upon a curbstone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "upon a curbstone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is situated on or resting against the edge of a curb, often in a poetic or descriptive context. Example: "He sat upon a curbstone, watching the world go by as the sun began to set."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Jobless sits, wretched, upon a curbstone.

The New Yorker

By Ian Frazier Jobless sits, wretched, upon a curbstone.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Three little boys were sittong on a curbstone on First Avenue.

The New Yorker

He had not been shot, it turned out, but he had injured his toes, having stubbed them against a curbstone.

The New Yorker

By Anne Landsman and Russell Maloney The New Yorker, November 5, 1938 P. 13 Three little boys were sittong on a curbstone on First Avenue.

The New Yorker

The New Yorker, November 5, 1938 P. 13 Three little boys were sittong on a curbstone on First Avenue.

The New Yorker

At home, Mr. Rolfe said, "it was always referred to as 'an incident' like someone tripping over a curbstone".

The New York Times

Incidental Intelligence: A sign posted in the lobby of the New Amsterdam Hospital, on Fifty-seventh Street, says: "Smoking anywhere in this building is strictly forbidden,… Three little boys were sittong on a curbstone on First Avenue.

The New Yorker

Ripley, aged 23, died on September 6 when the vehicle he was driving struck a curbstone in Tiverton, R.I. and veered out of control.

The New York Times

When a group of actors who barnstormed the country to raise money for the U.S.O. got to Philadelphia, a housewiferly-looking lady standing an a curbstone recognized Cary Grant going by in a car and raised a cry of "It's Cary Grant!" She watched him out of sight, then murmored.

The New Yorker

When a group of actors who barnstormed the country to raise money for the U.S.O. got to Philadelphia, a housewiferly-looking lady standing an a curbstone… It all started when I got tired of being advised by my friends to buy some stock, put it away, and forget it.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "upon a curbstone" to evoke a specific tone or style in descriptive writing, especially where a more formal or literary feel is desired. Consider context: "on a curb" may be more appropriate for contemporary or casual settings.

Common error

Avoid using "upon a curbstone" in contexts where it feels unnecessarily stilted or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "on the curb" in everyday conversation or informal writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "upon a curbstone" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, modifying a verb or noun to indicate location. Ludwig examples show it describing where someone is sitting or standing. It provides spatial context, indicating the subject's position relative to the curbstone.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "upon a curbstone" is grammatically correct but relatively rare in modern usage. It functions as a prepositional phrase indicating location, often in a slightly more formal or literary style. According to Ludwig, while it appears in reputable sources such as The New Yorker and The New York Times, simpler alternatives like "on a curb" are generally preferred in contemporary writing. Thus, it's best used when aiming for a specific tone or stylistic effect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on a curb

This alternative is more concise and commonly used than the original phrase.

at the curb

This alternative focuses on the location relative to the curb.

by the curbstone

This alternative emphasizes proximity to the curbstone.

along the curb

This alternative suggests a position parallel to the curb.

against the curbstone

This alternative indicates contact with the curbstone.

next to a curbstone

This alternative is a more literal and less evocative description.

beside the curb

Similar to 'by the curb', but slightly more formal.

sitting on the edge of the sidewalk

This is a more descriptive alternative, specifying the curb's function.

perched on a curbstone

This alternative adds a sense of precariousness or lightness.

located at the curb

This alternative emphasizes the position in relation to the road.

FAQs

What does "upon a curbstone" mean?

The phrase "upon a curbstone" means on or at a curbstone, which is the stone or concrete edging of a street or sidewalk. It is used to describe something or someone that is located on or near the curb.

When should I use "upon a curbstone"?

Use "upon a curbstone" when you want to create a slightly more formal or literary tone in your writing. In casual contexts, phrases like "on a curb" or "at the curb" are more common.

What can I say instead of "upon a curbstone"?

You can use alternatives like "on a curb", "at the curb", or "by the curbstone" depending on the context.

Is "upon a curbstone" grammatically correct?

Yes, "upon a curbstone" is grammatically correct, although it is less frequently used in modern English compared to simpler alternatives. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability.