a slim man

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a slim man" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a man who has a slender or thin physique. Example: "At the party, I noticed a slim man wearing a tailored suit that accentuated his figure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

He is a slim man with a charcoal shirt, orange tie and neatly squared goatee.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Gill is a slim man of fifty-one, a Sikh from the Punjab.

The New Yorker

Agitated, a slim man in a business suit paced back and forth, arguing with a cashier.

The New York Times

He yelled, and a slim man jumped up and pointed a revolver at his face.

The New York Times

Tauranac, a slim man with a sharp nose, gray hair, and round glasses, will meet you at the door.

The New Yorker

A slim man with a shaved head and a sparse goatee, he dresses modestly: untucked shirt, yesterday's khakis, sandals.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

14 human-written examples

Though Mr. Modi has gained quite a bit of weight in the past five years or so, the projection showed a slimmer man.

The New York Times

The jury was shown two CCTV images showing the thieves: a thick-set man wearing a white sunhat and a gilet-style waistcoat, and a slimmer man with a baseball cap and dark-coloured casual jacket.

The Guardian - Arts

And Mr. Castro -- a short slim man with a quick wit and a hard-nosed attitude toward business -- became a millionaire.

The New York Times

He is a tall, slim man with a round face, unaggressive glasses, and an unbureaucratic gift for clarity.

The New Yorker

A tall, slim man with a calm that served to balance his wife's frenetic personality, Mr. Weiss did not fit the conventional image of a Seventh Avenue fashion executive.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "a slim man", consider adding details about his posture, clothing, or mannerisms to create a more vivid and engaging image for the reader. For instance, "a slim man with a neatly pressed suit and a confident stride" provides more context than just "a slim man".

Common error

Avoid relying solely on physical attributes like "a slim man" to define a character. Balance physical descriptions with details about personality, background, and motivations to create a more well-rounded and relatable character.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a slim man" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. It combines the indefinite article "a", the adjective "slim", and the noun "man" to describe an individual's physical appearance. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a slim man" serves as a straightforward and generally positive way to describe a man of slender build. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. While "a slim man" is widely accepted and understood, alternative phrases like "a slender man" or "a lean man" offer subtle variations in connotation. To enhance the impact of your writing, consider adding specific details about posture, clothing, or mannerisms, rather than relying solely on physical descriptions. Avoiding overuse of physical descriptions helps to create well-rounded and relatable characters.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slender man

Replaces "slim" with "slender", suggesting a refined or elegant thinness.

a lean man

Emphasizes a lack of excess fat and a fit, trim appearance.

a thin man

A more general term for lacking bulk, without necessarily implying attractiveness or health.

a man of slender build

More formal and emphasizes the overall body structure.

a man with a lean physique

Focuses on the physical form being trim and healthy.

a wiry man

Suggests a thin but strong and resilient build.

a slight man

Highlights a small or delicate frame.

a spare man

Suggests a lean and economical build, perhaps implying resourcefulness or resilience.

a lanky man

Describes someone tall and thin, often with an awkward or ungainly appearance.

an underweight man

Indicates a weight below what is considered healthy or normal.

FAQs

What are some synonyms for "a slim man"?

Alternatives include "a slender man", "a lean man", or "a thin man", each offering a slightly different nuance in describing someone of a slender build.

How can I use "a slim man" in a sentence?

You might say, "The detective noticed "a slim man" lurking in the shadows," using the phrase to introduce a character's physical appearance.

Is it appropriate to describe someone as "a slim man" in formal writing?

Yes, "a slim man" is generally acceptable in formal writing. However, consider the context and whether the description is relevant to the narrative or analysis. Sometimes, "a slender man" might be a more elegant choice.

What's the difference between "a slim man" and "a skinny man"?

"Slim" usually implies a healthy and attractive thinness, while "skinny" can suggest an unhealthy or emaciated appearance. Therefore, "a slim man" is generally a more positive and neutral descriptor.