under her arm

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "under her arm" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the position of an object or a part of the body in relation to someone's arm. Example: "She held the book under her arm as she walked down the street."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The box tucked under her arm.

The New Yorker

It isn't there under her arm, where she left it.

The New Yorker

Third, an art student, with a portfolio under her arm.

The New Yorker

One woman held a Pomeranian under her arm.

The New Yorker

She drew a book from under her arm.

The New Yorker

She was kicking alien arse with a baby under her arm.

Independent

With a rainbow-colored kite under her arm, she expounded on Travers: "She followed Gurdjieff.

The New Yorker

So she brought her penis, "Fillette," carrying it jauntily under her arm, like an Hermès handbag.

The New Yorker

When the assistant and I returned, she had a bird tucked under her arm.

The New Yorker

By chance, her doctor noticed a lump under her arm during a routine exam.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

There was one day she was found going up towards the cemetery with a blanket under her arm.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "under her arm" to describe the carrying of objects, especially when implying a sense of casualness or informality. For a more formal tone, consider "beneath her arm."

Common error

Avoid using "under her arm" when a more precise preposition like "between her arm and body" is needed for clarity. Make sure the object's position is accurately conveyed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "under her arm" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate location and manner. It specifies where something is situated in relation to a person's body, as Ludwig's examples from news sources show.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "under her arm" is a common and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to describe the location of an object in relation to a person's arm. Ludwig highlights that this phrase is widely employed in news and media, as well as in more informal contexts. The usage of "under her arm" effectively communicates descriptive details, aiding in visualization and adding clarity to narratives. When a more formal tone is required, alternatives such as "beneath her arm" can be considered, but overall, the phrase is versatile and well-understood. According to Ludwig, "under her arm" is accurate and usable in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

beneath her arm

Synonymous; replaces "under" with "beneath" for a slightly more formal tone.

tucked under her arm

Adds emphasis on the action of tucking something securely.

clutched under her arm

Highlights the action of holding something tightly for security.

held close to her side

Describes the position without explicitly mentioning the arm.

carried at her side

Focuses on the action of carrying and the location relative to the body.

with something in her grasp

Describes the act of holding something in hand

nestled under her arm

Emphasizes comfort and security of something held

securely beneath her arm

Highlights the security aspect of holding an item close

supported by her arm

Focuses on the arm as a support for the object.

gripped tightly at her side

Describes a firm hold and position without specific arm reference.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "under her arm" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you could use alternatives such as "beneath her arm" or "at her side" depending on the specific context. Consider if the formality is truly necessary, as "under her arm" is widely accepted and understood.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "under her arm"?

While generally correct, using "under her arm" might be inaccurate if the object is more accurately described as being held against her chest or "at her side". Precision depends on the situation.

What does it mean when someone carries something "under their arm"?

Carrying something "under their arm" typically means holding an object between their arm and body, often for convenience or to keep their hands free. It suggests a casual or informal way of carrying the item.

Are there any specific contexts where "under her arm" is particularly common?

The phrase is commonly used in descriptive writing, particularly in "news and media", fiction, and everyday conversation to illustrate how someone is carrying an object. It's a versatile phrase applicable to various situations.