burly

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "burly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is large, strong, and heavily built, often conveying a sense of robustness or physical strength. Example: "The burly man lifted the heavy box with ease, showcasing his impressive strength."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In Isis he would find true "brothers" who would value him, whom he could impress with his willingness to die, such as the burly jihadists flanking him in that photograph.

The Guardian

There delegates can escape the hurly burly and benefit from reflexology, shiatsu or Indian head massage at £10 a session.

The Guardian - Opinion

The burly figure in an armour-like protective suit could be an emergency worker from the scene of some gruesome disaster.

The Guardian - Arts

Flanked by two burly jihadists, Bilardi's pale, skinny arms hold on to an oversize Kalashnikov.

The Guardian

Plus, there is a touch of The Jeremy Kyle Show about the burly security guards in black bomber jackets who keep feuding bargain seekers apart, not least a chap called "Heavy D" who insists on saying "Boom!" at the end of every sentence.

The Guardian

The South African might have a few words for another burly bowler who can bat a bit – Matt Coles – who went round the park a bit, but has plenty of talent and the guts to come back.

The Guardian - Sport

Bert le Clos, Chad's burly dad, then gave us the most entertaining interview of the London Olympics.

The Guardian - Sport

The companies that run them, such as Target Logistics of Texas, prefer the term "crew camps" to man camps; it sounds less burly and tattooed.

The Economist

Mr Dean, who boasts that he has visited all 99 counties in his two years of campaigning in the state, expects to have 3,500 volunteers by the weekend.Yet these Deaniacs, with their distinctive orange hats, are engaged in a pitched battle with Mr Gephardt's burly army of union workers.

The Economist

But Ahmed Wali, as burly and bearish as the mayor was thin, was Mr Hamidi's friend.

The Economist

On one side are two burly Samurai, the elder called Sony, the younger Nintendo.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "burly" to vividly describe individuals or objects possessing considerable physical strength and a robust build, adding a layer of detail and character to your descriptions.

Common error

While "burly" effectively conveys strength, it can be jarring in situations needing a delicate touch. Opt for adjectives like "sturdy" or "strong" when describing someone capable but not necessarily imposing.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "burly" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe them as large, strong, and heavily built. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a standard and acceptable use in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "burly" is a grammatically sound and commonly used adjective to describe something or someone as large, strong, and heavily built. As indicated by Ludwig AI, its usage is correct and widely accepted. While versatile, "burly" best fits contexts where physical strength is a key attribute. News & Media outlets frequently employ this descriptor, while its usage in more formal or technical writing is less prevalent. Remember to consider connotations when describing delicate situations, and explore alternatives like "robust" or "sturdy" for more nuanced descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brawny

Implies a well-developed musculature and physical strength, often associated with manual labor.

beefy

Informal term implying a large and muscular build.

strapping

Suggests a tall and well-built physique, often used to describe young men.

husky

Indicates a strong and sturdy build, often used for young people.

heavyset

Indicates a stocky or sturdy build, sometimes implying a degree of excess weight.

stocky

Describes a short and solid build.

stout

Similar to heavyset but can also imply resilience and strength.

robust

Implies strength, health, and vigor.

muscular

Specifically emphasizes well-defined muscles and physical power.

powerful

Highlights the ability to exert force or influence.

FAQs

How can I use "burly" in a sentence?

You can use "burly" to describe someone or something that is large, strong, and heavily built. For example, "The "burly man" lifted the heavy box with ease."

What words can I use instead of "burly"?

Alternatives to "burly" include "brawny", "strapping", or "heavyset", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "burly" in formal writing?

While "burly" is generally acceptable, consider the context. In formal writing, "robust" or "sturdy" might be more suitable depending on the specific meaning.

What's the difference between "burly" and "brawny"?

"Burly" emphasizes a large, strong build, while "brawny" specifically suggests well-developed musculature, often associated with physical labor.