a thin man

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a thin man" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a male individual who has a slender or lean physique. Example: "The detective was a thin man, easily blending into the shadows as he followed the suspect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

A thin man stopped to watch them.

The New Yorker

The cancer made Achatz, always a thin man, thinner.

The New Yorker

A thin man with graying hair raised his hand.

The New York Times - Magazine

Leigh is not so much a thin man as koala-bearish.

The Guardian - Film

He described a thin man as "a trellis for varicose veins".

The New Yorker

I cough; a thin man, reading a dog-eared score, glares at me.

The New Yorker

Moments later, the woman's husband, a thin man with a beard, became agitated.

The New Yorker

He turned and left and was replaced by a thin man in a red zippered shirt.

The New York Times - Magazine

A thin man in a white uniform came into the room with a metal crank.

The New Yorker

The artist is a thin man who favors oversized T-shirts.

The New Yorker

Pastor Anthony, a thin man with glasses and a mustache, emigrated from Guyana in 1982.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "a thin man", consider the connotations. If you want to convey a sense of frailty, "frail" or "gaunt" might be more appropriate. For a more neutral description, "slender" or "lean" can be better choices.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on the term "thin" when describing someone's physique. Using varied vocabulary like "slender", "lean", or "wiry" can provide a more nuanced and vivid portrayal, preventing repetitive descriptions and adding depth to your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a thin man" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase, modifying an implied or stated subject. It provides a physical attribute of a male individual, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

99%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a thin man" is a grammatically correct and frequently used descriptive phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its primary function is to provide a physical description, and it maintains a neutral register. While "thin" is a common descriptor, consider using synonyms like "slender", "lean", or "wiry" to add nuance to your writing. Ludwig examples show its frequent use in News & Media, so adjust your word choice based on the desired level of formality and the specific context. Avoid overusing "thin" and be mindful of potential negative connotations. This phrase is a simple and direct way to describe someone's build, but choosing the right synonym can greatly enhance the impact and precision of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a slender man

Emphasizes grace and elegance, slightly more refined than "thin".

a lean man

Suggests a healthy and athletic build, implying muscle definition.

a slight man

Highlights the man's small or delicate frame.

a wiry man

Describes a thin but strong and resilient build.

a skinny man

Informal term for a man who is thin, sometimes implying weakness.

an underweight man

Focuses on the man's weight being below the average or healthy range.

a lanky man

Emphasizes tallness and thinness, often associated with awkwardness.

a gaunt man

Suggests excessive thinness, often due to illness or deprivation.

a frail man

Suggests weakness and delicacy, often associated with old age.

an emaciated man

Describes a severe state of thinness, usually due to starvation or disease.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "a thin man"?

You can use alternatives like "a slender man", "a lean man", or "a slight man" depending on the context.

How to use "a thin man" in a sentence?

Use "a thin man" to describe someone's physical appearance. For example: "I saw a thin man walking down the street", or "The protagonist was portrayed as a thin man with piercing eyes".

Which is correct, "a thin man" or "a skinny man"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "a thin man" is generally considered more neutral. "A skinny man" can sometimes imply a negative connotation, suggesting weakness or ill-health. It's best to adjust your wording based on the overall message that you are trying to convey.

What's the difference between "a thin man" and "a frail man"?

"A thin man" simply describes physical build. "A frail man", on the other hand, suggests weakness or delicacy, often associated with old age or illness.