small of her back

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small of her back" is grammatically correct and common in written English.
It is often used to describe the narrow or graceful curve of a person's lower back. Example: She turned to face him, her hand resting lightly on the small of her back.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Her waist was concave at the small of her back.

The New Yorker

I have seen the nude small of her back.

The New Yorker

My face was in the small of her back.

The Guardian

"What?" He places a hand on the small of her back.

The New Yorker

His hand slid up her leg to the small of her back and held tight.

The New Yorker

They could not stop smiling, and his hand never left the small of her back.

The New York Times

She sometimes tucks a gun in the small of her back.

The New York Times - Style

I had one hand in her hair, and one on the small of her back.

The Guardian - Books

"Come sit," he said, coaxing the girl with a hand at the small of her back.

The New Yorker

Lena Dunham, the writer, director, and producer, has Eloise tattooed on the small of her back.

The New Yorker

I delete the app and press the reset button on the small of her back.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "small of her back" to add a touch of elegance and specificity when describing a person's physique or a gesture involving that area.

Common error

Avoid using "small of her back" in formal medical documentation. Opt for clinically precise terms like "lumbar region" for clarity and professionalism.

Linguistic Context

"Small of her back" functions primarily as a noun phrase, specifically a descriptive anatomical reference. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its usage in narrative contexts to describe physical attributes or interactions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Wiki

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "small of her back" is a grammatically sound and commonly used noun phrase, primarily functioning as a descriptive anatomical reference. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for narrative and descriptive writing, particularly in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's best to avoid using it in formal medical documentation, opting instead for clinically precise terms. For alternatives, consider "lower back region" or "hollow of her back" for different nuances. Ludwig's examples show the phrase is frequently used to create visual or tactile imagery, adding depth to descriptions of people and interactions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the hollow of her back

Emphasizes the indentation or concavity of the lower back.

lower back region

Focuses on the anatomical region instead of a specific descriptor, resulting in a less evocative description.

the dip in her back

Focuses on the visual aspect of a dip or indentation.

curve of her spine

Highlights the curvature of the spine in that area rather than the specific location.

the arch of her back

Highlights the curvature or arch shape of the lower back.

the base of her spine

Emphasizes the foundational aspect of the spine in the lower back.

her lumbar region

Uses medical terminology for a more clinical or formal tone.

where her back curved inward

Describes the physical feature of concavity, shifting focus from the area's name.

the lumbar area

A more clinical and less descriptive term for the lower back.

her waist

Refers to the general area around the midsection, lacking the specificity of the original phrase.

FAQs

How can I use "small of her back" in a sentence?

You can use "small of her back" to describe a physical feature (e.g., "Her dress accentuated the curve of the small of her back"), or an action (e.g., "He gently placed his hand on the small of her back").

What are some alternatives to "small of her back"?

Consider using phrases like "lower back region", "curve of her spine", or "hollow of her back" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "small of her back" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "small of her back" is generally more suited for descriptive or narrative writing. In formal or medical contexts, using terms like "lumbar region" may be more appropriate.

What does "small of her back" refer to?

The phrase "small of her back" refers to the narrow part of the back that curves inward above the buttocks.