compact build

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "compact build" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that has a small, sturdy, and well-proportioned physique or structure. Example: "The athlete had a compact build, which contributed to their agility and strength on the field."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

22 human-written examples

Della Valle has longish hair, a boyish face, and a compact build.

The New Yorker

The bouvier des Flandres is characterized by a rugged appearance and compact build.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The father has long white hair, handsome Roman features, and the compact build of Picasso.

The New Yorker

He has a compact build and pinprick eyes; he talks in a soft, rapid monotone.

The New York Times - Magazine

With his compact build and efficient stride, he is built for this rolling course.

The New York Times

With close-cropped hair, a compact build and a quiet manner, Potier could still pass for one of the players.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

This study investigates the connection between biking risk factors and the compact built environment, using data for Beijing.

Journal of Safety Research

In recent years, accompanied by the massive increased urban population density and the compact built environment, the challenge lies in Asian metropolis has evoked the promotion of human health and well-being.

Procedia Engineering

Two decades later the party itself has changed radically enough — tossing aside its revolutionary ideology and replacing it with a social compact built on stupendous annual economic growth — that it remains secure, with its grip on power as solid as ever.

The New York Times

The Z3 Compact builds on the success of the Z1 Compact (reviewed here previously on Forbes).

Forbes

That "old order," of course, was itself once "new" – a reaction in the 1980s to the failure of the New Deal, Keynesian-based order that Democrats in the US, and the Labour Party in the UK, had created in the 1940s: a social compact built on linking wages to productivity that had generated rises in both for a quarter century before running into the buffer of stagflation in the 1970s.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "compact build" when the size and structure contribute to a particular function or characteristic. For example, "The car's compact build made it ideal for navigating tight city streets."

Common error

Avoid using "compact build" when you simply mean "small" or "short". The phrase implies a specific type of smallness characterized by robustness and proportionality, not just a lack of size.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "compact build" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun to specify its physical attributes. It is frequently used to describe the physical characteristics of people, animals, or objects, highlighting their smaller size and sturdy structure. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

14%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "compact build" is a descriptive phrase used to convey a combination of small size and sturdy structure. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correct and commonly used in the English language. It is often used to describe people, animals, or objects. While versatile, it's important to use the phrase accurately, remembering that it implies more than just small size; it suggests a balanced and robust form. Alternative phrases like "sturdy physique" or "solid build" can be used depending on the specific context. It is most frequently encountered in News & Media, although its occurrence across various other contexts demonstrates its widespread applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

solid build

Focuses on the robustness and strength of the physique.

sturdy physique

Focuses on the strength and solidness of the body's structure.

stocky frame

Emphasizes a short and solid build.

well-proportioned figure

Highlights the balanced and harmonious shape of the body.

athletic constitution

Indicates a body suited for physical activity and fitness.

trim physique

Implies a slender and fit body shape.

muscular frame

Highlights the presence of well-developed muscles.

small stature

Refers to a short and often well-proportioned height.

petite frame

Describes a small and slender build, typically for women.

dense structure

Emphasizes the tightly packed nature of a physical object's form.

FAQs

How can I describe someone with a similar body type to "compact build"?

You might use phrases like "sturdy physique", "stocky frame", or "solid build" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "compact build" only used to describe people?

No, "compact build" can also describe animals or objects, emphasizing their small size and robust structure. For example, a dog or a car can be described as having a "compact build".

What's the difference between "compact build" and "slim build"?

"Compact build" implies a smaller size with a sense of robustness and proportionality, while "slim build" suggests a slender and lean physique without necessarily implying strength.

How to use "compact build" in a sentence?

You can say, "The athlete had a "compact build", which allowed for quick movements" or "The porpoise is distinguishable from dolphins by their more "compact build"".