sitting on the computer

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sitting on the computer" is not correct in standard English usage.
It is typically used incorrectly, as it suggests a physical action that doesn't accurately describe how one interacts with a computer. Example: "I spent the whole afternoon sitting on the computer, trying to finish my project."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

Then, late one night a few days before Christmas, "I was sitting on the computer, drinking, and I got a message from him," he told me.

The New Yorker

"Because I'm sitting on the computer charger".

The Guardian - Music

"She didn't really mind too much that I wasn't paying her any attention and was sitting on the computer all the time," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

But a slew of gadgets, like the coming Apple TV, promise to erase the divide between the Internet and your home entertainment center by easily transporting a movie file sitting on the computer to the 52-inch plasma television in the living room, or magically giving the set Internet access.

The New York Times

E: Now you are just sitting on the computer to find artists on YouTube?

TechCrunch

"A few hours ago I was sitting on the computer typing on a 10-key," Foster said afterward.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

a much better idea of what is sitting on the computers of its employees.

BBC

I have been trying to gather information about what's going on; dozens of people have come and gone since I've been sitting on this computer, each one bringing in different bits of information.

Huffington Post

Don't just sit on the couch and do nothing or sitting on the chair facing the computer.

WikiHow

A copy of the Post was sitting on the table with the computers.

The New Yorker

I see you, and I ask you – why?" He gestures to the computer sitting on the table at his elbow.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Instead of saying someone is "sitting on the computer", specify the action they are performing. For example, "using", "programming", or "browsing".

Common error

Avoid literal interpretations. "Sitting on the computer" implies physical contact which is usually not the intended meaning. Use alternatives like "working on" or "using" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sitting on the computer" functions as a description of a person's location and assumed activity. However, it's often interpreted literally and doesn't accurately reflect the intended meaning of using a computer, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "sitting on the computer" might be understood colloquially to mean using a computer, it's grammatically and logically flawed, implying a physical act rather than the intended activity. Ludwig's analysis confirms that more precise alternatives such as "using the computer" or "working on the computer" are preferable for clarity and accuracy. Though present in various sources, including News & Media, its usage is discouraged in formal contexts due to its imprecision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

using the computer

Replaces physical action with the intended activity of interacting with the computer.

working on the computer

Focuses on the task being performed with the computer.

at the computer

Indicates location and general activity related to the computer.

on the computer

Specifies an action taking place via the computer's systems or software.

in front of the computer

Emphasizes the physical positioning relative to the computer.

spending time on the computer

Highlights the duration of computer usage.

engaged with the computer

Focuses on the user's active involvement with the computer.

operating the computer

Implies a level of control and functionality being exercised.

interacting with the computer

Stresses the communication and exchange happening with the machine.

accessing the computer

Highlights the act of gaining entry to the computer's system or data.

FAQs

What's wrong with saying "sitting on the computer"?

The phrase "sitting on the computer" is not accurate because it suggests a physical action rather than the activity of using it. It's better to use more precise alternatives.

What can I say instead of "sitting on the computer"?

Consider alternatives such as "using the computer", "working on the computer", or "at the computer" depending on the context.

Is "sitting on the computer" grammatically correct?

No, the phrase "sitting on the computer" is not considered grammatically correct in standard English. It is best to use more accurate phrases.

How to avoid using "sitting on the computer" in my writing?

Focus on the specific action being performed. For example, instead of saying someone is "sitting on the computer", specify if they are "programming the computer", "browsing the internet", or "designing on the computer".