slumped across

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slumped across" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is leaning or resting in a relaxed or exhausted manner, often across a surface or object. Example: "After a long day at work, she slumped across the couch, too tired to move."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

But Congress didn't pass such a ban, and gun sales have slumped across the industry.

The Washington Post

He and Gow slumped across the finish line, beating the time limit by several hours.

The New Yorker

A woman was slumped across the passenger seat next to him, turning blue.

The Washington Post

While she spoke, Castile lay slumped across the car seat, with blood stains on his shirt.

The Guardian

Her photo showed her slumped across her desk, blond hair fanning over her laptop.

The New York Times - Books

As she came across Dunleavy's cubicle, Suarez eyed Dunleavy's cadaverous form slumped across his desk, face down.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

They slump across from him, and from their pocket, gratefully remove a book.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Auto sales continue to slump across the board in Europe.

The New York Times

Share prices slump across Europe as Greece shuts its banks for a week.

The Guardian - Business

But six days before referendum day he slumps across his desk in No 10.

The Guardian - Books

A caterpillar dressed in a business suit slumps across the desk.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "slumped across" to vividly describe a character's physical state, especially when conveying exhaustion, defeat, or a lack of energy. This adds depth and realism to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "slumped across" when describing deliberate or graceful movements. It's best suited for conveying a lack of control or diminished physical state, not intentional actions.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slumped across" functions primarily as a descriptive verb phrase, often used to depict a state of physical exhaustion, collapse, or a lack of energy. Ludwig examples show it describing people or objects in a state of rest or defeat, leaning heavily onto something.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "slumped across" is a versatile descriptive term primarily used to paint a picture of someone or something in a state of exhaustion or collapse. As evidenced by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly found in news and media sources. The phrase functions as a descriptive verb phrase, communicating a visual image of diminished physical state, and generally maintains a neutral register. While alternatives like "leaned over" or "collapsed onto" exist, "slumped across" provides a specific nuance of horizontal orientation and lack of energy. Ludwig's AI confirms its acceptability in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Slouched over

Similar to "slumped", but emphasizes poor posture or lack of effort.

Leaned over

Implies a less dramatic and more controlled leaning position.

Collapsed onto

Suggests a sudden and often involuntary fall or sinking down.

Sprawled across

Indicates a more extended and less controlled posture.

Draped over

Suggests a loose and casual placement of the body over something.

Fell against

Emphasizes the suddenness of the movement and the lack of control.

Layed down on

Focuses specifically on a horizontal position, suggesting resting or reclining.

Sunk into

Suggests a gradual descent into a soft or yielding surface.

Lazed on

Implies relaxation and leisure in the posture.

Rested upon

Suggests a gentle and deliberate placement of the body for support.

FAQs

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

"Slumped across" is used to describe someone or something leaning or falling heavily onto something else, often due to exhaustion or lack of energy. Example: "After the race, he "slumped across" the finish line."

What are some alternatives to "slumped across"?

Alternatives to "slumped across" include "leaned over", "collapsed onto", or "slouched over", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to use "slumped across" to describe an object?

While typically used for people, "slumped across" can describe an object if it's being personified or if its placement suggests a similar lack of structure or support. For instance, "The flag "slumped across" the pole in the windless air."

What's the difference between "slumped across" and "slumped against"?

"Slumped across" implies a horizontal orientation, where the subject is lying or leaning over something. "Slumped against", on the other hand, suggests a vertical orientation, where the subject is leaning against something for support.