a warm body

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a warm body" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to refer to a person, typically in contexts where physical presence is emphasized, such as in discussions about companionship or employment. Example: "During the winter months, the shelter is always in need of a warm body to help serve meals to those in need."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

A warm body dissolves in mid-embrace into water.

The New York Times

"I wanted a warm body -- and secure money," he said.

The New York Times

"Let's go in the backroom," Ms. Roitfeld said, pulling a warm body into a cold hallway.

The New York Times

The new management rule of thumb, it seems, is that a warm body is better than no body.

The New York Times

No heater is required by the user of an air mattress because stagnant air is inefficient in removing heat from a warm body.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Elsewhere, in "She: Portrait of the Essay as a Warm Body," she praises that form "as a thing of the imagination".

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

They find a very warm body in a local skanky waitress named Heather.

The New York Times - Books

But who feels like getting up to any of that when there's a nice warm body to snuggle up to and a box set to watch in bed after a long hard day?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

After many clicks and clacks, the Hardball Times assigned Castillo only seven "Win Shares over Bench," or about two victories more than a typical warm body.

The New York Times

Capitolette becomes a must-read sensation on both sides of the aisle, ultimately forcing our Hardy Girls to produce an actual warm body to protect their hoax.

The New York Times - Books

A FIREPLACE can warm body, soul and palate.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a warm body" in a professional context, be mindful of the potential for dehumanizing connotations. Instead, consider focusing on the skills and qualities the person brings to the role.

Common error

Avoid using "a warm body" in formal documents or when describing someone's primary role. Opt for language that emphasizes their contributions and value, not just their presence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a warm body" functions primarily as a noun phrase. Ludwig AI’s analysis indicates it refers to a person, often emphasizing their physical presence rather than specific skills or qualities. It can be used to describe someone who is simply 'there'.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Huffington Post

15%

Los Angeles Times

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Vice

3%

BBC

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a warm body" is a common noun phrase used to describe a person's presence, often when specific skills are secondary to simply having someone 'there'. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and media, though its connotation can range from neutral to slightly negative, depending on the context. When writing, be aware of this phrase's potential to dehumanize and opt for more descriptive language in formal settings. Remember to consider the impact of your word choice and ensure it reflects the value and contributions of the person you are describing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a living soul

Emphasizes the aliveness and sentience, shifting from mere physical presence to a being with a soul.

a human presence

Highlights the fact that a person is there without any warmth connotation.

a live person

Highlights the fact that a person is alive and not a ghost or anything like that.

a physical form

Focuses on the physical aspect, suitable when the body's tangible existence is relevant.

someone present

Highlights that a person is somewhere.

a breathing being

Emphasizes the essential life functions without necessarily implying affection or need.

a human being

Refers to the individual's existence as part of the human race, removing the emphasis on physical warmth or immediacy.

a fellow being

Highlights the sense of shared humanity, and togetherness.

a fellow human

Emphasizes commonality and shared human experience.

a corporeal entity

Focuses on the physical form and substance, suitable in philosophical contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "a warm body" to describe someone's presence, often when their specific skills are less important than just having someone there, for example: "The company just needed "a warm body" to fill the position temporarily."

What does "a warm body" imply?

The phrase "a warm body" often implies that the person's physical presence is more important than their specific skills or qualifications. It can sometimes have negative connotations, suggesting that the person is easily replaceable or lacks unique value.

What can I say instead of "a warm body" in a professional context?

In professional settings, consider using phrases like "a qualified candidate", "a capable individual", or "an available resource" to avoid any negative implications.

Is it ever appropriate to use the phrase "a warm body"?

Yes, it can be appropriate in informal or humorous contexts where the focus is on companionship or physical comfort. For example, you might say "All I need on a cold night is "a warm body" to cuddle with."