on his lap

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'on his lap' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the physical position of an object or person in relation to another person. For example: The father put his small son on his lap and told him a bedtime story.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She went to him, sat on his lap and said, "Hi".

The New York Times

Right on his lap.

The New Yorker

Guitar on his lap.

Independent

A gun rests on his lap.

The Economist

She sat on his lap.

The New Yorker

I remember it being on his lap.

Independent

Nancy Reagan sat on his lap.

The Washington Post

He put his hands on his lap.

The New Yorker

I had to sit on his lap".

The Guardian - Music

His daughter was on his lap.

The New York Times

Dad sits by the fireplace with Oliver on his lap.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on his lap" to clearly indicate physical placement and closeness. This phrase is especially effective for describing intimate or familial situations.

Common error

Avoid using "on his lap" in professional or formal contexts where the implied intimacy may be inappropriate or misinterpreted. Consider alternative phrasings to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on his lap" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate location or position. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used. Examples show it describing where someone or something is situated in relation to a person.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Academia

3%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0.5%

Encyclopedias

0.3%

Wiki

0.2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "on his lap" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to indicate physical placement and proximity, typically implying a degree of intimacy or dependence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for describing familial, affectionate, or casual situations. While versatile, it should be used cautiously in formal or professional contexts where its connotations might be misinterpreted. Occurring frequently in News & Media, its usage reflects its broad applicability in describing real-world scenarios. Understanding these nuances ensures effective and appropriate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

seated on his lap

Emphasizes the act of being seated rather than the location.

cradled in his lap

Suggests a more protective or comforting position.

held in his lap

Highlights the act of holding something or someone.

atop his lap

A more formal or literary way of saying "on his lap".

across his knees

Focuses on the knees as the point of contact, rather than the entire lap area.

resting on his thighs

More specific anatomical description, focusing on the thighs.

in his embrace

Broader term referring to being held closely, not necessarily on the lap.

close to him

General proximity, not specifically on the lap.

beside him

Indicates being next to someone, rather than on them.

near him

Indicates general nearness but doesn't specify the exact location.

FAQs

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

The phrase "on his lap" indicates that someone or something is physically positioned on a person's lap. Example: "The child sat "on his lap" while he read a story."

What are some alternatives to saying "on his lap"?

Depending on the specific context, you could use phrases such as "seated "on his knee"", "cradled "in his arms"", or "held "close to him"".

Is it always appropriate to use the phrase "on his lap"?

The appropriateness of using "on his lap" depends heavily on the context. While suitable in family settings or casual scenarios, it might be unsuitable in professional or formal environments due to its intimate connotation.

What is the difference between "on his lap" and "beside him"?

"On his lap" implies a direct physical placement atop someone's lap, whereas "beside him" simply means being next to someone, without specifying physical contact or placement.