sloping shoulders

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "sloping shoulders" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a physical characteristic of a person, often in the context of their posture or appearance. Example: "She wore a dress that accentuated her sloping shoulders, giving her an elegant silhouette."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

Arnold also had the structure of sloping shoulders which made him look round shouldered and he had to work hard to bring up the lateral delts in order to widen them out.

Huffington Post

He has long legs, sloping shoulders, and a craning neck.

The New Yorker

His long neck and sloping shoulders reminded people of a Picasso acrobat.

The New York Times - Arts

Butcher tells us, "He had my brawny sloping shoulders, my lower lip, my hairy back, my peasant calves".

The New Yorker

Of course it was her boyfriend, that heavy fellow with the sloping shoulders who had been at the wedding.

The New Yorker

His sloping shoulders straightened out imperceptibly over the weeks, his smile grew more natural, his blue eyes brightened.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

10 human-written examples

At Wooller in Northumberland, however, the hilltop is level, with a convex sloping shoulder.

The Economist

It's the contrast between yellow skin and curling black hair; the sloping shoulder; the sallow buttock; the nubby, ribby little tits, their useless pink nipples rimmed with spider's legs.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

After Hawking is diagnosed with motor neurone disease at 21, Redmayne's physical transformation as the scientist's health deteriorates is remarkable - the sloping shoulder, curled limbs, slurred speech.

BBC

To qualify for the riding section, a horse must carry itself well, and have a long neck, small head, sloping shoulder and well-defined withers.

Wikipedia

New Forest ponies should be of riding type, workmanlike, and strong in conformation, with a sloping shoulder and powerful hindquarters; the body should be deep, and the legs straight with strong, flat bone, and hard, rounded hooves.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character, use "sloping shoulders" to subtly suggest a lack of confidence, physical weakness, or a particular fashion style, depending on the context. Remember that this physical trait is often associated with different implications.

Common error

Avoid automatically associating "sloping shoulders" with negative traits like weakness or poor posture. While it can imply these qualities, it may also be a neutral physical characteristic or even a feature of a specific fashion silhouette. Consider the overall context to avoid misrepresentation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sloping shoulders" primarily functions as a descriptive noun phrase. It modifies a noun (implied or stated) to provide information about a person's or object's physical attributes. Ludwig examples show it describing both people and inanimate objects like bottles or clothing styles. According to Ludwig, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Science

9%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "sloping shoulders" is a grammatically sound and frequently used descriptive phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability, underscoring its role in portraying physical attributes across varied contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Wiki sources, its neutral register makes it versatile for both formal and informal writing. While commonly associated with particular body types or fashion styles, it's essential to avoid inherent negative connotations, appreciating the phrase's descriptive power for nuanced characterizations and vivid imagery.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

downward-sloping shoulders

More explicitly describes the direction and angle of the shoulders.

drooping shoulders

Focuses more on the downward angle and posture of the shoulders.

slouched shoulders

Emphasizes a posture that is not erect, implying a lack of proper stance.

rounded shoulders

Describes the curvature of the shoulders, rather than the angle.

stooped shoulders

Indicates a more pronounced forward bend of the shoulders, suggesting age or weariness.

declining shoulders

Similar to sloping, but might suggest a gradual decrease in shoulder height relative to the neck.

slanted shoulders

Uses 'slanted' as a synonym for 'sloping', maintaining the description of an angled shoulder line.

inclined shoulders

Uses 'inclined' similarly to 'sloping', describing the angle of the shoulders.

narrow shoulders

Describes the width of the shoulders, which can contribute to the perception of sloping.

weak shoulders

Suggests a lack of muscular development in the shoulder area, possibly contributing to a sloping appearance.

FAQs

How can I describe "sloping shoulders" in more detail?

You can add adjectives before "sloping" such as "narrow", "gently", or "steeply" to provide a more nuanced description. For instance, "narrow sloping shoulders" might suggest a slight frame, while "steeply sloping shoulders" could imply a more pronounced posture.

What's the difference between "drooping shoulders" and "sloping shoulders"?

"Sloping shoulders" generally refer to a natural physical characteristic where the shoulders angle downward from the neck. "Drooping shoulders", on the other hand, often suggest a posture issue or a lack of energy, implying a temporary or habitual condition.

Is it appropriate to use "sloping shoulders" in formal writing?

Yes, "sloping shoulders" is appropriate for formal writing as long as it's relevant to the context and used respectfully. It is a descriptive term that doesn't carry inherent negative connotations unless the surrounding text implies them.

What are some other physical features often associated with "sloping shoulders"?

Depending on the context, "sloping shoulders" might be associated with a long neck, a narrow frame, or specific types of clothing styles that either accentuate or de-emphasize the shoulder line. It's important to consider the overall physical description to avoid stereotypes.