standing on them

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "standing on them" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is physically or metaphorically positioned on top of something or relying on something. Example: "The children were standing on them, trying to reach the top shelf."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

They found a couple of bricks, piled one on top of the other, and took turns standing on them to look in the window.

The New Yorker

Some workers bend the oven doors by standing on them to get extra reach.

The New York Times - Food

Close scans of the rocks picked out only gulls standing on them or bobbing in the water alongside.

The New Yorker

A police officer responds: "If you keep putting your legs up I'm going to keep standing on them.

Independent

But they and others caution that it is not known if standing on them strengthens bones in humans.

The New York Times

The only people you ever see standing on them look as effortless and unselfconscious as someone posing in a full-body security scanner.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

"You usually see them standing on one foot, but in flight is something I've always wanted to see.

The Guardian - Music

He channels energy into his splendid dancers but also knows how to keep them standing on one leg with contemplative calm.

The New York Times - Arts

"Sure," He replieshowsthout mech conviction in his voice.  .

Vice

Standing on one leg.

BMC Pregnancy and Childbirth

Start standing on one foot.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "standing on them" in a metaphorical sense, ensure the context clearly indicates the reliance or advantage being gained from the underlying objects or concepts.

Common error

Avoid using "standing on them" in contexts where the physical imagery clashes with the intended meaning. Choose a more abstract phrase if the literal interpretation creates confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "standing on them" functions as a prepositional phrase. It typically modifies a verb, providing information about location or support. As Ludwig AI shows, the phrase appears in various contexts, describing both physical actions and metaphorical relationships.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

21%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "standing on them" is a grammatically sound and frequently used prepositional phrase that describes both physical positioning and metaphorical reliance. As Ludwig AI confirms, its versatility allows for application across diverse contexts, from news reporting to scientific discussions. While maintaining a neutral register, the phrase's specific meaning is heavily dependent on the surrounding context. Remember to consider the clarity of your intended message when using this phrase, ensuring that the physical or abstract imagery aligns with your overall purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on top of them

More emphatic version of "on", stressing the superior position.

atop them

Replaces "standing on" with a single word indicating a higher position.

upon them

A more formal synonym for "on", indicating placement or reliance.

over them

Indicates a position directly above, sometimes implying dominance.

above them

Specifies a position higher than something else.

balanced on them

Highlights the act of maintaining equilibrium on the objects.

perched on them

Suggests a light or precarious position.

supported by them

Focuses on the support or reliance provided by the objects.

elevated on them

Emphasizes the act of being raised or lifted by something.

relying on them

Shifts the focus to dependence rather than physical location.

FAQs

How can I use "standing on them" in a sentence?

You can use "standing on them" to describe a physical act, such as "The children were "standing on them" to reach the cookies", or metaphorically, like "The company's success is "standing on them", the hard work of its employees".

What are some alternatives to "standing on them"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "atop them", "upon them", "on top of them", or "relying on them".

When is it appropriate to use "standing on them" metaphorically?

It is appropriate when you want to convey the idea of leveraging something for advantage or progress. For example, "Her career is "standing on them", the foundation laid by her mentors".

Is there a difference between "standing on them" and "standing atop them"?

While similar, "standing atop them" is slightly more formal and emphasizes the superior position. "Standing on them" is more general and can simply indicate physical placement.