hunched over a computer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "hunched over a computer" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is leaning forward or bending their body while working on a computer, often implying a sense of focus or intensity. Example: "After hours of coding, she found herself hunched over a computer, completely absorbed in her work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

After college, she became a graphic designer and spent the next 15 years hunched over a computer, punishing her back.

The Washington Post

If only I were more muscular, I could have been the model for that poster that parodies Darwin's Ascent of Man: hunched over a computer like a chimpanzee.

MIT Technology Review

Nearly all of the school's students — from kindergarten through 12th grade — hover around one senior as he or she sits hunched over a computer screen.

The Washington Post

Office workers are particularly susceptible to both, because they spend so much time hunched over a computer - the champion modern back-wrecker and arm-wrencher.

The Guardian - Money

Of course, the grandchild in question was hunched over a computer screen and had managed merely a grunt when I arrived.

The New York Times

Nathaniel, then 6, and Simon, 2, spent weekends and afternoons with their father, often finding him hunched over a computer in his Upper West Side apartment, trying to meet a deadline.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

That's already suspected – and ignored – by most hunched over a computer/tablet/phone through the waking hours: ie all of us.

The Guardian - Opinion

Passing through an anteroom of assistants, I find Church at his desk, his back to me, hunched over a notebook computer that makes him look even larger than he is.

MIT Technology Review

Lesnik Weisman manages to avoid using even a single shot of a "troll" hunched over a flickering computer screen.

Huffington Post

Mr. Durrant was hunched over a Macintosh laptop computer, processing the saxophone sounds as they came through a microphone.

The New York Times - Arts

I needed a cane for my back pain, probably from sitting hunched over a typewriter or computer for the last half-century.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your vocabulary to avoid repetition. Instead of always saying "hunched over a computer", try using alternatives like "leaning over", "bent over", or "absorbed in" to add richness to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "hunched over a computer" without considering the negative implications of poor posture. If you want to avoid any negative connotation, consider using alternatives like "leaning over a computer" or "focused on a computer".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hunched over a computer" functions primarily as a descriptive modifier, often used to depict someone's posture and engagement with technology. As shown by Ludwig, it paints a picture of intense focus, or potentially, discomfort.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "hunched over a computer" is a grammatically sound and readily understandable expression employed to portray someone in a stooped position while engaging with a computer. As per Ludwig AI, this expression aptly illustrates intense focus, possible discomfort, or extended periods of work. While versatile across various contexts, it frequently appears in news media. For alternatives, consider using "leaning over a computer", "bent over a computer", or other comparable phrases to infuse variety into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

leaning over a computer

Focuses on the act of leaning, implying a less intense posture than "hunched".

bent over a computer

Similar to leaning, but suggests a more pronounced bend in the body.

stooped over a computer

Emphasizes a forward-bent posture, potentially due to fatigue or age.

crouched over a computer

Suggests a lower, more compact posture, as if trying to get closer to the screen.

slouching at a computer

Highlights a relaxed and possibly unhealthy posture while using a computer.

huddled over a computer

Implies a sense of being withdrawn or seeking warmth while using a computer.

absorbed at the computer

Focuses on complete immersion and deep concentration on activity performed on computer.

engrossed at the computer

Similar to 'absorbed', emphasizing intense mental focus on the activity.

glued to the computer

Suggests a strong fixation on the computer, as if unable to look away.

riveted to the computer

Implies a captivating and enthralling experience with content being displayed on the computer.

FAQs

What does "hunched over a computer" mean?

The phrase "hunched over a computer" describes someone leaning forward with their shoulders rounded, often while working or focusing intently on something displayed on the computer. It often implies long hours or intense concentration.

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

You can use alternatives such as "leaning over a computer", "bent over a computer", or "absorbed at the computer" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "hunched over a computer"?

Yes, the phrase "hunched over a computer" is grammatically correct and widely used in both formal and informal contexts. It's a common way to describe someone's posture while using a computer.

What are the potential negative connotations of saying someone is "hunched over a computer"?

The phrase can suggest poor posture, discomfort, or long hours spent working on a computer. If you want to avoid these negative connotations, consider using a more neutral alternative like "focused on a computer".