in a horizontal position

USAGE SUMMARY

"in a horizontal position" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is lying down flat, rather than standing up. For example, "The patient was lying in a horizontal position on the operating table."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Pound is when knuckles touch in a horizontal position.

The New York Times - Magazine

A great improvement was effected by placing the graduated circle in a horizontal position.

Britannica

Leaning back – preferably in a horizontal position on the couch – is simply more comfortable.

The Guardian - Opinion

For example the robot might choose to name the action of putting the left arm in a horizontal position.

The Guardian - Tech

The stapes lies in a horizontal position at right angles with the long process of the incus.

Britannica

It is a long narrow platform that is towed in a horizontal position to a research site.

Britannica

As with a small percentage of my countrymen, I die if I fall asleep in a horizontal position, sucky little prostitute of muscle in the chest.

The New Yorker

This same gesture, but with the hand in a horizontal position directed toward the face of some person, denotes the threat of wishing to extract both the eyes.

The New York Times

Since swimmers exercise in a horizontal position, he says, their hearts do not have to fight gravity to get blood back to the heart, unlike in upright runners.

The New York Times - Health

The mirrors in the foreground are kept in a horizontal position when not in use so they won't catch the wind.

MIT Technology Review

The wings are assumed to be held in a horizontal position, and Caudipteryx is assumed to be running on level ground.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing technical procedures or scientific setups, use "in a horizontal position" for clarity and precision to avoid ambiguity about orientation.

Common error

Avoid using "in a horizontal position" when simpler words like "flat" or "lying down" suffice. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound overly formal or stilted.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a horizontal position" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying verbs to describe the manner in which an action is performed or a state is maintained. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is correct and usable in written English, specifying orientation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

42%

News & Media

23%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in a horizontal position" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, specifying the orientation or spatial arrangement of something. While versatile, it's most commonly encountered in scientific, technical, and medical contexts where precision is paramount. Alternatives like "lying flat" or "horizontally aligned" may be suitable in less formal scenarios. When aiming for clarity, especially in technical writing, "in a horizontal position" offers a precise way to describe a flat or level orientation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lying flat

Describes something resting on a surface in a flat manner, focusing on the physical state.

horizontally aligned

Emphasizes the alignment along a horizontal plane, focusing on how something is arranged.

laid out horizontally

Emphasizes the act of arranging something in a horizontal direction.

flat on its side

Specifies that something is lying on its side rather than its front or back, providing more detail.

parallel to the horizon

Focuses on the alignment with the horizon line, indicating a level orientation.

level with the ground

Indicates that something is at the same height as the ground, focusing on height comparison.

in a prone state

Describes a body or object lying face down, often used in medical or technical contexts.

in a flat arrangement

Describes the overall organization or positioning as being flat or level.

in a reclining position

Suggests a more relaxed or angled horizontal state, often used for people.

supine

Describes something lying face upwards, using a more technical or medical term.

FAQs

How to use "in a horizontal position" in a sentence?

Use "in a horizontal position" to describe something lying flat. For example, "The patient was placed "in a horizontal position" on the examination table."

What can I say instead of "in a horizontal position"?

Alternatives include "lying flat", "horizontally aligned", or "parallel to the horizon", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "horizontal" or "in a horizontal position"?

Using "horizontal" as an adjective (e.g., "horizontal alignment") is more concise. "In a horizontal position" is better when describing the state or orientation of something.

What is the difference between "in a horizontal position" and "in a vertical position"?

"In a horizontal position" means something is lying flat or level. "In a vertical position" means something is standing upright or perpendicular to the ground.