on his back

USAGE SUMMARY

"on his back" is correct and usable in written English.
For example, "The bear had a fish on his back as he walked away."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"But he's on his back.

The New Yorker

He's laying on his back!

Independent

Thomas lies on his back.

The New Yorker

Mr. Masseria lay on his back.

The New York Times

The pickpocket lay on his back.

The New Yorker

Jermaine O'Neal put Jones on his back.

The New York Times - Sports

My dad carried mail on his back.

The New Yorker

He got "NSync" tattooed on his back.

The New Yorker

Doctors operated on his back on Tuesday.

The New York Times

The pfc. lay flat on his back.

The New Yorker

Beuerlein landed on his back.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on his back" to clearly describe a physical position. Ensure the context provides clarity on whether it's literal (lying down) or figurative (bearing a burden).

Common error

Avoid using "on his back" in situations where the figurative meaning (burden, responsibility) is not clear. This can lead to misinterpretations if the reader expects a literal description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on his back" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate position or support. As shown in Ludwig, it can describe a literal physical position (lying down) or a figurative situation (bearing responsibility).

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

20%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on his back" is a versatile prepositional phrase with both literal and figurative applications. Grammatically sound and frequently used, as Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively describes a physical position or the act of carrying a burden. While it is commonly found in news and media, understanding its nuances ensures clear and impactful communication. Remember to use it appropriately, considering the context and potential for misinterpretation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flat on his back

This alternative adds emphasis on being completely flat.

with his back to the ground

This phrase provides a descriptive orientation relative to the ground.

lying supine

This alternative uses a more formal and descriptive term for lying on one's back.

in a reclined position

This phrase emphasizes the act of reclining rather than the specific orientation.

supine position

A medical and more formal alternative to "on his back", focusing on body position.

in a dorsal position

This alternative uses a technical, anatomical term for lying on the back.

he carried the burden

This phrase metaphorically represents someone bearing a responsibility or problem.

shoulder the responsibility

Highlights the act of taking on responsibility, focusing on support.

bearing the weight

This alternative focuses on carrying or enduring a difficulty.

with the sky above him

This alternative focuses on the perspective of looking upwards while lying on the back.

FAQs

How can I use "on his back" in a sentence?

You can use "on his back" to describe someone lying down (e.g., "He was lying on his back, looking at the stars.") or to describe someone carrying a burden (e.g., "He put the team on his back and led them to victory.").

What does it mean when someone says another person carries them "on his back"?

The phrase "on his back" metaphorically suggests someone is bearing a significant burden or responsibility for others. For example, in sports, it means one player is single-handedly leading the team. Alternative phrasing includes "shoulder the responsibility".

Which is correct, "on his back" or "on his's back"?

"On his back" is the correct form. "His" is already a possessive pronoun, so adding another 's is grammatically incorrect.

Are there other ways to say someone is lying down "on his back"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "lying supine", "in a reclined position", or "flat on his back" depending on the context.