Bend vs You still slouch

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Bend

Top 1,000 (very common)B1verb

You still slouch

InformalBeyond 10,000 (less common)
Most formal: BendMost common: Bend
 BendYou still slouch
Pronunciation🇬🇧 /["/bend/","/bendz/","/bent/","/ˈbendɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/bend/","/bendz/","/bent/","/ˈbendɪŋ/"]/🇬🇧 //slaʊtʃ//🇺🇸 //slaʊtʃ//
MeaningTo curve or change the shape of something.You sit or stand with your shoulders and back curved.
ExampleYou need to bend the wire gently to shape it properly.You still slouch when you sit at your desk.
RegisterNeutralInformal
How commonTop 1,000 (very common)Beyond 10,000 (less common)
CEFR levelB1-
Part of speechverb
Collocationsslightly, quickly, swiftly, at, towards/​towardslouch on the couch, slouch while sitting, don't slouch
Antonymsstraighten, unbend-
Common mistakesUsing 'bended' instead of 'bent' as the past tense., 'Bend' confused with 'break' when a more severe change is implied., Using the wrong preposition, such as 'bend in' instead of just 'bend'.Using 'slouch' as a noun instead of a verb., Confusing 'slouch' with 'slopped' which means to spill., Overusing in formal contexts where more polite terms are appropriate.
Usage notesUse 'bend' when referring to physical actions, like bending a metal rod or bending your knees. Avoid using it in overly formal contexts.Typically used in casual conversation. It might be considered rude if used to correct someone's posture directly.

See it in real clips

Bend
You still slouch

Frequently asked questions: Bend vs You still slouch

What's the difference between Bend and You still slouch?

Bend: To curve or change the shape of something. You still slouch: You sit or stand with your shoulders and back curved.

Which is more formal: Bend and You still slouch?

Bend is the most formal of these.

Which is more common: Bend and You still slouch?

Bend is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Bend: You need to bend the wire gently to shape it properly. You still slouch: You still slouch when you sit at your desk.

Can I use Bend and You still slouch interchangeably?

Not always. Bend and You still slouch are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.

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