rest flat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rest flat" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an object or surface that is lying evenly or level without any elevation or tilt. Example: "After the storm, the tree branches were found to rest flat on the ground."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

I remember eventually slipping my feet out of my sandals and letting them rest flat on the smooth stone floor.

The New York Times

(Straight-cut stems will rest flat on the bottom of the vase, preventing water from moving up to the flowers; a diagonal cut keeps the passage open).

The New York Times

Lovers of the film would mingle with the intermission crowds on the sidewalk, then slip inside to rest flat on their backs on the floor in front of the screen, the more thoroughly to enjoy Kubrick's space-and-time "light show".

Encyclopedia Britannica

Once you've determined the best height for your chair, be sure your feet rest flat on the floor.

Huffington Post

The middle panel ought to rest flat along your breastbone.

WikiHow

If the fork is not level on the floor, you could place a piece of cardboard under it to make it rest flat.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Yesterday, they ran bucking and kicking into a level patch of sunshine, and when Remedy lay down for a rest — flat-out — he almost disappeared beneath the snow-line.

The New York Times

"I feel like I have to watch my back," he said, his hands resting flat on the green kitchen tablecloth.

The New York Times

They are cryptically coloured and spend much of the day squatting on their heel joints ("knees") or resting flat on the ground with the legs drawn under the body.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Subjects were placed in a resting, flat, head-down position −6° from the horizontal.

Acupuncture in Medicine

The text to be read was resting flat on a table top.

BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing how an object should be positioned, use "rest flat" to clearly indicate that it should be lying evenly without any tilt. For instance, "Ensure the base of the lamp rests flat on the table to prevent it from toppling over."

Common error

Avoid using "rest flat" interchangeably with phrases like "lie down" when referring to living beings, as "rest flat" is generally used for inanimate objects or parts of the body. Use "rest flat" when the flatness is key to the action or result.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "rest flat" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating a state of being or an action related to positioning an object or body part evenly on a surface. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Wiki

38%

News & Media

25%

Science

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "rest flat" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to describe the action or state of being positioned evenly on a surface. Ludwig AI confirms this. While its frequency is uncommon, it appears in various contexts, including how-to guides, news articles, and scientific publications. When using "rest flat", ensure that you are describing the positioning of an inanimate object or a part of the body, and that the flatness is essential to the meaning. Consider alternatives like ""lie flat"" or "sit flush" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lie flat

Emphasizes the action of assuming a horizontal position.

sit flush

Describes an object being level with an adjacent surface.

remain level

Focuses on maintaining a horizontal orientation.

stay horizontal

Highlights the sustained flat position.

be even

Implies a uniform surface without irregularities.

be aligned

Suggests a correct or intended positioning along a plane.

be parallel

Indicates a line or plane running alongside another without intersecting.

be prostrate

Describes lying face down, often in submission or exhaustion.

recline fully

Implies a relaxed state of lying back completely.

be supine

Specifically refers to lying face upwards.

FAQs

How can I use "rest flat" in a sentence?

You can use "rest flat" to describe objects or surfaces that are lying evenly and level. For example, "The book should "lie flat" on the table" or "Make sure your feet "are flat on the floor" when sitting."

What are some alternatives to the phrase "rest flat"?

Some alternatives to "rest flat" include ""lie flat"", "sit flush", or "remain level". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "lay flat" instead of "rest flat"?

While "lay flat" is commonly used, "rest flat" is also correct and emphasizes the state of being at rest in a flat position. "Lay flat" implies that you are putting something so that lies flat, while "rest flat" means that something rests in a flat position.

What does it mean when something is described as "resting flat"?

When something is described as "resting flat", it means that it is positioned evenly on a surface, without any tilting or unevenness. This phrase is often used to ensure stability or proper alignment.