When you sit, you put your bottom on a chair or the floor.
Your back is straight up. You can sit on a sofa or on a mat.
It means you are resting and not standing.
You can sit down, or you can already be sitting.
The verb "sit" denotes the act of assuming or maintaining a seated posture, characterized by the body's placement on a supporting surface, often with the torso upright. This can refer to the dynamic process of lowering oneself into such a position, or the static condition of being in a seated state. Its application extends to various contexts, from occupying a chair to resting on the ground. The nuance of "sit" often lies in its transitivity; one can "sit oneself down" (transitive) or simply "sit" (intransitive), highlighting either an active placement or a state of repose.
§ Understanding the Verb "Sit"
The verb "sit" is a common and important word in English, used to describe the action of lowering your body onto a surface or being in that position. It's classified as an A1 level word in the CEFR framework, meaning it's fundamental for basic communication.
- Definition
- To rest your body on your bottom with your back upright, typically on a chair or the floor. It describes both the action of moving into this position and the state of being in it.
Let's explore how to use "sit" correctly in sentences, focusing on its grammar and common prepositions.
§ Basic Usage of "Sit"
"Sit" can be used as an intransitive verb, meaning it does not take a direct object. The subject of the sentence performs the action of sitting.
Please sit down.
The cat loves to sit by the window.
It can also be used to describe someone already in a seated position.
She was sitting on the bench.
§ "Sit" with Prepositions
Prepositions are frequently used with "sit" to indicate location or manner. Here are some common ones:
- On: Used for surfaces like chairs, floors, or benches.
He likes to sit on the grass.
Please sit on your chair.
- In: Used for enclosed spaces, like a car, a room, or an armchair (when you sink into it).
She will sit in the living room.
Let's sit in the car for a moment.
- At: Used for specific points or locations, often when referring to a table or desk.
He always sits at the front of the class.
We will sit at the table for dinner.
- By/Beside/Next to: Used to indicate proximity.
Can I sit by you?
She sat beside her friend.
§ Transitive Use of "Sit" (Less Common)
While "sit" is primarily intransitive, it can occasionally be used transitively, meaning it takes a direct object. In this case, it usually means to cause someone or something to sit.
She sat the baby in the high chair.
However, it is more common to use "set" when you mean to place something down, especially if it's inanimate. The verb "seat" is also used to mean 'cause someone to sit', especially in formal contexts like restaurants or events.
§ Common Phrases and Idioms with "Sit"
Here are a few common phrases and idioms that use "sit":
- Sit still: To remain without moving.
The children found it hard to sit still during the long lecture.
- Sit tight: To wait patiently.
Just sit tight, I'll be right back.
- Sit in judgment: To evaluate or criticize someone.
It's not fair to sit in judgment of others.
By understanding these grammatical structures and common prepositions, you can confidently use "sit" in various contexts.
§ Sit: Where you actually hear this word
The word "sit" is a fundamental verb in English, frequently used across various contexts in daily life. Its simplicity and commonality mean you'll encounter it in many situations, from formal settings to casual conversations. Understanding where you might hear and use "sit" can help solidify your grasp of this essential word.
§ At Work
In a professional environment, "sit" is used in a variety of instructions, requests, and descriptions of activities. You'll hear it in meetings, during training sessions, and in general office interactions.
- Common Work Contexts
- Instructions for seating, describing a meeting, discussing work tasks.
Please sit down for the presentation.
We will sit around the conference table to discuss the project.
I usually sit at my desk from 9 to 5.
§ At School
In an educational environment, "sit" is a very common word, used by teachers, students, and administrators. It's essential for classroom management and daily routines.
- Common School Contexts
- Classroom instructions, describing student behavior, discussing seating arrangements.
Children, please sit quietly at your desks.
Where do you usually sit in the cafeteria?
The students like to sit on the floor during story time.
§ In the News
While "sit" might not be a headline-grabbing word, it appears frequently in news reports, especially when describing events involving people gathering, meeting, or waiting. It helps set the scene for various stories.
- Common News Contexts
- Reporting on meetings, protests, court proceedings, or public gatherings.
The committee will sit for several hours to deliberate on the new policy.
Protestors chose to sit in the street, blocking traffic.
Spectators began to sit in their seats as the event was about to begin.
§ General Usage & Idioms
Beyond specific contexts, "sit" is part of many everyday expressions and idioms. Recognizing these can greatly enhance your understanding of natural English.
- Sit down: The most common phrasal verb, meaning to move from standing to a sitting position.
- Sit up: To move to a more upright sitting position, or to stay awake and out of bed.
- Sit in: To attend a meeting or class as an observer.
- Sit around: To spend time doing nothing in particular.
- Sit tight: To wait patiently without taking any action.
I asked him to sit down and relax.
She likes to sit around and read on weekends.
The versatility of "sit" makes it an indispensable part of the English vocabulary, encountered in almost every conversational and written context. By paying attention to how it's used in different situations, you'll naturally improve your comprehension and fluency.
需要掌握的语法
Subject-verb agreement: When the subject is singular (e.g., 'he,' 'she,' 'it,' 'a cat'), use the third-person singular form of the verb, which for 'sit' is 'sits.'
She sits on the chair. The cat sits on the mat.
Present continuous tense: To describe an action happening now, use 'be' (am/is/are) + '-ing' form of the verb. For 'sit,' it's 'sitting.'
I am sitting here. They are sitting in the park.
Past simple tense: To describe an action that happened and finished in the past, use the past simple form of the verb. For 'sit,' the past simple is 'sat.'
He sat down quickly. We sat at the table for dinner.
Imperative form: To give a command or instruction, use the base form of the verb. 'Sit' is often used in this way.
Sit down! Sit still.
Prepositions often used with 'sit': 'sit on' (a surface), 'sit in' (an enclosed space like a car or armchair), 'sit at' (a table or desk).
She likes to sit on the sofa. He sat in his favorite armchair. We usually sit at the kitchen table.
按水平分级的例句
Please sit down; the show is about to start.
Por favor, siéntate; el espectáculo está a punto de comenzar.
Using 'sit down' as an imperative to request an action.
She likes to sit by the window and read.
A ella le gusta sentarse junto a la ventana y leer.
Using 'to sit' after 'likes' to describe a preferred activity.
Can you sit here for a moment? I'll be right back.
¿Puedes sentarte aquí un momento? Vuelvo enseguida.
Using 'can you sit' to politely ask someone to stay in a seated position.
The cat often sits on the warm blanket.
El gato a menudo se sienta en la manta caliente.
Using 'sits' in the present simple to describe a habitual action.
We sat on the grass and had a picnic.
Nos sentamos en la hierba y hicimos un picnic.
Using 'sat' (past simple of sit) to describe an action that happened in the past.
Don't sit too close to the television; it's bad for your eyes.
No te sientes demasiado cerca del televisor; es malo para tus ojos.
Using 'don't sit' as a negative imperative for a warning.
He sat patiently while waiting for the bus.
Se sentó pacientemente mientras esperaba el autobús.
Using 'sat' to describe an action with an adverb ('patiently').
Where do you want to sit at the table?
¿Dónde quieres sentarte en la mesa?
Using 'want to sit' to ask about a preference for seating.
习语与表达
"sit tight"
To wait patiently and do nothing until you hear further information or instructions.
I know you're anxious, but we'll have to sit tight until the doctor calls with the test results.
neutral"sit on the fence"
To avoid making a decision or choosing a side in a dispute.
He's been sitting on the fence about who to vote for in the election.
informal"sit pretty"
To be in a very good or advantageous position, often financially.
After her book became a bestseller, she's really sitting pretty.
informal"sit well with (someone)"
To be acceptable or agreeable to someone; to be something that someone approves of.
The decision to cut salaries didn't sit well with the employees.
neutral"sit in judgment"
To criticize or condemn someone, especially without understanding their situation.
It's not fair to sit in judgment on people without knowing their struggles.
neutral"sit back"
To relax and do nothing, often while others are working or while waiting for something to happen.
After all that hard work, it's nice to just sit back and enjoy the evening.
neutral"sit up and take notice"
To become suddenly attentive and interested because something surprising or important has happened.
When the company announced record profits, everyone sat up and took notice.
neutral"sit through (something)"
To stay until the end of an event, even if it is boring or unpleasant.
We had to sit through a really long and dull presentation at the conference.
neutral"sit on one's hands"
To do nothing when action is needed; to remain inactive.
The government can't just sit on its hands while the economy struggles.
informal"sit in for (someone)"
To temporarily take someone's place or perform their duties.
Could you sit in for me at the meeting while I'm on vacation?
neutral常见问题
10 个问题Great question! 'Sit' is generally a verb, meaning to take a resting position, like 'Please sit down.' 'Seat' can be a noun, referring to what you sit on (a chair, a bench), or a verb, meaning to cause someone to sit, like 'The usher will seat you.' So, you 'sit' on a 'seat'!
Absolutely! We often say animals 'sit.' For example, 'My dog knows how to sit on command,' or 'The cat is sitting on the windowsill.'
While it's most common for people resting on a surface, you can also use 'sit' to describe objects. For instance, 'The book is sitting on the table,' or 'The house sits on a hill.' It implies being in a particular place or position.
There are many! Some common ones include 'sit down' (to take a seat), 'sit up' (to sit with a straight back), 'sit still' (to remain without moving), and 'sit around' (to do nothing in particular).
Yes, you can! As mentioned before, 'sit' can describe the position of inanimate objects. Think of sentences like 'The vase sits on the mantelpiece' or 'The town sits by the river.'
That's right! 'Sitting' is the present participle, which we use to form continuous tenses like 'I am sitting' or 'They were sitting.' It's also used as an adjective, as in 'a sitting position.'
The past tense of 'sit' is sat. For example, 'Yesterday, I sat on the park bench' or 'She sat patiently waiting.'
Yes, it can! In a more formal context, 'sit' can mean to be a member of a body. For example, 'She sits on the city council' or 'The judge sits on the bench.'
Good question! 'Sit' means to rest your body on your bottom, usually on a surface. 'Stand' means to be upright on your feet. They are opposite actions.
Definitely! Some fun ones include 'sit tight' (to wait patiently), 'sit on the fence' (to avoid making a decision), and 'sit pretty' (to be in a good or advantageous position).
自我测试 54 个问题
This is a common polite request.
This sentence describes where the cat is resting.
This sentence expresses a preference for a seating location.
Please ____ down. There's a free chair next to me.
The context implies inviting someone to take a seat, which is 'sit down'.
The children like to ____ on the floor while they watch TV.
Sitting on the floor is a common position for children watching TV.
Can you ____ here for a moment? I'll be right back.
To 'sit here for a moment' means to wait in a seated position.
He needs to ____ on the sofa because he is tired.
Being tired typically leads one to seek a resting position like sitting on a sofa.
Don't ____ on the table; it's not a chair.
Tables are generally not meant for sitting; chairs are.
She decided to ____ in the park and read her book.
Reading a book in the park usually involves finding a place to sit.
Choose the correct sentence: Where did you ___?
After 'did', we use the base form of the verb.
Which sentence is correct?
'Please sit down here' is the correct imperative form.
They like to ___ on the bench in the park.
After 'to', we use the base form of the verb.
You can 'sit' on a chair.
A chair is a common object to sit on.
If you are standing, you are 'sitting'.
Standing and sitting are opposite actions.
The past tense of 'sit' is 'sitted'.
The past tense of 'sit' is 'sat'.
Someone is asking you to take a seat.
Think about where she prefers to be.
What is the cat doing and where?
Read this aloud:
Can I sit here?
Focus: sit
你说的：
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Read this aloud:
Let's sit together.
Focus: together
你说的：
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
He sat on the grass.
Focus: sat
你说的：
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Imagine you are in a park. Describe what you see and what you are doing. Use the word 'sit' in your description.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
I am in the park. I sit on a green bench under a big tree. I see children playing and birds flying.
Write three sentences about your daily routine, including when and where you 'sit'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
In the morning, I sit at the kitchen table for breakfast. In the afternoon, I sit at my desk to study. In the evening, I sit on the sofa to watch TV.
Describe a comfortable place in your home. Why is it comfortable? What do you usually do when you 'sit' there?
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
My favorite place is the sofa in the living room. It's very soft and warm. I often sit there to read a book or watch movies.
What does Maria do after dinner?
Read this passage:
Maria loves to read. Every evening, after dinner, she goes to her favorite armchair in the living room. She puts on her reading glasses and opens a book. She sits there for about an hour, enjoying the quiet time before bed. Sometimes, her cat, Whiskers, comes and sits on her lap.
What does Maria do after dinner?
The passage states, 'Every evening, after dinner, she goes to her favorite armchair in the living room... She sits there for about an hour, enjoying the quiet time before bed.'
The passage states, 'Every evening, after dinner, she goes to her favorite armchair in the living room... She sits there for about an hour, enjoying the quiet time before bed.'
Where does Tom sit in the café?
Read this passage:
Tom and his friends are at a café. They ordered coffee and cakes. Tom sits near the window, looking out at the street. His friends sit at a larger table in the middle of the café, talking and laughing. They are all having a good time.
Where does Tom sit in the café?
The passage explicitly states, 'Tom sits near the window, looking out at the street.'
The passage explicitly states, 'Tom sits near the window, looking out at the street.'
What did the teacher ask the students to do?
Read this passage:
The teacher told the students, 'Please sit down quietly.' All the children found their seats and became silent. The lesson was about to begin. They knew it was important to sit still and listen carefully.
What did the teacher ask the students to do?
The first sentence of the passage clearly states, 'The teacher told the students, 'Please sit down quietly.'
The first sentence of the passage clearly states, 'The teacher told the students, 'Please sit down quietly.'
Please ___ down and make yourself comfortable.
The verb 'sit' is used to ask someone to take a seat. The other options do not fit the context.
She decided to ___ on the park bench and enjoy the sunshine.
To 'sit on' a bench means to rest your body on it. The other verbs don't describe this action.
Can you ___ still for a moment while I tie your shoelace?
'Sit still' is a common collocation meaning to remain in a seated, unmoving position.
After a long day, all I wanted to do was ___ down and relax.
'Sit down' implies taking a resting position, which fits with wanting to relax after a long day.
The children were told to ___ on the carpet during story time.
To 'sit on the carpet' means to take a seated position on the floor, which is typical for story time.
I need to ___ in front of my computer for hours to finish this project.
Working at a computer usually involves being in a seated position for an extended period, so 'sit' is the appropriate verb.
Listen for the polite request and the reason given.
Listen for the speaker's regular preference when traveling.
Listen for where the cat prefers to sit and why.
Read this aloud:
Please sit down, the meeting is about to begin.
Focus: sit down
你说的：
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
I need to sit for a moment, I'm feeling a bit dizzy.
Focus: sit for a moment
你说的：
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Where would you like to sit for dinner tonight?
Focus: where would you like to sit
你说的：
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This sentence refers to the act of people gathering for formal discussions.
Here, 'sit' describes the stationary location of the ruins.
This sentence uses 'sit' to describe occupying a position of authority.
After the grueling ascent, the climbers decided to ______ for a brief respite on the precarious ledge, their legs aching from the exertion.
The verb 'sit' is the most appropriate choice here, meaning to rest one's body on a surface. 'Situate' means to place or locate, 'set' has various meanings but not resting the body in this context, and 'settle' implies establishing oneself permanently or comfortably, which isn't the primary action of a brief rest on a ledge.
Despite the opulent decor, the ornate chairs were designed more for aesthetic appeal than comfort, making it rather uncomfortable to ______ for extended periods.
'Sit' accurately describes the act of occupying a chair with one's body. The other options do not fit the context of a person occupying a chair.
The renowned philosopher was known to ______ for hours in his study, lost in profound contemplation, oblivious to the passage of time.
In this context, 'sit' means to remain in a seated position, which aligns perfectly with the philosopher's long periods of contemplation. The other options do not convey the same meaning of remaining in a fixed, seated posture.
To 'sit' can refer to the act of positioning oneself on a surface, but not to the state of being in that position.
The definition explicitly states that 'sit' describes both the action of moving into the position and the state of being in it.
One can 'sit' on a chair or the floor, but not on less conventional surfaces like a tree branch or a rock.
While chairs and floors are common surfaces, 'sit' can be used for any surface where one rests their body in an upright position, such as a tree branch or a rock.
The word 'sit' can be used transitively, as in 'She sat the baby down gently.'
While 'sit' is often intransitive, it can indeed be used transitively, meaning 'to cause someone or something to sit,' as demonstrated in the example.
/ 54 correct
Perfect score!
例句
I usually sit on the sofa to watch television in the evening.
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在语境中学习
这个词在其他语言中
更多Body词汇
lung
A1这是你胸腔里用来呼吸的两个器官，帮助你吸入和呼出空气。
bleary
B2Bleary describes eyes that are dull, tired, or unfocused, typically due to a lack of sleep, exhaustion, or crying. It can also refer to vision or a person's state of mind when it is blurred or not clear.
prodentation
C1Characterized by the forward projection or protrusion of teeth or tooth-like structures. It is a specialized term used primarily in anatomical, biological, or technical descriptions to indicate a feature that juts outward.
submovcide
C1为了达到极高的精确度而故意抑制或消除细微、不自主的身体动作。
bristle
C1指短而硬的毛发，比如动物身上的毛、胡茬或者刷子上的毛。
coordination
B1指身体各部分协调运作的能力，或指组织人们有效合作的过程。
face
A2头部的前部，从前额到下巴，包括眼睛、鼻子和嘴巴。它是用于表达情感和识别个人的身体主要部分。
facial
B2Relating to the face or its structure, appearance, and expressions. It is commonly used to describe physical features, skin treatments, or non-verbal communication through the face.
ashen
C1形容人的脸色因惊吓、恐惧或生病而变得极度苍白，甚至呈现灰白色。就像灰烬一样的颜色。
alimentary
B2指与身体的营养或消化器官有关的事物。
