prostrate on the mat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prostrate on the mat" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone lying flat on the ground, often in a position of submission or exhaustion. Example: "After the intense workout, he was prostrate on the mat, completely worn out."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Four years after hurting his right leg at the 2012 London Games, Ait Said was again in agony when a misjudged vault landing left him clutching the back of his left knee as he lay prostrate on the crash mat.

The Guardian - Sport

Iain Duncan Smith*: "... on the mat".

The Guardian

On the mat I kip.

The New York Times

It was barely noticeable on the mat.

The New York Times - Sports

The cat stood on the mat.

The Guardian - Books

that the cat is on the mat.

SEP

Tibbles is sitting on the mat and is the only cat sitting on the mat.

SEP

Five students on the mat.

Huffington Post

Triple H lays unconscious on the mat.

Huffington Post

Lay down on the mat.

WikiHow

Lie on your stomach on the mat.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "prostrate on the mat" when you want to convey a sense of complete surrender, exhaustion, or reverence in a specific physical context. This phrase carries a stronger emotional weight than simply saying someone is "lying on the mat".

Common error

Avoid using "prostrate on the mat" metaphorically without a clear connection to a physical space or situation. The phrase's impact relies on the image of someone physically submitting to a surface, so applying it loosely can weaken its intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prostrate on the mat" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate the location and manner of being. It describes someone lying face down on a mat. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "prostrate on the mat" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to describe someone lying face down on a mat, often conveying submission, exhaustion, or reverence. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is usable in written English. Since there were no exact examples found, the usage frequency is currently "Missing". Consider the context carefully when using this phrase, as its impact comes from the image of physical submission. Alternatives such as "lying flat on the mat" or "stretched out on the mat" may be more appropriate in less dramatic situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lying flat on the mat

This alternative offers a more literal and less dramatic description of the action, focusing on the physical position.

stretched out on the mat

This implies relaxation or leisure, differing from the possible connotations of exhaustion or submission in the original phrase.

prone on the mat

This is a more clinical and neutral term for lying face down, lacking the emotional weight of "prostrate".

collapsed on the mat

This suggests a sudden loss of strength or consciousness, adding a sense of urgency or crisis.

helpless on the mat

This emphasizes a lack of ability to act or resist, focusing on the subject's vulnerability.

defeated on the mat

This implies a loss in a competition or struggle, adding a layer of emotional significance.

face down on the mat

This is a purely descriptive alternative, without any implied emotional state or circumstance.

flat on the mat

This simplifies the description to a basic statement of position, minimizing any additional interpretation.

prostrate before the mat

The original preposition "on" is changed to "before", adding a symbolic meaning of bowing or worship.

in a prostrate position on the mat

This alternative is more formal and verbose, explicitly stating the position.

FAQs

How can I use "prostrate on the mat" in a sentence?

You can use "prostrate on the mat" to describe someone lying flat on a mat, often to show exhaustion, defeat, or reverence. For example: "After the grueling workout, he was "prostrate on the mat", unable to move."

What are some alternatives to "prostrate on the mat"?

You can use alternatives such as "lying flat on the mat", "stretched out on the mat", or "prone on the mat" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

What does "prostrate" mean in the phrase "prostrate on the mat"?

In this context, "prostrate" means lying stretched out on the ground with one's face downward. It implies submission, reverence, or exhaustion.

Is it correct to say "prostrate at the mat" instead of "prostrate on the mat"?

While "prostrate" can sometimes be used with "at" to indicate being in a humble position before something, ""prostrate on the mat"" is more common and directly indicates the physical position of lying flat on the mat.