bag of bones

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bag of bones" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is commonly used to refer to someone who is very thin or malnourished. For example: "After months of chemotherapy, the patient had lost so much weight that she was nothing more than a bag of bones."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

By this time, the child was ­a "bag of bones", said her grandmother, Brigitte.

The Guardian

"Bag of Bones" was maybe the first horror novel of liberal guilt.

The New York Times - Books

The music rustles like dry leaves, rattles like a bag of bones.

The Guardian - Arts

Because that is what they will remember, their mother reduced to a bag of bones.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Lisey's Story" succeeds where "Bag of Bones," its fraternal twin, failed.

The New York Times - Books

But Lisey and Scott make much better novel subjects than their "Bag of Bones" counterparts.

The New York Times - Books

They take the bag of bones and whatever else is left and sell it".

The New York Times - Science

2) "Bag of Bones," by Stephen King. 3) "The Simple Truth," by David Baldacci.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

When I refused to move he grabbed hold of me under the arms and hugged me tight against his bag-of-bones body.

The Guardian - Books

His current agreement with Scribner is unprecedented: for each of 3 books-- Bag of books-- Bagollection of stories, and a nonfiction work on writing--he receives a $2-million payment and 55% of the profits.

The New Yorker

But this year, in September, my bag of bones will tie and break the record.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "bag of bones", consider the context. It can be a harsh and judgmental term, so use it with sensitivity, especially when referring to people struggling with illness or eating disorders.

Common error

Avoid using "bag of bones" in contexts where you literally mean a bag containing bones. The phrase is idiomatic and primarily used to describe extreme thinness or emaciation. Instead of saying "The archeologist found a bag of bones", try "The archeologist found a sack of skeletal remains".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bag of bones" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as a descriptive term. It serves to depict a state of extreme thinness or emaciation, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Books

18%

Lifestyle

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science

2%

Opinion

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "bag of bones" is a common idiom used to describe someone or something extremely thin or emaciated. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and provides numerous examples of its usage across various contexts, primarily in news and media, books, and lifestyle content. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it's crucial to use it with sensitivity, as it can be perceived as insensitive in certain situations. Alternatives such as "skin and bones" or "dangerously thin" may be more appropriate depending on the specific context and desired level of formality. Avoid misusing the phrase in a literal sense. With its frequent usage, understanding the nuances of "bag of bones" ensures clear and appropriate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

skin and bones

Focuses on the visible lack of flesh, highlighting extreme thinness.

walking skeleton

Emphasizes the skeletal appearance due to severe weight loss.

thin as a rail

Uses a simile to compare thinness to a narrow object.

emaciated figure

Highlights the wasting away and loss of muscle mass.

cadaverous physique

Links the appearance to that of a corpse, emphasizing extreme paleness and thinness.

gaunt appearance

Focuses on the hollow and haggard look resulting from weight loss.

dangerously thin

Directly states the health risk associated with the extreme thinness.

underweight individual

A more clinical and less figurative way to describe someone below a healthy weight.

reduced to nothing

Emphasizes the extreme loss of substance, not necessarily just weight.

mere shadow of one's former self

Highlights the contrast between a past, healthier state and the current weakened condition.

FAQs

How is "bag of bones" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "bag of bones" is used to describe someone or something that is extremely thin or emaciated. For example, "After being stranded for weeks, the dog was nothing but a bag of bones".

What are some alternative phrases to "bag of bones"?

You can use alternatives like "skin and bones", "walking skeleton", or "dangerously thin" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "bag of bones" in all situations?

No, it's important to consider the context and your audience. The phrase can be perceived as insensitive or judgmental, especially when referring to individuals with medical conditions or eating disorders. Use it with caution and empathy.

What is the origin of the expression "bag of bones"?

The expression "bag of bones" is an idiom that likely originated from observing the appearance of extremely thin individuals where the bones are prominently visible, making them appear as if they are merely bones contained within a 'bag' of skin.