our bellies

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "our bellies" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the stomachs of a group of people, often in a casual or informal context, such as discussing hunger or food. Example: "After the feast, we all leaned back in our chairs, patting our bellies in satisfaction."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Our bellies are full," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Then it would be our bellies dancing, too.

Independent

"We got on our bellies and crawled in".

The New York Times

Lying on our bellies, crawling through the mud.

The New Yorker

"We are young players and we have fire in our bellies," the midfielder said.

Independent

It's as if we had special receptors, vestigial ears in our bellies.

The New Yorker

"It is just a bunch of starch, and we are filling our bellies with it".

The New Yorker

"We showed so much character and real fight in our bellies.

Independent

We bolt down three each, smile big and rub our bellies, at least metaphorically.

The New York Times - Magazine

But buying it does more than fill our bellies, she said.

The New York Times

This is unacceptable and should put fire in all our bellies.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "our bellies" in informal contexts or when aiming for a more relatable tone. In formal writing, consider using "our stomachs" or "our abdominal areas" for a more professional feel.

Common error

While "our bellies" is perfectly acceptable in casual conversation, it might sound too informal or even crude in formal writing. Opt for more neutral terms like "our stomachs" or "our abdominal regions" to maintain professionalism.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "our bellies" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "our" is a possessive pronoun modifying the noun "bellies". It refers to the stomachs of a group of people, often used in contexts related to eating, hunger, or physical sensation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "our bellies" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase, particularly in News & Media. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While generally neutral, it leans towards informal, making it suitable for casual conversation and some types of writing. For formal contexts, alternatives like "our stomachs" are recommended. The phrase commonly describes physical states related to eating or sensations in the stomach area. Remember to consider your audience and the overall tone when deciding whether to use "our bellies".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

our stomachs

Replaces "bellies" with a more formal term for the same body part.

our bellies full

Emphasizes the state of being satisfied after eating.

our tummies

Uses a more informal and often childish term for "bellies".

our middles

Refers to the central part of the body, encompassing the stomach area.

our midriffs

More specific term referring to the area between the chest and waist.

our abdominal areas

A more clinical and anatomical way to describe the same area.

our guts

Informal and sometimes vulgar term for the stomach and intestines.

our insides

General term referring to the internal organs, including the stomach.

our appetites

Focuses on the desire for food rather than the physical organ.

our hunger

Highlights the state of being hungry.

FAQs

How can I use "our bellies" in a sentence?

You can use "our bellies" to describe the state of being full after a meal, physical sensations, or even emotional states. For example, "After the Thanksgiving feast, we patted "our bellies" contentedly."

What's a more formal alternative to "our bellies"?

In formal writing, you can replace "our bellies" with "our stomachs" or "our abdominal areas".

Is it grammatically correct to say "our bellies are full"?

Yes, "our bellies are full" is grammatically correct. It's a common expression to indicate that a group of people have eaten enough and are satisfied.

When is it appropriate to use "our bellies" versus "our stomachs"?

"Our bellies" is generally used in more casual and informal contexts, while "our stomachs" is more appropriate for formal or medical contexts. The choice depends on the tone and audience of your writing or speech.