squatting

USAGE SUMMARY

"squatting" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is a verb which means to crouch or sit with the body close to the ground, typically with the heels touching the buttocks. You can use it in any context where this action is being described. For example: "The little boy was squatting beneath the table as he played with his toys."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Oh I wanna dance with somebody!" Whitney Houston belts from the stereo, as I lean forward, bottom out, squatting for what feels like the hundredth time.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In a disproportionately large number of what could be termed "social catastrophes", alcohol featured hugely – squatting right at the centre of the mayhem in the manner of a smirking dipsomaniac goblin.

The Guardian - Opinion

Low rents (or if you were squatting, no rents) enabled people to work in the arts, to create music (I was sampled on a Madchester dance record, aged three) write literature and paint.

The Guardian - Opinion

While the government has made squatting in residential premises a criminal offence, squatting in commercial premises remains a civil offence.

The Guardian

twerk, verb: dance to popular music in a sexually provocative manner involving thrusting hip movements and a low, squatting stance.

The Guardian - Books

Like many others who migrate to Mumbai in search of work, Pujan spent years squatting on open land in the city with his relatives.

The Guardian

Gordon Brown has not been "squatting" in Downing Street for the last few days – he has had to stay on as prime minister until a new prime minister emerged.

The Guardian - Opinion

But even when the sun was out in the final session there were signs of erratic bounce with some deliveries from the seamers squatting and one off-break from Moeen Ali that bounced alarmingly from a length to flick the glove of Watling, then 50, and provide a difficult chance for Jos Buttler which he spilled.

The Guardian - Sport

So the criminalisation of squatting, the attitudes of buy-to-let landlords (typified by the Daily Mail's offering last week of a buy-to-let property as a competition prize), the right to buy and the carving up of housing association stock constitute a national scandal.

The Guardian - Opinion

There was Tony Greig's Weatherwatch station, sometimes un-sponsored, at other times backed by Rexona or Dulux, because nothing screams "paint the house" like a 50-year old man squatting on a cricket pitch pointing at an incomprehensible dial.

The Guardian - Sport

As the city presses upon the neighbouring Sanjay Gandhi National Park, leopards have begun entering settlements and have sometimes killed squatting humans, especially children, after mistaking them for prey.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical actions, use "squatting" to vividly depict someone's posture, especially when they are close to the ground and maintaining balance. This term provides a clear and concise image for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "crouching" or "kneeling" interchangeably with "squatting". While related, "squatting" specifically refers to a posture where the knees are bent, and the buttocks are close to the heels, whereas "crouching" can involve a higher stance, and "kneeling" involves resting on the knees.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "squatting" can be as a verb (present participle) describing an ongoing action, as seen in examples from Ludwig like "squatting for what feels like the hundredth time". It can also function as a noun, denoting the act of occupying property illegally.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

33%

Less common in

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "squatting" is a versatile word with two primary meanings: describing a physical posture and denoting the illegal occupation of property. Ludwig AI confirms that "squatting" is a correct and usable term. Grammatically, it functions as both a verb (present participle) and a noun. Contextually, it spans from neutral descriptions of physical actions to more formal references in legal or social discussions, as observed in sources like The Guardian and The Economist. While generally correct, it's important to distinguish "squatting" from related terms like "crouching" or "kneeling" to ensure accuracy. In summary, "squatting" is a commonly used and generally accepted term, provided it's employed with contextual awareness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

crouching down

Emphasizes the action of lowering oneself to a crouching position.

hunkering down

Implies a more defensive or protective posture, often used in anticipation of something.

taking up residence illegally

Focuses on the unlawful occupancy aspect of squatting in property.

illegally occupying

Highlights the illegal aspect of residing in a place without permission.

sitting on one's haunches

Describes the physical posture of squatting more formally.

bending low

Describes the action of lowering oneself, similar to squatting but not as low.

encamped illegally

Suggests a temporary or semi-permanent illegal settlement.

settling without permission

Underscores the lack of authorization in establishing a residence.

occupying without title

Focuses on the absence of legal ownership or right to occupy.

lodging illicitly

Emphasizes the hidden or unauthorized nature of the lodging.

FAQs

How can I use "squatting" in a sentence to describe a physical position?

You can use "squatting" to describe someone who is positioned low to the ground with their knees bent and their weight resting on their feet. For example, "The mechanic was "squatting" to examine the underside of the car".

What is the difference between "squatting" and "crouching"?

"Squatting" typically involves a lower position where the buttocks are closer to the heels, while "crouching" can refer to a more upright posture with bent knees. "Squatting" implies a full lowering of the body.

Is "squatting" only used to describe physical positions?

No, "squatting" can also refer to the act of illegally occupying a building or land. The meaning depends on the context. For example, "Squatting in abandoned buildings has become a growing issue in the city".

What are some alternative ways to say "squatting" when referring to illegal occupation?

Instead of "squatting", you could say "illegally occupying", "taking up residence illegally", or "settling without permission". These alternatives emphasize the unlawful nature of the action.