perched

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "perched" is a perfectly correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to describe a person, animal, or object that is positioned somewhere high up, such as on top of a branch, rock, fence, roof, etc. Example sentence: The sparrow perched on the windowsill, chirping merrily.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A cliff-top bar features thrones carved out of stone, gazing out over crashing waves next to a swimming pool perched on the edge of a sheer rock face, while steps lead down to a private sandy beach.

The Guardian - Travel

thepalmsnegril.com, double rooms from $80 a night plus taxes The rocky stretch of Negril known as the West End became a mecca for hippies in the 1960s, and Banana Shout evokes the best of the old bohemian spirit, perched on the edge of the cliffs right next door to Rick's Cafe, the famous sunset diving spot.

The Guardian - Travel

Although the Wearsiders remain perched above the relegation zone they have won only five league games all season and found themselves outpaced, outmoved, outthought and outworked by Alan Pardew's team.

The Guardian - Sport

An improvised cardboard sign, scrawled with "La Rochelle, SVP" worked its magic on a trucker named Olivier and I was soon rolling into this sophisticated old port, perched vertiginously in the cockpit of the 18-wheel juggernaut.

The Guardian - Travel

And Troytown campsite, which is perched above a white sand beach a few steps from the sea, is about as remote as you could wish for.

The Guardian - Travel

You could also try the Coral Cove Cottages, perched on the tip of the poshest bit of the island, Lance Aux Epines.

The Guardian - Travel

As people mill around the open-plan kitchen, spilling out into the living room and the garden beyond, he is easily identifiable, perched on a stool, specs resting neatly on the end of his nose.

The Guardian - Travel

7pm: dinner and music at the lodge Lake St Clair lodge is one of just two resorts in Tasmania's world heritage area, perched on the banks of the lake.

The Guardian - Travel

All around the chancellor, the kitchen is abuzz with activity – wife Maggie rustling up the teas and coffees, special adviser Catherine trying to stare her BlackBerry into submission, and Darling's daughter, Anna, perched on the windowseat, peeking at a mound of newspapers.

The Guardian

This thrusting pastiche palace houses an array of luxury hotels and apartments, perched above a five-storey slab of shopping malls.

The Guardian - Arts

Grinning wildly, Meilutyte perched on the lane rope and lifted her arms wide to the 17,000 roaring fans in the steeply raked wings of seating.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "perched" to vividly describe something in a high or precarious position, adding a sense of visual interest and potential instability.

Common error

Avoid using "perched" when you intend to describe something securely placed. The word often suggests a slight precariousness or a temporary position, not a firm foundation.

Linguistic Context

The word "perched" functions as a past participle when used in verb phrases (e.g., "has perched") and as an adjective when describing a noun (e.g., "a perched village"). As Ludwig AI shows, it commonly depicts locations or objects situated at an elevated position.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "perched" is a versatile term, functioning as both a past participle and an adjective, commonly used to describe something situated in a high or elevated position. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used, particularly within news and media contexts. Its usage adds a descriptive element, often implying a sense of observation or precariousness. While "perched" is generally suitable for various contexts, it's important to consider the potential connotation of instability. Alternatives like "situated atop" or "resting on" may be more appropriate when describing something securely placed. Ultimately, "perched" is a valuable word for adding visual detail and depth to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

balanced on

Emphasizes the act of maintaining equilibrium while being positioned on something.

situated atop

Focuses on the location at the highest point, with a slightly more formal tone.

resting on

Suggests a state of ease and support while being on something.

set upon

Implies a deliberate placement or arrangement on something.

stationed above

Implies being positioned above something for a specific purpose or function.

elevated above

Stresses the raised position in relation to something else.

placed high

Simply indicates a high position without necessarily implying balance.

lodged upon

Suggests something is firmly situated or embedded on something.

mounted on

Implies being attached or fixed to something else.

aloft

A more poetic and concise way to indicate being in a high position.

FAQs

How can I use "perched" in a sentence?

The word "perched" can be used to describe something or someone located in a high position. For example, "The bird perched on the branch" or "The village is perched on a hilltop".

What are some alternatives to using "perched"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "situated atop", "balanced on", or "resting on".

Is it correct to say something is "perched precariously"?

Yes, "perched precariously" is a valid and descriptive phrase that emphasizes the unstable or risky nature of something's position.

What's the difference between "perched" and "placed"?

"Perched" implies a high or somewhat precarious position, while "placed" simply means something has been put somewhere, without specifying height or stability. Therefore you can use "placed high", to denote something high.