sitting at home

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sitting at home" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is physically present in their home, often implying a sense of inactivity or leisure. Example: "On rainy days, I enjoy sitting at home with a good book and a cup of tea."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

He was sitting at home!

The New Yorker

"Last year we were sitting at home.

The New York Times

He was sitting at home reading, waiting for his documents.

The New York Times

But I'm not used to sitting at home".

The New Yorker

"Now they're sitting at home on crates of pasta".

The Economist

You're sitting at home, feeling bad about yourself.

The New Yorker

"I don't want to be sitting at home," she said.

The New York Times

"Better than sitting at home with those senile people".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Who will give me food if I keep sitting [at home]?

BMJ Open

(M-51; MGNREGA) Who will give me food if I keep sitting [at home]?

BMJ Open

(Heck, it beats sitting at home knitting).

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "sitting at home" to vividly depict a scene of inactivity, relaxation, or even boredom. Consider the emotional context to enhance the message. For instance, "sitting at home, pondering life" suggests contemplation, while "sitting at home, feeling bad about yourself" evokes negativity.

Common error

Avoid using "sitting at home" when you mean "being at home" if the context involves activities beyond just sitting. "Being at home" is a broader term, suitable for scenarios where someone is engaged in various tasks around the house, not just idly sitting.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "sitting at home" is that of a gerund phrase, often used as a noun or part of a continuous verb construction. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes the action of sitting at one's residence. It can act as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Science

16%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "sitting at home" is a common and grammatically correct gerund phrase used to depict a state of being or an action characterized by inactivity or relaxation at one's residence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s versatile enough to fit into various sentence structures, serving as a noun or part of a continuous verb. While typically neutral in tone, the phrase can convey different connotations based on context, ranging from peaceful leisure to loneliness. The phrase sees frequent usage in news and media, while still retaining a good presence in scientific contexts. When using this phrase, be mindful of its implications and select alternatives like "staying indoors" or "relaxing at home" if a different nuance is desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

staying indoors

Focuses on the location, emphasizing being inside rather than the activity of sitting.

remaining at home

Emphasizes the act of staying and the location of home.

lounging at home

Adds a sense of relaxation and leisure to the act of being at home.

relaxing at home

Focuses on the relaxation aspect of being at home.

spending time at home

Highlights the allocation of time to being at home.

nesting

Implies creating a comfortable and secure environment at home.

homing

Emphasizes the action of going or returning home.

staying put

Highlights the lack of movement or travel, focusing on remaining in place.

curled up at home

Implies a cozy and comfortable position while at home.

idle at home

Suggests a state of inactivity and lack of purpose while at home.

FAQs

How can I use "sitting at home" in a sentence?

Use "sitting at home" to describe a state of inactivity or leisure, such as, "I enjoy "sitting at home" reading on rainy days" or "He was "sitting at home" waiting for his documents".

What are some alternatives to "sitting at home"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "staying indoors", "remaining at home", or "lounging at home".

When should I use "staying at home" instead of "sitting at home"?

"Staying at home" is a broader term referring to being present at one's residence, while ""sitting at home"" implies a more passive state of resting or idleness. Use "staying at home" when the person is engaged in diverse activities.

What does "sitting at home" imply?

"Sitting at home" typically implies a state of leisure, inactivity, or waiting. It can also suggest a sense of boredom or isolation, depending on the surrounding context. The phrase itself is neutral, but the implication is made by the context.