stood erect

USAGE SUMMARY

"stood erect" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It means to stand or be in an upright position, with a straight and tall posture. Examples: 1. The soldiers stood erect and saluted their commanding officer. 2. Despite her old age, the ballerina stood erect and graceful on stage. 3. The statue of the great leader stood erect in the town square, a symbol of strength and resilience. 4. The young boy stood erect with his chest puffed out, trying to look taller and more confident. 5. As the national anthem played, everyone in the stadium stood erect with their hands over their hearts.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

The bird stood erect on land.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At that time people stood erect.

The New Yorker

It is doubtful that Oreopithecus habitually stood erect.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The hairs on his forearm stood erect, like little soldiers.

The New Yorker

The apes stood erect mainly to reach for fruit while on fairly narrow branches.

The Guardian

Behind them, center stage, a "drummer" stood erect with a lone high-hat cymbal.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

"No man can stand erect without one.

The New York Times - Arts

She takes a deep breath, then stands erect.

The New York Times - Arts

hrish, to stand erect, to bristle], to stand on end, stand erect, to bristle. A. To move in an unsteady, shaking manner.

Harvard University

Some species of Silene stand erect; others are spreading or cushion plants.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Another unresolved mystery centers on the first hominids to stand erect on their two hind legs.

The New York Times - Science

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stood erect" to describe a posture that is not only upright but also conveys a sense of attention, dignity, or formality. It's more impactful than simply saying "stood up".

Common error

Avoid using "stood erect" in contexts where a neutral description of standing is sufficient. This phrase often carries connotations of formality, pride, or tension, and using it inappropriately can sound awkward or overly dramatic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stood erect" functions as a verb phrase, typically used to describe the action of standing in an upright and often formal or attentive manner. Ludwig AI affirms this is a correct and usable English phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

17%

Science

12%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "stood erect" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that describes the action of standing upright, often with connotations of formality, attentiveness, or dignity. As validated by Ludwig AI, its usage spans various contexts, predominantly in news media, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While alternatives like "stood upright" exist, "stood erect" carries a more specific implication of deliberate posture. It is essential to use this phrase judiciously, considering its connotations to ensure it aligns with the intended tone and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stood upright

Focuses on the vertical position of someone or something.

remained standing

Emphasizes the act of continuing to stand.

held oneself erect

Highlights the effort and control in maintaining an upright posture.

assumed an upright posture

Suggests a deliberate action of straightening up.

maintained an upright position

Focuses on the sustained nature of the posture.

stood tall

Conveys a sense of pride and confidence in one's posture.

straightened up

Implies a correction from a previously slouched or bent position.

arose to a standing position

Describes the action of moving from a seated or lying position to standing.

was in an upright stance

Describes something being vertical and straight.

presented an erect figure

Highlights the visual aspect of someone standing straight and tall.

FAQs

How can I use "stood erect" in a sentence?

Use "stood erect" to describe someone or something maintaining a straight, upright posture, often conveying attentiveness or dignity. For example, "The soldier "stood erect" during the ceremony".

What's a good alternative to "stood erect"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "stood upright", "remained standing", or "held oneself erect".

Is it ever incorrect to use "stood erect"?

While grammatically correct, "stood erect" might be inappropriate if the situation doesn't warrant the formality or emphasis on posture. Using a simpler phrase like "stood up" might be better in casual contexts.

What does "stood erect" imply beyond just standing?

"Stood erect" often implies a deliberate action to maintain a straight, dignified posture. It can suggest attentiveness, respect, or even defiance, depending on the context.