a pliant body

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a pliant body" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a body that is flexible or easily influenced, often in contexts related to physical attributes or metaphorical situations. Example: "The dancer's training allowed her to develop a pliant body, enabling her to perform intricate movements with grace."

✓ Grammatically correct

Physical descriptions

Figurative language

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

In this case, it is Miss Ferri's extremely pliant body that makes for a startling, elongated and supple plastique.

The New York Times - Arts

Ashton's nimble footwork, extensive use of a pliant upper body and long-flowing phrases have deeply influenced Mr. Alston's choreography, although Mr. Alston's style is both more weighted and less vertical than ballet.

The New York Times - Arts

The interlude is a feast for the mind and eyes, suggesting the possibilities of movement and the ways a pliant human body can interact with and bisect the unforgiving lines of a metal implement.

The New York Times

Candy knew just what El Lobo, with his pliant body and immobile gaze, was up to.

The New Yorker

A pas de deux for Mara Galeazzi and Paul Kay contains echoes of Balanchine's "Agon" and "Violin Concerto"; they recur more forcefully soon after as Eric Underwood bends Sarah Lamb's pliant body backward in the air so that her head touches her feet, and turns her upside down as her legs scissor apart.

The New York Times - Arts

They found a pliant judge to invalidate the law.

The Washington Post

Frank Bossen and Paul Heckbert, A Pliant Method for Anisotropic Mesh Generation, Fifth International Meshing Roundtable (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania), pages 63 74, October 1996.

University of California, Berkeley

This will put Mr Mugabe in a strong position to pick a pliant successor.

The Economist

Mr Moi is barred by the constitution from standing, but hopes to nominate a pliant successor.

The Economist

Thanks to a pliant legislature, the Mubarak regime was able to make dodgy transactions look legal.

The Economist

A pliant legislature granted him the power to dictate laws on his own.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a pliant body" metaphorically to suggest someone is easily influenced or adaptable to new situations.

Common error

Avoid using "a pliant body" when you intend to convey weakness or lack of strength. Pliability suggests controlled flexibility, not necessarily a lack of resilience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a pliant body" functions primarily as a descriptive term. It combines an adjective ("pliant") with a noun ("body") to characterize a physical attribute, emphasizing flexibility and ease of movement. Without examples from Ludwig, the analysis is based on general linguistic understanding.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a pliant body" is grammatically sound and serves to describe flexibility or adaptability, though it is relatively uncommon in usage. Without examples, the analysis is based on general knowledge. It can be used both literally, to describe physical attributes, and metaphorically, to indicate someone is easily influenced. Ludwig's assessment confirms that the phrase is usable, but due to the lack of real-world examples, careful consideration should be given to the context in which it is used. Alternative phrases like "a supple body" or "a flexible physique" might be more common depending on the specific nuance desired.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a flexible physique

Focuses on the physical flexibility of the body, similar to the original phrase.

a supple form

Emphasizes the graceful and fluid quality of the body's movements.

an adaptable physique

Highlights the body's ability to adjust to different conditions or demands.

a yielding frame

Suggests a body that easily bends or gives way under pressure.

a malleable physique

Implies that the body is easily shaped or molded.

a lithe body

Emphasizes gracefulness, slenderness and fluidity of movement.

a compliant form

Shifts the meaning towards obedience or submissiveness in a physical sense.

a bendable figure

Highlights physical flexibility and ability to bend easily.

a tractable build

Emphasizes the ease with which the body can be controlled or manipulated.

a subservient frame

Strongly implies submission and willingness to follow orders or instructions.

FAQs

How can I use "a pliant body" in a sentence?

You can use "a pliant body" to describe physical flexibility, as in "The dancer's training gave her "a pliant body", allowing for graceful movements." It can also be used metaphorically to describe someone easily influenced.

What does it mean to have "a pliant body"?

Having "a pliant body" typically refers to being physically flexible and easily able to bend or move. Figuratively, it can mean being adaptable and easily influenced.

Which is a better term, "a flexible body" or "a pliant body"?

Both "a flexible body" and "a pliant body" are suitable, but "pliant" often suggests a more refined or controlled flexibility, such as that of a trained dancer or athlete. "Flexible" is a more general term.

What are some alternative ways to describe "a pliant body"?

Alternatives include "a supple body", "a flexible physique", or "an adaptable form", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.