athletic build

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "athletic build" is correct and usable in written English.
Example sentence: "She had a tall, slim frame with an athletic build, which made her well-suited for the sport."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Griffith has an athletic build and a scruffy beard.

The New Yorker

He is six feet three, with a lanky, athletic build.

The New Yorker

Not that Mr. Scanlon, with his effortless humor and 6-foot-5 athletic build, lacks fortitude.

The New York Times

Like Grant, Romney is a fastidious dresser with an athletic build.

The New York Times

He was a 64-year-old civil servant from Montreal with an athletic build.

The New York Times - Travel

About the same age and athletic build, they favor brash, headline-grabbing investments.

The New York Times

Men with, let's say, a more athletic build should select the Alexander Work fit.

The New Yorker

I saw it done myself but by a man of rather athletic build.

The Guardian - Books

+ The patient was 27, had an athletic build and no significant medical problems.

The New York Times - Magazine

He has his profession's wiry, athletic build and enjoys striking, pretty boy looks.

The Guardian - Sport

With his reddish-blond hair, husky athletic build and youthful energy, Mr. Andersen looked great.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone with an "athletic build", provide context by mentioning their activities or sports. This adds depth and credibility to your description.

Common error

Avoid using "athletic build" to describe individuals who are simply thin or average. The phrase implies a level of muscle tone and physical fitness that should be evident in the description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "athletic build" primarily functions as a descriptive adjective phrase modifying a noun (usually a person). It describes a physical attribute characterized by fitness and strength. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "athletic build" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe someone's physique, indicating a level of fitness and muscle tone. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and wide usage across various contexts, primarily in News & Media. While alternatives like "muscular physique" or "toned body" exist, "athletic build" strikes a balance between formality and descriptiveness. When using the phrase, remember to provide context to enhance the description and avoid misapplication to simply thin individuals. With a strong presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, "athletic build" remains a reliable and versatile term for physical descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

muscular physique

Emphasizes muscle development rather than overall athleticism.

toned body

Focuses on muscle definition and leanness.

fit physique

Highlights the overall fitness level reflected in the body.

strong physique

Emphasizes physical strength and robustness.

well-built body

Focuses on the proportionality and aesthetics of the physique.

sturdy frame

Highlights the solid and robust nature of the body structure.

brawny figure

Implies a powerful and muscular build, often associated with manual labor.

vigorous form

Emphasizes energy and health reflected in physical appearance.

Herculean build

Refers to an exceptionally strong and muscular physique, inspired by the mythological hero Hercules.

robust constitution

Highlights overall health and resilience, encompassing more than just physical build.

FAQs

How can I describe an "athletic build" in more detail?

You can specify the type of athleticism, such as a "lean, athletic build", a "muscular athletic build", or a "trim, athletic build", to give a more precise image.

What's a less common synonym for "athletic build"?

While less frequently used, "fit physique" or "toned body" can serve as alternative ways to describe someone with an "athletic build", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "athletic build" in formal writing?

Yes, "athletic build" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when providing physical descriptions in reports, articles, or character descriptions. However, ensure the context warrants such a description.

How does having an "athletic build" relate to physical health?

An "athletic build" typically suggests a good level of physical fitness and health, as it implies regular exercise and muscle development. However, it is just one aspect of overall health, which also includes cardiovascular fitness and dietary habits.