slump over

USAGE SUMMARY

"slump over" is a correct and usable term in written English.
It typically means to lean or droop over, usually due to exhaustion or fatigue. For example, "John was so tired from the long day that he could barely stand, so he slumped over at his desk."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

People slump over, suddenly fatigued.

The Guardian

The first thing I have a memory of is seeing the Judge slump over.

The New Yorker

The good Italian dishes are the ones you slump over on your elbows as you put the world to rights.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Why was that slump, over and done with by 1922, so much shorter than the following decade's?

The New York Times

AT one point — largely because of all of the attention I was paying to the chat box — Jaredpower Afarensis even appeared to slump over and go to sleep.

The New York Times

He designated Specialist Gordon a casualty, and ordered him to slump over, paralyzed as if the nerve gas in the other room had penetrated his protective suit.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

The rooms are stuffed with desks, computers, whiteboards and dozens of engineers slumped over laptops.

The New York Times

Jackson slumped over at the waist as Davis rounded the bases.

The New York Times - Sports

The vehicle's medic Joshua Lord told the jury he saw Sgt Johnson "slumped over" in the hatch.

BBC

She slumps over in her chair.

Huffington Post

"She was slumped over," he recalled.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slump over" to vividly describe a physical manifestation of exhaustion, defeat, or lack of interest. It's more impactful than simply saying someone is tired or bored.

Common error

Avoid using "slump over" in formal writing or professional settings where a more neutral or sophisticated term might be more appropriate. Opt for words like "lean" or "bend" depending on the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "slump over" primarily functions as a descriptive element, detailing a physical action that often reflects an emotional or physical state. Ludwig provides examples showing how it illustrates exhaustion or defeat.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slump over" is a phrasal verb used to describe the act of leaning or drooping, often indicating exhaustion or defeat. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in written English and demonstrates its prevalence in news and media, as well as informal contexts. While generally appropriate, avoid using "slump over" in highly formal settings. Instead, consider alternatives like "lean over" or "bend down". Using "slump over" effectively can vividly depict a character's physical and emotional state, enhancing the impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slouch

A less dramatic version of slumping, implying a relaxed or lazy posture.

droop

Implies a gradual decline in posture, often due to fatigue.

collapse

Suggests a sudden and complete loss of posture or strength.

hunch over

Focuses on the rounding of the back and shoulders.

stoop

Implies bending forward and downward.

bend over

Describes a simple bending motion, not necessarily negative.

keel over

Suggests a sudden and unexpected falling to the side.

cave in

Emphasizes a giving way or collapsing inward.

lounge

Describes a relaxed and often lazy posture.

recline

Implies leaning back in a relaxed or resting position.

FAQs

What does "slump over" mean?

The phrase "slump over" means to lean or droop downwards, often due to fatigue, exhaustion, or a lack of energy. It suggests a loss of posture and can also imply a feeling of defeat or disinterest.

How can I use "slump over" in a sentence?

You might say, "After working all day, he tended to "droop" or "slump" over his desk." This conveys a physical manifestation of his tiredness.

What are some alternatives to "slump over"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "slouch", "droop", "collapse", or "hunch over". Each carries slightly different nuances of posture and emotion.

Is "slump over" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "slump over" is generally better suited for informal or descriptive writing. In formal contexts, consider using more neutral terms like "lean forward" or "bend down" for enhanced professional tone.