bare-chested

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bare-chested" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is not wearing a shirt, typically in contexts related to physical appearance or activities like sports or swimming. Example: "The athlete stood proudly on the podium, bare-chested and gleaming with sweat after the intense competition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Dance

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In summer, he is always bare-chested.

The New York Times

No bare-chested shots this time.

The New York Times

There is no brawny, bare-chested hunk.

The New York Times - Arts

The dancers wear shorts, the men are bare-chested.

The New York Times - Arts

At times, he even sang bare-chested, like Iggy Pop.

The New Yorker

— becomes romantically involved with the bare-chested artist.

The New York Times

He prefers Tarzanian displays of bare-chested, tiger-whispering environmentalism.

The New York Times

Needless to say, no one was bare-chested that night.

Independent

Woodpecker: Makes a lot of noise but doesn't want to leave the nest.

The New Yorker

Bare-chested manly sweating while mining in an angry manner.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Each one they're bare chested, and we'll see why they're bare chested.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bare-chested" to vividly describe a person's physical state, especially when emphasizing masculinity, vulnerability, or a specific cultural context. For example, in describing a dancer or athlete.

Common error

While "bare-chested" is generally acceptable, avoid using it in highly formal or professional writing unless the context specifically warrants such a descriptive detail. Opt for more neutral language if appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bare-chested" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective, modifying a noun to indicate that someone's chest is not covered by clothing. This is consistent with Ludwig's examples, where the phrase is used to describe people in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Arts

15%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "bare-chested" is a common and grammatically sound adjective phrase used to describe someone without a shirt. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves a descriptive purpose, providing visual detail and context. Its usage frequency is high, particularly in news, media, and arts publications. While generally acceptable, writers should consider the formality of the context and opt for more neutral language if appropriate. Alternatives include "shirtless" or "topless", depending on the situation and desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shirtless

This is a direct synonym, simply meaning without a shirt.

without a shirt

A more descriptive and literal way of saying someone is not wearing a shirt.

wearing no top

A simple and straightforward way to state that someone is not wearing a top.

topless

While often used for women, it can technically apply to men as well, indicating the absence of a top.

naked chest

Emphasizes the complete lack of covering on the chest.

chest exposed

Emphasizes the visibility of the chest.

uncovered torso

Highlights the bareness of the torso.

stripped to the waist

Suggests someone has removed their clothing down to their waist.

chest bared

A slightly more dramatic or poetic way of saying the chest is uncovered.

upper body unclothed

A more formal and somewhat clinical way of describing the state of not having clothes on the upper body.

FAQs

How can I use "bare-chested" in a sentence?

You can use "bare-chested" to describe someone not wearing a shirt, for example: "The construction worker was "sweating profusely" and bare-chested in the summer heat."

What is a more formal alternative to "bare-chested"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "shirtless" or "with torso uncovered" depending on the level of detail required.

Is "bare-chested" appropriate for all audiences?

While generally acceptable, consider your audience. In some contexts, such as formal business settings, it might be more appropriate to use a less descriptive term like "shirtless" or simply avoid mentioning the lack of a shirt altogether.

What's the difference between "bare-chested" and "topless"?

"Bare-chested" typically refers to men not wearing a shirt, while "topless" is often used to describe women in a similar state, though it can technically apply to both genders. "Shirtless" is a more neutral and universally applicable term.