return your arms to your sides

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "return your arms to your sides" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts such as instructions for physical activities, exercises, or dance movements where a specific posture is required. Example: "After completing the stretch, please return your arms to your sides and relax your shoulders."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Return your arms to your sides and step forward twice through the door frame.

WikiHow

Raise your elbows up and to the sides, as if they were wings, and then slowly return your arms to your sides.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

Lay your arms to your sides.

WikiHow

Return your arm to the starting position and repeat.

WikiHow

Spread your arms to your side.

WikiHow

Bring your arms to your right side.

WikiHow

Hold the stretch for a few seconds, and then exhale and return the arm to your side with your palm planted on the mat.

WikiHow

Slowly return your arm and leg to the ground.

WikiHow

Bring your left arm to your side.

WikiHow

Let your arms fall to your sides.

Harvard University

Raise your arms to the sides.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone in a physical activity, use "return your arms to your sides" to clearly indicate a return to a neutral or resting position. This is especially useful in exercise routines or dance instructions where precise movements are important.

Common error

Avoid using overly technical or verbose language when a simple instruction will suffice. Instead of saying something like, "Revert your upper appendages to their anatomical resting position adjacent to your torso," the phrase "return your arms to your sides" provides clarity and ease of understanding.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "return your arms to your sides" functions as an instructional phrase, typically used in exercise, dance, or other activities where specific body positioning is important. It directs the subject to move their arms back to a resting or neutral posture alongside their body. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in physical exercises.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Wiki

100%

Less common in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "return your arms to your sides" is a grammatically sound and clear instruction, primarily used in exercise and instructional contexts to guide body positioning. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English. While its occurrence is relatively rare, it serves a specific purpose and is best suited for scenarios where precise directions are needed. Alternatives like "lower your arms" or "bring your arms back to your sides" can be used for simpler instructions. When writing, clarity is key; avoid overly complex language and focus on providing easy-to-understand guidance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lower your arms to your sides

Replaces "return" with "lower", emphasizing the downward motion.

bring your arms back to your sides

Substitutes "return" with "bring back", highlighting the action of bringing the arms to the original position.

place your arms at your sides

Focuses on the final position of the arms rather than the action of moving them.

move your arms to your sides

Uses the verb "move" to describe the action.

rest your arms by your sides

Implies a state of relaxation in the specified position.

arms alongside your body

Describes the desired position in relation to the body.

resume arm position at your sides

More formal, suitable for technical instructions.

set arms at your sides

Focuses on setting or arranging the arms in the described position.

arms to the side

Simplifies the phrase, suitable for quick instructions.

arms down

A very brief instruction to lower the arms.

FAQs

What is a simpler way to say "return your arms to your sides"?

You could say "lower your arms", "arms down", or "bring your arms back to your sides" for shorter instructions.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "return your arms to your sides"?

This phrase is suitable in instructional contexts, such as exercise routines or dance instructions, where you need to direct someone to bring their arms back to a resting position.

Is there a more formal way to say "return your arms to your sides"?

A more formal alternative might be "resume arm position at your sides", though this is less common and may sound overly technical.

What's the difference between "return your arms to your sides" and "place your arms at your sides"?

"Return your arms to your sides" implies a movement back to that position, while "place your arms at your sides" focuses on the final positioning.