he and a couple friends huddled over a computer oohing, ahhing, and whoa-ing, repeatedly.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

If you talk to people of a certain age, they will tell you, dewy eyed, about being huddled over a retro computer such as a Sinclair Spectrum or Commodore C64 plugged into a portable TV, playing games which by today's modern standards are very simple, often very silly, but had a fun factor never seen before till that point in time".

The Guardian - Tech

Huddled over a laptop computer at his home in Wellington, New Zealand, Regelous spent the next two years building the software to create the creatures that clashed in Jackson's battle scenes.

Los Angeles Times

They huddled over breakfast in a quiet hotel coffee shop.

The New Yorker

Blickhahn returned to find a group of soldiers huddled over Bang.

The New Yorker

The two men huddled over a hand-drawn map.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "huddled over a computer" to vividly describe a scene where people are closely gathered, often looking at the screen with shared interest or purpose. It implies a sense of intimacy or urgency.

Common error

While generally acceptable, "huddled over a computer" can sound informal or even slightly comical in highly professional or academic writing. Opt for more neutral phrases like "gathered around" or "working at" for a more serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "huddled over a computer" typically functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb, describing the manner in which someone is interacting with a computer. It indicates proximity and focused attention, as seen in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "huddled over a computer" is a prepositional phrase that vividly describes a group of people closely gathered around a computer, implying focused attention and often collaboration. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and acceptability, though suggesting that more formal alternatives might be appropriate in certain contexts. Its usage is most frequent in News & Media, providing a visual and descriptive element to reporting. While the phrase is not exceedingly common, it is readily understood and effectively conveys a specific image.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

huddled around a screen

Replaces "computer" with "screen", focusing on the visual aspect.

gathered around a computer

Focuses on the act of assembling together, less on the posture.

clustered around a computer

Suggests a tighter grouping, implying a shared interest or purpose.

grouped around a computer

A more general term for being in a group near a computer.

leaning over a computer

Emphasizes physical posture rather than group activity.

crowded around a computer

Indicates a larger group size and a more confined space.

bent over a computer

Highlights the stooped posture, possibly due to long hours or intense concentration.

focused on a computer screen

Highlights the act of concentrating on the visual output.

concentrating on a computer

Shifts focus to the mental state of being focused, rather than physical closeness.

working intently at a computer

Emphasizes the active process of working with the computer, rather than the physical proximity.

FAQs

What does "huddled over a computer" mean?

It means people are closely gathered around a computer, often looking at the screen together, suggesting focus, collaboration, or shared interest.

Is "huddled over a computer" formal or informal?

It tends to be more informal. In formal contexts, consider using "gathered around a computer" or "working at a computer".

What are some synonyms for "huddled over a computer"?

Alternatives include "leaning over a computer", "clustered around a computer", or "grouped around a computer".

How can I use "huddled over a computer" in a sentence?

Example: "The team was huddled over a computer, trying to debug the code before the deadline."