delicate body

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "delicate body" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to refer to a person's physical appearance. For example: The ballerina's delicate body was accentuated by her graceful movements.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Wright's tree is untouchable, practically mythical: Beautiful natural blossoms, Pure delicate body, You stand without trembling.

The New Yorker

"I planned to go to Florida to train, build my delicate body up even bigger and stronger.

The New York Times - Sports

If his surgically repaired knee (plus the rest of his delicate body) holds up, he can easily be a 1,000-yard 1,000-yard

The New York Times

Sinking down on her haunches, her delicate body quivering, her eyes glisteningly wide, she seems to physically morph from woman to hare.

The Guardian

The elegant carving allowed by the sharper tools includes delicate body fluting, carefully outlined eyes and an appealingly humanoid face that bears the faintest suggestion of -- heavens! -- Disneyfication.

The New York Times - Arts

She will be remembered as the French princess in Laurence Olivier's wartime propaganda film version of Henry V, pertly trimming her garden roses while rehearsing the English words for delicate body parts.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Weinfield concedes that modern string instruments easily overcome old ones with their steel-string power, but she argues that viols remain alluring precisely because they hark back to a preindustrial age: "Their delicate bodies are made with thin slabs of wood, strung with gut strings and frets, and are played da gamba, or on the leg".

The New Yorker

Obviously Earth is the most valuable planet, it being the only one that we know of that can support our delicate bodies.

TechCrunch

The fish go into shock, and their delicate bodies are damaged by the swirling journey out of the toilet bowl.

Los Angeles Times

What exactly will these AIs think of us, with our flaws, our delicate bodies, our finite lifespans, and our limited brains?

Huffington Post

Their delicate bodies are made with thin slabs of wood, strung with gut strings and frets, and are played da gamba, or on the leg.

HuffPost

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "delicate body", consider the context and ensure it aligns with the overall tone. It's suitable for describing fragility, vulnerability, or a need for careful handling, but may not be appropriate in all situations.

Common error

Avoid using "delicate body" in contexts where strength or resilience is being described. It's more suitable for portraying vulnerability rather than capability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "delicate body" typically functions as a noun phrase, where the adjective "delicate" modifies the noun "body". As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s grammatically correct and commonly used. The phrase usually describes a physical state or attribute.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "delicate body" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to depict vulnerability and fragility. As Ludwig AI states, this phrase is accurate and commonly found across numerous reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. Its application spans various contexts, with a significant presence in news, academic, and scientific domains. To convey a more nuanced representation, synonyms like "fragile physique" and "frail form" can be used. It is, however, important to consider the situation when using this phrase so as to avoid misuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fragile physique

Replaces "delicate" with "fragile" and "body" with "physique", emphasizing the physical vulnerability.

frail form

Substitutes "delicate" with "frail" and "body" with "form", highlighting weakness and slightness.

vulnerable physique

Uses "vulnerable" instead of "delicate", stressing the susceptibility to harm.

sensitive constitution

Replaces "delicate body" with "sensitive constitution", focusing on the body's reactivity to external stimuli.

slight build

Uses "slight build" to emphasize a thin or small body frame.

tender frame

Substitutes "delicate" with "tender" and "body" with "frame", suggesting fragility and a need for care.

feeble structure

Replaces "body" with "structure", emphasizing the weakness of the physical construction.

dainty figure

Uses "dainty figure" to convey smallness and grace.

weakened physical state

Replaces "delicate body" with a longer phrase to express a condition of physical debility.

ethereal form

Suggests a body that is light and almost otherworldly, implying fragility.

FAQs

How can I use "delicate body" in a sentence?

You can use "delicate body" to describe someone who is physically frail or requires gentle handling. For example, "The nurse carefully moved the patient's delicate body."

What are some alternatives to saying "delicate body"?

Alternatives include "fragile physique", "frail form", or "vulnerable physique", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Which is correct: "delicate body" or "delicately body"?

"Delicate body" is correct. "Delicate" is an adjective describing the noun "body". "Delicately" is an adverb and would not be grammatically correct in this context.

What's the difference between "delicate body" and "strong body"?

"Delicate body" implies fragility and vulnerability, while "strong body" suggests physical power and resilience. The choice depends on the characteristic you want to emphasize.