over the neck

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "over the neck" is not commonly used in written English and may not be clear without context.
It could be used in contexts related to clothing or accessories, such as describing how an item fits or is worn. Example: "The scarf is designed to wrap over the neck for added warmth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

The United States Coast Guard, which evolved out of the old United States Life Saving Service of the 1800's, took over "The Neck," as the locals called it.

The New York Times

Splash claret over the neck, flank or (ouch!) brisket.

The Guardian

Mr. Weaver describes his invention as a cone that fits over the neck of the bottle.

The New York Times

Smooth the skin back into place, tucking it over the neck edge.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Clean the container, pour in the booze, and fasten the cloth over the neck.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Those names point to where the novel takes place, too, floating somewhere over the neck where England meets Scotland.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Don't over-tighten the neck screw.

WikiHow

"Although foreign roses are shipped cold and refrigerated, they are out of water". Imports often wither quickly or bend over at the necks.

The New York Times

As the Weissenberg number is further increased, Wi>200, the strain hardening eventually wins over the necking instability which ultimately modifies the dynamics of the physical rupture of the sample.

Journal of Non-Newtonian Fluid Mechanics

Throughout the Assembly she saw them, hanging proudly over the necks of people over the age of 70 as well as those in their 20s.

Huffington Post

The Maoris, with a long slender rod and a slip noose at the end, squatted under the leaves and noiselessly slipped the noose over the necks of the stupid pigeons as they were feeding".

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the placement of clothing or accessories, ensure the context clearly indicates whether the item is simply resting on the neck or is secured in some way.

Common error

Avoid using "over the neck" if the item is actually around the neck or specifically on the front or back of the neck. Choose a more precise preposition to avoid confusing the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "over the neck" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb to indicate position, direction, or manner. As Ludwig AI pointed out, its specific meaning changes depending on the context. It often specifies the placement of an object in relation to the neck.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

16%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "over the neck" is a common prepositional phrase used to describe the position or placement of something relative to the neck. As noted by Ludwig AI, the meaning is context-dependent. Analysis reveals it appears frequently in news, encyclopedias and general web content. Related phrases include "around the neck" and "across the neck", which offer similar but subtly different meanings. When using this phrase, ensure the context is clear and precise to avoid ambiguity. While generally correct, choosing a more specific preposition might enhance clarity in certain situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

around the neck

Indicates encirclement or placement in the vicinity of the neck.

across the neck

Implies a horizontal direction or coverage spanning the neck.

on the neck

Suggests direct contact or placement onto the surface of the neck.

covering the neck

Emphasizes the action of shielding or protecting the neck area.

above the neck

Refers to a position higher than the neck.

draped over the neck

Describes the act of loosely placing something over the neck.

extending over the neck

Indicates something projecting or reaching across the neck area.

fitted around the neck

Focuses on a close and precise fit around the neck.

fastened over the neck

Highlights the act of securing something in place over the neck.

placed upon the neck

Implies a deliberate action of positioning something on the neck.

FAQs

How can I use "over the neck" in a sentence?

The phrase "over the neck" describes something positioned across or covering the neck. For example: "She wore a scarf draped "around the neck"." It can also describe covering a constricted part of an object, for example: "Slide the seal "over the neck" of the corked wine bottle".

What are some alternatives to "over the neck"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as ""around the neck"", "across the neck", or "on the neck".

Is it correct to say "above the neck" instead of "over the neck"?

While both phrases relate to the neck area, "above the neck" indicates a position higher than the neck, whereas "over the neck" implies covering or crossing the neck.

When should I use "draped over the neck"?

"Draped over the neck" is appropriate when describing something loosely placed on the neck, such as a scarf or necklace, to indicate a casual or relaxed placement.