is bipedal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is bipedal" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an organism or entity that walks on two legs, typically in a biological or zoological context. Example: "The species is bipedal, allowing it to navigate its environment more efficiently than quadrupedal animals."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedia Britannica

The New York Times

SEP

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The saltatorial gait of rabbits is quadrupedal, whereas that of kangaroos is bipedal.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Dr. Brunet, the team leader, said the position where the spine entered the head "doesn't prove that he is bipedal, but it shows he could be".

The New York Times

In every possible world, every cyclist in that world is bipedal in that world.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

All basal dinosauriforms were assumed to be bipedal although evidence for bipedalism is more ambiguous for some taxa, particularly Marasuchus and Plateosaurus.

Plosone

A variety of modern lizards are bipedal when running.

Britannica

Some species were bipedal, whereas others walked on all fours.

Britannica

All of them appear to have been bipedal.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This and other characteristics, they argue, supports the conclusion that this species was bipedal.

The New York Times

As for the RSPB and its members, they're bipedal vermin.

The Guardian - Opinion

Did our cave-dwelling forebears feel nostalgia for the days before they were bipedal?

The New York Times - Health

Although most crurotarsans were quadrupedal, studies note that some forms, such as Effigia okeeffeae, were bipedal.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing evolutionary adaptations, use "is bipedal" to clearly indicate that an organism's anatomy and physiology are suited for consistently walking on two legs.

Common error

Avoid using "is bipedal" to describe animals that occasionally stand on two legs. The phrase should be reserved for organisms whose primary mode of locomotion involves two legs.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is bipedal" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It indicates a characteristic of an organism or entity, specifically its ability to walk on two legs. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

News & Media

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is bipedal" is a grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe an organism or entity that walks on two legs. Ludwig AI confirms that it is a standard phrase in English. While relatively rare in general usage, the phrase appears most frequently in scientific, encyclopedic, and news contexts, signifying a formal and descriptive purpose. Alternative phrases include "walks on two legs" or "is two-legged". When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the subject's primary mode of locomotion, avoiding its application to organisms that only occasionally stand upright.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is two-legged

A more common and simpler way to express the same concept.

walks on two legs

Focuses on the action of walking rather than the state of being bipedal.

capable of bipedalism

Focuses on the capability rather than the current state.

stands upright

Highlights the posture associated with bipedalism.

adopts a bipedal stance

Highlights the act of assuming a bipedal position.

has two legs

Emphasizes the physical attribute of having two legs.

exhibits bipedal behavior

Focuses on the behavior or actions related to bipedalism.

ambulates bipedally

Uses a more formal and technical term for walking on two legs.

utilizes bipedal locomotion

Emphasizes the mode of movement.

moves on two limbs

A more general term that encompasses different types of movement.

FAQs

How to use "is bipedal" in a sentence?

You can use "is bipedal" to describe animals or robots that walk on two legs, such as "The kangaroo "is bipedal", using its tail for balance."

What can I say instead of "is bipedal"?

Alternatives include "walks on two legs", "is two-legged", or "stands upright" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "is bipedal" or "are bipedal"?

"Is bipedal" is used with singular subjects (e.g., "The dinosaur is bipedal"), while "are bipedal" is used with plural subjects (e.g., "Humans are bipedal").

What's the difference between "is bipedal" and "adopts a bipedal stance"?

"Is bipedal" implies a permanent or habitual state of walking on two legs, whereas "adopts a bipedal stance" suggests a temporary or occasional posture.