lying on the sidewalk

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "lying on the sidewalk" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something that is positioned horizontally on a sidewalk, often implying a state of rest or inactivity. Example: "After the long run, I found myself lying on the sidewalk, catching my breath."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"I saw the two girls, one of whom had just eaten here, lying on the sidewalk, and one was shouting 'Mommy, mommy!' " she said.

The New York Times

"I saw, from one of the bodies lying on the sidewalk, something like a piece of bread.

The New Yorker

He said one victim, Richardo Williams, 36, was lying on the sidewalk, having jumped from the building's top floor.

The New York Times

What child hasn't experienced the thrill of spotting the gleam of sudden treasure — a coin, a toy, a bauble of one sort or the other — lying on the sidewalk or hidden in the grass?

The New York Times - Books

I was walking to the bus stop one morning and came upon a well-dressed woman lying on the sidewalk in front of an office-supply store.

The New Yorker

"She's actually doing us a favor," said one neighbor, after determining that the bike had been lying on the sidewalk for more than a year.

The New York Times

The boy was lying on the sidewalk.

The New York Times

Some people were lying on the sidewalk.

The New York Times

She also saw several bodies lying on the sidewalk.

The New York Times

He speaks mainly of his humiliation at lying on the sidewalk as hipsters gawked.

The New York Times

Suddenly, he was lying on the sidewalk, dazed and a bit numb.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "lying on the sidewalk" in descriptive writing, consider the context to choose the most precise verb. For example, "reclining" suggests relaxation, while "collapsed" indicates distress. This adds depth to your narrative and prevents overuse of a single descriptive term.

Common error

Ensure the surrounding context clarifies whether someone is intentionally resting or is incapacitated. Without context, the reader might misinterpret the situation. To avoid ambiguity, give surrounding information. For example: "Exhausted after the marathon, she was lying on the sidewalk to recover."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lying on the sidewalk" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun. It provides information about the location of someone or something. As Ludwig highlights, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "lying on the sidewalk" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase, as affirmed by Ludwig. It serves primarily to describe a location or state, often implying inactivity or distress. Predominantly found in News & Media, its neutral register makes it versatile for various writing styles. When using the phrase, context is crucial to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "reclining on the sidewalk" or "sprawled on the sidewalk" for more descriptive precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flat on the sidewalk

Replaces "lying" with "flat" for a simpler, more direct description.

reclining on the sidewalk

Substitutes "lying" with "reclining", implying a more relaxed or intentional posture.

collapsed on the sidewalk

Replaces "lying" with "collapsed", suggesting a sudden or involuntary descent.

motionless on the sidewalk

Highlights the lack of movement while "lying on the sidewalk".

prostrate on the pavement

Replaces "lying" with "prostrate" and "sidewalk" with "pavement" for a more formal and descriptive tone.

laid out on the sidewalk

Uses the colloquial phrase "laid out" instead of "lying", implying a state of being incapacitated or resting.

prone on the footpath

Uses "prone" instead of "lying" and "footpath" instead of "sidewalk", offering a slightly different visual.

sprawled on the sidewalk

Emphasizes the extended and ungainly position of someone "lying on the sidewalk".

on the sidewalk, supine

Uses "supine" to specifically indicate lying on one's back on the sidewalk.

out cold on the sidewalk

Implies unconsciousness in addition to "lying on the sidewalk".

FAQs

How can I use "lying on the sidewalk" in a sentence?

You can use "lying on the sidewalk" to describe someone or something that is positioned horizontally on a sidewalk. For example: "After the accident, the injured biker was "lying on the sidewalk" waiting for paramedics."

What are some alternatives to "lying on the sidewalk"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "reclining on the sidewalk", "sprawled on the sidewalk", or "collapsed on the sidewalk".

Is it grammatically correct to say "lying on the sidewalk"?

Yes, "lying on the sidewalk" is grammatically correct. "Lying" is a present participle acting as an adjective, modifying an implied subject, and "on the sidewalk" is a prepositional phrase providing location.

What does it mean when someone is described as "lying on the sidewalk"?

The phrase typically suggests a state of either rest, incapacitation, or distress. The surrounding context usually provides clues as to the specific reason. It can also be used more literally to describe an object, such as "dollar bill lying on the sidewalk".