standing like that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "standing like that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's posture or position in a specific manner, often implying a certain attitude or demeanor. Example: "She was standing like that, arms crossed and foot tapping, clearly impatient for the meeting to start."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Commenting on his posture, the policeman said "Standing like that you will," and then asked him if he was "fruit".

The Guardian

Yet some of the plausible arguments that Democrats were making earlier in the week about Mr. Obama's standing — like that his position would be more robust in the swing states — are looking weaker now.

The New York Times

She is still standing like that when Andy comes home with groceries at 10 P.M., her palms facing the droning light bulb, so perfectly still that he yelps when he spots her.

The New Yorker

"Why are they standing like that?

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

'Oh, the model's dress doesn't look good, and she should be standing like this, like that.' "Even my long-term assistant wouldn't have felt comfortable saying those things to that man.

The New York Times - Style

In the distance was the blackened, burned-out shell that used to be Mubarak's NDP party headquarters, destroyed in the revolution and still standing, like a carcass that cannot be discarded.

The Guardian - Books

They are completely covered in oil and one of them is standing like a statue that has become black over time.

The Guardian - Arts

We've got really good players yet when they passed it I saw them standing about and I don't like that.

Independent

And we have to wonder why she's standing there like that, like someone who sees a doorway not as a thing to pass through, but as a thing to stand in, making a point by not passing through, refusing to pass through.

Huffington Post

The actor recalled that standing like a statue was difficult since "first of all, I didn't realize how hard it is on the back to stand absolutely tall and straight and not move.

Wikipedia

The Forest Service, which manages most of the forest land in the valley, is considering letting loggers harvest as many as 73,000 acres of blackened trees that are standing like a ghost forest on the burned hillsides.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "standing like that" to vividly describe a person's posture, emphasizing the attitude or impression they convey. For instance, "He was standing like that, hands on his hips, clearly ready for a confrontation."

Common error

Avoid using "standing like that" in highly formal writing where more precise or professional language is expected. Instead, opt for alternatives like "positioned in that manner" or "with that posture".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "standing like that" functions primarily as a descriptive element within a sentence. It modifies a verb, adding detail about the manner in which someone is standing and, by extension, their implied attitude or state. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Wiki

18%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "standing like that" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe a posture, often implying an attitude or demeanor. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is generally correct, fitting comfortably within neutral contexts such as news articles and general descriptions. While common, it may be less suitable for formal or scientific writing, where more precise or professional language may be preferred. Consider alternatives like "positioned in that way" or "with that posture" in such scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

posing in that manner

Replaces "standing" with "posing", suggesting a deliberate posture and adds "in that manner" to enhance formality.

positioned in that way

Substitutes "standing" with "positioned", indicating arrangement and "like that" with "in that way" for a more neutral tone.

in that stance

Replaces the entire phrase with a concise alternative focusing on posture or bearing.

with that posture

Focuses specifically on the physical attitude, replacing "standing" with a more general term.

in that pose

Similar to "posing in that manner" but shorter, implying a held or intentional position.

with that bearing

Highlights the overall impression or demeanor conveyed by the way someone is standing.

in that attitude

Emphasizes the mental or emotional state implied by the way someone is standing.

with that disposition

Implies that someone is "standing" with a particular state of mind

located in that position

Focuses on the physical location and arrangement of someone or something.

situated in that fashion

Uses more formal synonyms for "standing" and "like that", resulting in a more sophisticated tone.

FAQs

How can I describe someone "standing like that" more formally?

Consider using phrases such as "positioned in that way" or "with that posture", which offer a more professional tone.

Is "standing like that" grammatically correct?

Yes, "standing like that" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both spoken and written English to describe someone's posture or position.

What does "standing like that" imply?

"Standing like that" often implies a specific attitude, demeanor, or intention based on the way someone is positioned. The specific meaning depends on the context.

Are there any alternatives to "standing like that" that emphasize a deliberate pose?

Yes, phrases such as "posing in that manner" or "in that pose" emphasize the intentional nature of the posture.