shoulders slumped

USAGE SUMMARY

"shoulders slumped" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe an emotional state, typically one of sadness or despair. For example, "The young woman walked away with her shoulders slumped, a tear streaming down her face."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Literature

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Natsuko's shoulders slumped.

The New Yorker

Her shoulders slumped.

The New York Times - Sports

His shoulders slumped forward.

The New York Times - Sports

He skulked away, shoulders slumped.

The New York Times - Magazine

Then, suddenly, his shoulders slumped.

The Washington Post

"We can't walk with our shoulders slumped.

The New York Times - Sports

On the Patriots' sideline, Belichick's shoulders slumped.

The New York Times - Sports

Her voice is resigned, her shoulders slumped.

The Guardian

His shoulders slumped, his eyes drawn to the floor.

The New York Times - Sports

He looked tired, his eyes bloodshot, his shoulders slumped.

The New York Times - Sports

His shoulders slumped, Roethlisberger walked slowly off the field.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shoulders slumped" to vividly depict a character's emotional state, especially feelings of sadness, defeat, or exhaustion. This phrase is effective in showing rather than telling.

Common error

Avoid using "shoulders slumped" solely to describe carrying a heavy physical load. While technically accurate, it's more impactful when used to convey emotional or mental weight, as it adds depth to the description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shoulders slumped" functions primarily as a descriptive element, often an adverbial phrase or part of a larger descriptive clause, to illustrate a character's emotional state. Ludwig confirms its common and correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sports

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "shoulders slumped" is a widely used and grammatically sound expression that effectively communicates feelings of sadness, defeat, or exhaustion through physical posture. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. Its prevalence across diverse sources like the New York Times, The Guardian, and BBC demonstrates its versatility and acceptance in both formal and informal contexts. When writing, use this phrase to add depth and emotional resonance to your descriptions, but avoid limiting it solely to physical burdens. For alternative expressions, consider "drooping shoulders" or "slouching posture" to enrich your writing. Ludwig's analysis underscores the phrase's significance in conveying nuanced emotional states.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shoulders sagged

Replaces 'slumped' with 'sagged', keeping a similar meaning with different verb.

drooping shoulders

Focuses on the visual aspect of the shoulders sagging, emphasizing the physical manifestation of sadness or fatigue.

slouching posture

Highlights the overall posture as being indicative of low spirits or lack of energy.

downcast shoulders

Emphasizes the shoulders pointing downwards to indicate dejection.

stooped shoulders

Implies a bending forward of the shoulders, suggesting a burden or a sense of being weighed down.

dejected posture

Focuses on the overall feeling of sadness and disappointment reflected in the body language.

defeated stance

Emphasizes the sense of loss and resignation conveyed by the way someone stands.

bearing slumped

Focuses on the overall bearing or demeanor, highlighting the lack of confidence and energy.

his spirit sank

Shifts the focus to the internal emotional state rather than the physical manifestation.

crestfallen appearance

Emphasizes the overall look of disappointment and sadness.

FAQs

How can I use "shoulders slumped" in a sentence?

You can use "shoulders slumped" to describe a character's posture when they are feeling sad, defeated, or tired. For example, "After hearing the news, he walked away with his /s/shoulders+slumped/".

What does "shoulders slumped" mean?

"Shoulders slumped" describes a posture where the shoulders are drooping or sagging, often indicating a feeling of sadness, disappointment, or exhaustion.

What are some alternative ways to say "shoulders slumped"?

Some alternatives include "drooping shoulders", "slouching posture", or "stooped shoulders", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "shoulders slumped"?

Yes, "shoulders slumped" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in English to describe someone's posture reflecting their emotional state.