like a statue

USAGE SUMMARY

"like a statue" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone or something that is very still and motionless, similar to a statue. Example: The little girl stood in front of the mirror, holding her pose like a statue.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Reality's like a statue.

The New Yorker

He looked like a statue.

The New York Times

The boys' father sat like a statue.

The New York Times

Get on, expecting the worst-a mount like a statue.

The New Yorker

But the Queen stood like a statue of alabaster.

The New York Times

I will just stay there like a statue doing nothing.

The Guardian

Is the idea that Zimmerman would have stood there like a statue?

The New Yorker

"I felt like he's not real, like a statue inside the coffin," she said.

The Guardian

"A pure girl, almost like a statue," was how Peter Philips imagined the models at McQueen.

The New York Times

In person, Ackroyd can seem a bit like a statue himself.

The New York Times

Maman is seated on the sofa like a statue of Marie Mère des Douleurs, looking down.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "like a statue" to vividly describe someone or something that is completely still, emphasizing the lack of movement and often conveying a sense of formality, shock, or awe. It can also be used figuratively to describe someone who is unresponsive or emotionally detached.

Common error

While "like a statue" is effective, avoid overuse in a single piece of writing. Vary your descriptions of stillness with alternatives such as "motionless as a statue" or "frozen in place" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "like a statue" functions primarily as a simile, used to create a vivid comparison by likening someone or something to a statue in terms of stillness and lack of movement. This is supported by Ludwig AI's assessment that the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Arts

2%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "like a statue" is a commonly used and grammatically sound simile that vividly describes stillness and immobility. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is both correct and usable in written English. It's frequently found in news and media contexts. While it is generally appropriate for use across registers, writers should be mindful of overuse and consider varying their descriptions with alternatives like "motionless as a statue" or "still as a statue". Its primary function is to emphasize the lack of movement, often to convey a sense of shock, awe, or deliberate stillness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

motionless as a statue

Emphasizes the lack of movement, similar to "like a statue".

still as a statue

Highlights the absence of motion, very close in meaning to the original phrase.

stock-still

Emphasizes complete stillness and lack of any movement.

frozen in place

Focuses on being fixed and unable to move, implying a sudden stop.

immobile like a sculpture

Uses sculpture as a comparison, suggesting a deliberate artistic stillness.

rigid as a stone

Implies stiffness and inflexibility, adding a textural element to the immobility.

as stiff as a board

Highlights rigidity and inflexibility, often used to describe posture or movement.

rooted to the spot

Suggests being fixed in a location, unable to move from that specific point.

transfixed

Indicates a state of being held motionless by awe or shock.

petrified

Implies being turned to stone, often due to fear, suggesting complete paralysis.

FAQs

How can I use "like a statue" in a sentence?

You can use "like a statue" to describe someone or something that is perfectly still. For instance, "He stood "like a statue" as the news was announced".

What does it mean when someone says "like a statue"?

When someone says "like a statue", they mean that a person or object is completely motionless, resembling the stillness of a statue. It often implies a sense of shock, awe, or deliberate stillness.

What are some phrases similar to "like a statue"?

Some phrases similar to "like a statue" include "still as a statue", "motionless as a statue", and "frozen in place".

Is it appropriate to use "like a statue" in formal writing?

Yes, "like a statue" is appropriate for use in formal writing, although it may be more impactful in creative or descriptive contexts. Ensure the tone aligns with the overall formality of your piece.