stooped shoulders

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stooped shoulders" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a posture where a person's shoulders are bent forward, often indicating a lack of confidence or physical strain. Example: "After years of hard labor, he walked into the room with stooped shoulders, a testament to the weight he had carried."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Mr. Devillers, 51, has graying hair and stands with slightly stooped shoulders.

The New York Times

He had stooped shoulders, a thinning comb-over and a tired, distracted mien.

The New York Times - Magazine

Francis Upritchard's rainbow-skinned figures may have stooped shoulders, sagging bellies and bald heads, but they never stop dancing.

The Guardian - Arts

He had a big head, a crooked smile, stooped shoulders, and a boyish, loose-jointed way of moving.

The New Yorker

Mr. Cranston looks as gaunt as always, with his bald head and stooped shoulders, and he still sprints every other day.

The New York Times

By his 50's, he already had the look of some fearsome Old Testament prophet, with his unkempt white hair, scraggly beard, stooped shoulders and sour disposition.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

He steps through the splintered front door of an apartment building, leans stooped, shoulder against a charred wall.

Vice

They were silent, with tight lips and stooping shoulders, or they yelled terrible insults at the children who harassed them.

The New York Times - Books

The worn, worried face and stooping shoulders of Marty's wife, Therese Susie Traylingg), perpetually carrying a baby, and carefully choosing a pepper from the vegetable cart, speak eloquently of the difficulties of making ends meet in a world where the ends keep moving.

The Guardian

It described him as a "tall, florid man, with a broad beard—'the head more white then the beard' and stooping shoulders, being also 'long footed, small legged'".

Wikipedia

He walked, stoop-shouldered, along Hagefen Street and Tarpat Street, until he reached Nava's primary school.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "stooped shoulders", consider the emotional or physical context you wish to convey. It can suggest age, weariness, defeat, or poor posture habits. Be mindful of the specific nuance you want to communicate.

Common error

Avoid attributing "stooped shoulders" solely to age. While it can be a sign of aging, it's also caused by prolonged sitting, poor ergonomics, or underlying medical conditions. Accurately describing the broader context is key.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stooped shoulders" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase modifying a noun (e.g., "He had stooped shoulders"). Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its use in describing physical appearance or posture.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "stooped shoulders" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe a posture characterized by rounded, forward-bent shoulders. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples of its usage in various contexts, predominantly in news and media. The phrase can convey physical conditions like aging or poor posture, as well as emotional states such as weariness or defeat. Alternatives like "hunched shoulders" or "slumped posture" offer similar meanings, but each carries slightly different connotations. When using "stooped shoulders", consider the specific nuance you wish to convey and avoid attributing it solely to age, as other factors may contribute to this posture.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hunched shoulders

Describes a similar posture, but emphasizes a more rounded and forward curvature of the upper back and shoulders.

drooping shoulders

Emphasizes the downward aspect of the shoulders, suggesting sadness or fatigue.

slumped posture

Focuses on the overall posture, indicating a lack of uprightness and a general drooping of the body.

stooping figure

Shifts the focus from the shoulders to the overall body silhouette, emphasizing the act of stooping.

bowed shoulders

Describes shoulders that are curved forward, similar to a bow.

rounded back

Highlights the curvature of the spine as the primary characteristic.

sunken chest

Highlights the inward collapse of the chest area, often associated with stooped shoulders.

kyphotic posture

A more formal, medical term describing an excessive outward curvature of the spine.

forward head posture

Describes the head being positioned in front of the body, which can contribute to stooped shoulders.

poor posture

A general term indicating any deviation from a proper upright alignment of the body.

FAQs

What does it mean to have "stooped shoulders"?

Having "stooped shoulders" refers to a posture where the shoulders are rounded forward, often indicating poor posture, age, or emotional distress.

What are some common causes of "stooped shoulders"?

Common causes include prolonged sitting, poor posture habits, age-related changes, and certain medical conditions.

What are some phrases similar to "stooped shoulders"?

You can use phrases like "hunched shoulders", "slumped posture", or "rounded back" to describe a similar posture.

How can I correct "stooped shoulders"?

Correcting "stooped shoulders" often involves exercises to strengthen back muscles, improve posture awareness, and address any underlying medical conditions. Consulting a physical therapist is recommended.