hunched over

USAGE SUMMARY

'hunched over' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it to describe someone who is leaning forward with their shoulders rounded, usually as an expression of sadness or discomfort. For example, "She sat at her desk, hunched over with her face in her hands."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

hunched over like an old person.

The New York Times - Books

Are you hunched over a device in your hand?

The Washington Post

He is aggressive, growling almost, hunched over, snarling.

The Guardian

Now he hunched over and sobbed.

Los Angeles Times

You're hunched over and pulling in your stomach muscles.

Los Angeles Times

The kingpin was briefly seen hunched over and wearing handcuffs.

Vice

When you're hunched over, so are your breasts.

WikiHow

She was hunched over, head in hands.

The New Yorker

Gildea hunched over his desk, glaring.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

A hunched-over riding position completes the image.

The New York Times - Travel

Don't hurt your back when digging hunched-over.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "hunched over" to vividly describe posture, conveying vulnerability, concentration, or discomfort.

Common error

While descriptive, avoid using "hunched over" excessively. Vary your descriptions of posture to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hunched over" primarily functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to describe their posture. It can also act as part of a verb phrase, indicating the action of bending or stooping. Ludwig shows its versatile use in describing physical states.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Wiki

11%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "hunched over" is a versatile and commonly used phrasal verb that primarily functions as an adjectival phrase, vividly describing a posture often associated with vulnerability, concentration, or discomfort. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for various contexts, most frequently in news and media. When choosing alternative phrases, consider nuances such as the degree of bending or the emotional implications you wish to convey. Avoiding overuse and maintaining varied descriptions enhances your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hunched forward

Emphasizes the forward direction of the hunch.

stooped

Focuses on the bending of the body forward and downward, often due to age or fatigue.

slouched

Emphasizes a relaxed or lazy posture, often with rounded shoulders.

slumped

Implies a collapsed or drooping posture, lacking firmness.

bent over

Highlights the act of bending the body at the waist.

bent down

Highlights the action of lowering oneself by bending.

crouched

Implies a lower posture, closer to the ground, often for concealment or stability.

doubled over

Suggests bending over sharply, often due to pain or laughter.

huddled

Suggests drawing oneself together, often for warmth or protection.

bowed

Implies bending forward, often as a sign of respect or submission.

FAQs

How can I use "hunched over" in a sentence?

"Hunched over" describes a posture where someone bends their back and shoulders forward. For example, "She was "hunched over" her desk, focused on her work."

What are some alternatives to "hunched over"?

Alternatives include "stooped", "slouched", or "bent over", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "hunch over" instead of "hunched over"?

"Hunch over" is the verb form, while "hunched over" is the past participle or adjective form. Use "hunch over" to describe the action and "hunched over" to describe the state or posture.

What does "hunched over" typically imply about a person's emotional state?

"Hunched over" often suggests feelings of sadness, defeat, or intense concentration. It can also indicate physical discomfort or weakness.