prostrated oneself

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prostrated oneself" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is showing deep respect, submission, or worship, often in a religious or formal setting. Example: "In a moment of utter humility, she prostrated herself before the altar, seeking forgiveness."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Are the two figures performing sujud, the act of prostrating oneself during Muslim prayer?

The New York Times - Arts

The Chinese custom of the kowtow -- prostrating oneself before the emperor -- supposedly went out with Mao.

The New York Times

I do not know how many prayers prostrating oneself is equal to.

The New York Times - Magazine

In Muslim legend, Mīkāl and Jibrīl were the first angels to obey God's order to prostrate oneself before.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Yes, there are tonnes of nice non-designer things, but that doesn't mean one needs to prostrate oneself in shame for buying designer things.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The Sigd is derived from the Ethiopian word 'sgida', meaning to prostrate oneself, and is carried out 50 days after the Jewish high holy day of Yom Kippur, with thousands of Ethiopians turning out to pray.

The Guardian

In early December, following the first round of the nation's parliamentary elections, which had been dominated by the Muslim Brotherhood, my language notebook read: mosque to prostrate oneself salah (prayer) imam sheikh beard carpet forbiddenOn many days, I went to Tahrir Square, to report on the ongoing revolution.

The New Yorker

The Second Commandment certainly condemns the act of prostrating oneself (bowing) before an image (Leviticus 26:1), and we Orthodox Christians prostrate all the time.

Huffington Post

Men prostrated themselves on the floor.

The New Yorker

They prostrated themselves before Fulamatu's feet and begged forgiveness.

The New York Times

Mental anguish prostrated my health.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "prostrated oneself" to convey deep reverence, submission, or worship, especially in religious, historical, or highly formal contexts. Ensure the situation warrants such a strong expression of deference.

Common error

Avoid using "prostrated oneself" in casual or everyday situations. It sounds overly dramatic and out of place. Opt for simpler alternatives like "bowed" or "knelt" unless the context demands a display of profound submission.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "prostrated oneself" functions as a verb phrase indicating a physical action of lying face down on the ground. It describes a deliberate act of showing submission, reverence, or worship, often in a religious or ceremonial context. Ludwig confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

33%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "prostrated oneself" is grammatically correct and used to express deep reverence, submission, or worship, primarily in formal or religious contexts. Ludwig highlights that it is relatively rare in everyday language, with its usage concentrated in news, encyclopedias, and wiki sources. While grammatically sound, it is advisable to reserve this phrase for situations where the depth of submission or reverence is genuinely significant to avoid sounding overly dramatic. Ludwig suggests alternatives like "bowed down" or "knelt before" for less formal situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bowed down

A more general term indicating respect or submission through bending the body.

knelt before

Implies reverence or supplication, often used in religious or formal settings.

paid homage

Indicates formal respect or reverence, usually to a person or deity.

submitted to

Focuses on the act of yielding to authority or power.

genuflected

A more specific term referring to bending the knee, often in religious contexts.

groveled

Suggests excessive humility or subservience, often negatively perceived.

kowtowed

Implies subservience, particularly in a historical or cultural context.

humbled oneself

Focuses on the act of making oneself lower in status or importance.

abased oneself

Similar to humbling oneself, but with a stronger sense of lowering one's dignity.

laid oneself low

Indicates a position of vulnerability or submission, often in the face of a challenge.

FAQs

What does "prostrated oneself" mean?

The phrase "prostrated oneself" means to lie flat on the ground face down, typically as an act of humility, submission, or worship.

When is it appropriate to use "prostrated oneself"?

It's appropriate to use "prostrated oneself" in contexts involving deep reverence, religious worship, or extreme submission to authority. It is often seen in historical, religious, or formal settings.

What are some alternatives to "prostrated oneself"?

Alternatives include "bowed down", "knelt before", or "submitted to depending on the context".

Is "prostrated oneself" formal or informal?

"Prostrated oneself" is a formal phrase. In more casual settings, simpler terms like "bowed" or "knelt" are more appropriate.