in their posturing

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in their posturing" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's behavior or stance, often implying a display of attitude or position that may not be genuine. Example: "The politician's statements were merely in their posturing, lacking any real commitment to change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The toffiest toffs may be comical in their posturing, they may seem to have stepped out of a chapter of Trollope or Fielding.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

You could see it in their posture.

The New York Times

"The color is still so vivid and the dancers are distinctive in their postures and gestures.

The New York Times - Arts

There is despair on the faces of the firemen and in their posture, hunched forward, heads down.

The New Yorker

The decision touched off attacks on the Democrats by liberal and progressive groups and on the Internet, where critics accused Democrats of weakness in their posture against Mr. Lieberman, whom they have branded a traitor to Democrats.

The New York Times

If I met Jimmy Markum in a dark alley, I think he would have more remorse about killing me than would Cody Jarrett (Cagney's character in "White Heat"), but both Cagney and Penn are great at expressing the heat of conflicting desires — it's in their posture, in the way they move their feet, in the set of their shoulders, in their faces.

The New York Times - Magazine

About the centerfolds of the 1960s, Mr. Theroux writes: "In many cases these centerfolds are the epitome of American loveliness, our very own apsaras, with their creamy skins and bright smiles, the almost-awkward willingness in their postures, not hookers but prom queens and biker babes.

The New York Times

But then a little-known psychologist named Oskar Pfungst conducted a series of experiments showing that, by observing his questioners and picking up tiny signs of relaxation in their posture, Clever Hans had detected when it was time to stop tapping; when given a problem by someone who didn't know the answer, he was stumped.

The New Yorker

Nearly all trainees perceived improvements in their posture (4.7 ± 0.6; 22 % agree, 76 % strongly agree), presentation gestures (4.5 ± 0.7; 38 % agree, 59%% strongly agree), listening skills (4.7 ± 0.6; 16 % agree, 81%% strongly agree), and stage-confidence (4.8 ± 0.4; 16 % agree, 84%% strongly agree).

International Journal of Emergency Medicine

That was totally reflected in their eyes, and in their posture.

Vice

Nearly half of all pregnant women report pain in the lower back or sacral area during pregnancy, due to changes in their posture and center of gravity causing muscle and ligament strain.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in their posturing" when you want to critique or highlight the performative aspect of someone's behavior, suggesting it's not entirely genuine. It's effective for describing political rhetoric, artistic expression, or social interactions where appearances are carefully managed.

Common error

Avoid using "in their posturing" when you simply mean someone's general attitude or behavior. The phrase carries a connotation of insincerity and deliberate display, so ensure that implication is intended. For general demeanor, consider using "in their attitude" or "in their behavior" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in their posturing" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb by describing the manner or style in which an action is performed. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, often implying an insincere display.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in their posturing" is a grammatically sound and usable expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is used to describe behavior characterized by insincerity, theatricality, or a calculated attempt to impress. While adaptable to various writing styles, it's most commonly found in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, consider whether you intend to convey a critical or skeptical tone, as it implies that the subject's actions are not entirely genuine. Alternatives such as "in their affectation" or "in their pretense" may be more appropriate depending on the desired shade of meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in their affectation

Highlights the artificial and exaggerated nature of the behavior.

in their pretense

Emphasizes the insincerity and attempt to deceive.

in their posing

Focuses on the deliberate act of striking a pose or assuming a particular attitude.

in their grandstanding

Implies a theatrical display intended to impress others.

in their false front

Highlights the deceptive nature of the outward appearance or behavior.

in their showmanship

Focuses on the skill or flair displayed in presenting oneself.

in their display

Refers to the act of showing or exhibiting something, often ostentatiously.

in their mannerism

Emphasizes a distinctive habit or way of doing something.

in their artificiality

Highlights the lack of genuineness or naturalness.

in their feigning

Focuses on the act of pretending or faking.

FAQs

How can "in their posturing" be used in a sentence?

You can use "in their posturing" to describe someone's insincere or theatrical behavior. For example, "The diplomat's strong words were likely just "in their posturing", designed to appease their domestic audience."

What are some alternatives to "in their posturing"?

Alternatives include phrases like "in their affectation", "in their pretense", or "in their posing", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "in their posturing"?

Use "in their posturing" when you want to suggest that someone's behavior is a deliberate act put on for show, rather than a genuine expression of their feelings or beliefs. It implies a degree of insincerity or artificiality.

Is "in their posturing" formal or informal?

"In their posturing" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it's more common in analytical or critical writing. It is not overly technical or casual, making it suitable for a range of audiences.