riding in an elevator

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "riding in an elevator" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the action of being inside an elevator while it is moving. Example: "While riding in an elevator, I often think about the day ahead and what challenges I might face."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

She remembers riding in an elevator to a seminar with Arendt.

The New Yorker

Several hours later, he was riding in an elevator up to a consultation with Dr. Cantu.

The New York Times - Sports

The fear of confined spaces (claustrophobia) can be triggered by riding in an elevator or by using a small restroom.

Harvard University

But the president also spoke of black men routinely being racially profiled — shopping, crossing the street, riding in an elevator.

The New York Times

He was riding in an elevator with a monitor, who stopped it between floors and sodomized him.

The New York Times

They allow busy consumers to snack while driving a car, riding in an elevator or even getting a pedicure.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

THE last time Jan Neufeld rode in an elevator was in 1993.

The New York Times

People tend to find it unnerving to ride in an elevator with no buttons; they feel as if they had been kidnapped by a Bond villain.

The New Yorker

Mr. Kee, who lived in the same building as the girl, told investigators he had ridden in an elevator with her on the afternoon she disappeared.

The New York Times

Until last week, Marisol Valles García, a petite, soft-spoken 23-year-old with rather severe rectangular glasses, had never visited New York, never ridden in an elevator, never dined in an Italian restaurant.

The New York Times

The resignation came on the heels of two recent security snafus: an armed intruder had entered the White House, and a man in possession of a gun and a criminal record rode in an elevator with the President.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "riding in an elevator" to describe a specific instance of someone being inside a moving elevator, especially when emphasizing the experience or context of the ride. For instance, "While riding in an elevator, he rehearsed his presentation."

Common error

Don't use "riding in an elevator" when a simpler alternative like "taking the elevator" or "using the elevator" is sufficient, especially in general instructions or routine descriptions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "riding in an elevator" functions as a gerund phrase, often used as a noun or part of a noun phrase. It describes the action of being inside a moving elevator and can serve as the subject, object, or complement of a sentence. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Reference

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "riding in an elevator" is a common and grammatically correct gerund phrase used to describe the action of being inside a moving elevator. According to Ludwig, this phrase is readily usable in written English. It commonly appears in neutral contexts such as news and media. While versatile, simpler alternatives like "taking the elevator" may sometimes be more appropriate. When choosing to use the phrase "riding in an elevator", remember it implies motion and should be used to set a scene or provide context. This contrasts with "being in an elevator" which simply denotes location. By understanding its function and context, you can effectively incorporate "riding in an elevator" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

taking the elevator

This alternative is more concise and focuses on the action of using the elevator.

using the elevator

This is a direct and simple way of saying that someone is operating the elevator.

being inside an elevator

This alternative focuses on the state of being within the elevator.

traveling by elevator

This phrase emphasizes the journey or travel aspect of using an elevator.

ascending in the elevator

This specifies upward movement in the elevator.

descending in the elevator

This specifies downward movement in the elevator.

in the elevator

This is a shorter, more casual way of saying someone is currently located inside the elevator.

on the elevator

A more succinct way to indicate presence within the elevator, though slightly less precise.

caught in the elevator

This implies being stuck or trapped within the elevator, adding a negative connotation.

operating the elevator

This focuses on the act of controlling or managing the elevator, rather than simply being a passenger.

FAQs

What's a simple alternative to "riding in an elevator"?

The phrases "taking the elevator" or "using the elevator" are shorter and often interchangeable with "riding in an elevator".

How does "riding in an elevator" differ from "being in an elevator"?

"Riding in an elevator" implies motion, while "being in an elevator" simply refers to location, regardless of whether the elevator is moving.

Is "riding in an elevator" formal or informal?

"Riding in an elevator" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.

Can "riding in an elevator" be used figuratively?

While primarily literal, "riding in an elevator" could be used metaphorically to describe a quick or abrupt change in status or circumstances, though this is less common. For example, "His career felt like riding in an elevator after that promotion".