posture

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'posture' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to the position in which someone carries their body when standing or sitting, or the way in which someone behaves or expresses their opinions in a particular situation. For example, "His hostile posture made it difficult to have a constructive discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This is borne out by other studies and surveys which show that prolonged poor posture can have consequences.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I'm surprised that in your piece Honey, We've Lost The Kids (23 May) there was no mention of the bad posture habits I notice children have, hunkered over PlayStations or tablets for hours, or walking around with them stuck to their chest.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Encourage your children to move and change their posture.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Then I turned on my metronome and steadily worked my way up into a brisk ish) jog, hitting that magic 180 steps per minute and getting as close as I could to good posture after seven days running with a full pack.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Dave Steward, the executive director of the FW de Klerk Foundation, wrote last month: "The anti-Jan van Riebeeck campaign is yet another example of the disturbing and increasingly overt anti-white posture of the president and the ANC.

The Guardian

In short, he thinks the Republicans are beaten, and so will change their negotiating posture.

The Guardian

Commanding your language is a key element in striking this defiant posture.

The Guardian

Can he make it – hard, progressive, conscientious, fighting free of the cliches – without losing his grip, dissolving into posture, whitening his stance, giving in to the softening, modifying temptations of post-real iPop fame?

The Guardian - Music

Decisions about Labor's posture in opposition towards government proposals cannot be made until they are answered.

The Guardian

Every time I kick backwards and the flywheel roars, I feel I'm achieving something (though you need to spend some time checking that your form and posture are good).

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In the course of that redefinition of US strategic posture, the military strategists and their intelligence community colleagues came to regard US rights to communications privacy as the equivalent of sanctuary for guerrillas.

The Guardian - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Maintain consistency in your choice of "posture" or its synonyms throughout a piece of writing. Switching between terms unnecessarily can confuse readers.

Common error

Avoid using "posture" when you mean "posturing". "Posture" refers to the position of the body or a general attitude, while "posturing" means to behave in a way that is intended to impress or mislead others.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "posture" is as a noun, referring to the way a person holds their body or a particular attitude towards something. It can also function as a verb, meaning to assume a particular position, often for effect. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, providing examples of both noun and verb forms.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "posture" is a versatile term with diverse applications. As Ludwig AI confirms, it functions primarily as a noun and, less frequently, as a verb. Its usage spans across contexts ranging from physical health to political strategy, with a higher prevalence in news and media, formal and business, and scientific domains. While grammatically straightforward, confusing it with "posturing" is a common error. The related phrases such as "body position", "stance", and "bearing" each offer subtle shifts in emphasis, making careful word choice essential for clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

body position

Focuses specifically on the physical arrangement of the body.

stance

Highlights the way someone stands, both physically and metaphorically.

bearing

Emphasizes the manner in which someone carries themselves.

attitude

Refers to a mental or emotional position regarding something.

demeanor

Indicates outward behavior or appearance.

physical carriage

A more formal way to describe how someone holds their body.

disposition

Describes a person's inherent qualities of mind and character.

social position

Emphasizes a standing in relation to others in a society.

political stance

Highlights the ideological standpoint on any political topic.

ideological viewpoint

Emphasizes a set of ideas and beliefs of a person or group.

FAQs

How can I improve my "posture"?

Improving your "posture" involves exercises to strengthen your core and back muscles, being mindful of your body alignment while sitting and standing, and using ergonomic furniture.

What are the effects of prolonged poor "posture"?

Prolonged poor "posture" can lead to back pain, neck pain, headaches, and other musculoskeletal problems. It can also affect breathing and digestion.

What's the difference between "posture" and "stance"?

"Posture" primarily refers to the way you hold your body, while "stance" can refer to both physical position and a viewpoint or attitude on a particular issue.

What can I say instead of "bad posture"?

Alternatives include "poor alignment", "slouching", or "incorrect body position". The best choice depends on the specific context and the aspect of "posture" you want to emphasize.