delicate bone structure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "delicate bone structure" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe someone with a refined or fragile appearance, often in contexts related to beauty or anatomy. For example, "Her delicate bone structure gave her an ethereal look." Alternative expressions include "fine bone structure" and "slender bone structure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Stanton's delicate bone structure and "kinda raggedy" hangdog visage perfectly articulates Travis's regret at the damage he has done.

The Guardian - Film

Van Herpen is Dutch, with a wide forehead, pale eyes and the delicate bone structure of a sparrow.

The Washington Post

Although Green has lived in Primrose Hill, north London, for the past six years, she remains triumphantly French, both in her effortlessly chic appearance – her delicate bone structure and languid gaze have been the undoing of many a male interviewer – but also in the way she speaks, with her vowels breathily accented in the manner of a 1960s Parisian chanteuse.

The Guardian - Film

Given her pale skin and delicate bone structure, it's no wonder she made her feature film debut as an innocent-sounding phone-sex operator in Spike Lee's "Girl 6," or that Woody Allen chose her to be the impatient floozy who hastens the emotional breakdown of Sean Penn's 1930's-era 1930's-erarist in "Sweet and Lowdown".

The New York Times

The delicate bone structure, the hair, those eyes...you've got to admit this one is pretty uncanny.

Huffington Post

If you have a delicate bone structure in your face, you are never going to look like Angelina Jolie (and getting your lips plumped will not make you look more like her!).

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

At first glance girl-next-door pretty, she is more interesting-looking than that: large, green-gold eyes and bone structure delicate as a sparrow.

The Guardian - Film

Voilà, bone structure.

The New York Times

My bone structure.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It has wonderful bone structure.

The Guardian - Money

She becomes her bone structure – elegant, chiselled.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In scientific or medical contexts, ensure the term refers to the actual density or size of the bones rather than just a subjective visual impression.

Common error

Do not use "delicate bone structure" to describe the framework of buildings or large machines. While it works for human anatomy or small animals like sparrows, structural engineering requires terms like "fragile frame" or "lightweight lattice" to avoid sounding overly anthropomorphic.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "delicate bone structure" serves as a descriptive noun phrase. It utilizes the adjective "delicate" to modify the compound noun "bone structure". In sentences found on Ludwig, it often functions as a direct object or as part of a prepositional phrase describing a subject's physical characteristics.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "delicate bone structure" is a versatile and correct English phrase primarily used for physical description. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is frequently found in high-quality journalism and scientific literature to describe both human beauty and anatomical fragility. While it is often associated with the refined appearance of public figures like Natalie Portman or Eva Green, it also serves a technical purpose in biology to describe the fragile skeletons of birds or prehistoric creatures. Writers should use it when they want to emphasize a sense of daintiness or sophisticated physical form without implying structural failure.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fine bone structure

Emphasizes aesthetic refinement and elegance often associated with beauty

slender bone structure

Focuses more on the thinness or narrowness of the skeletal frame

refined bone structure

Suggests a polished or sophisticated appearance rather than just fragility

fragile skeletal frame

Increases the emphasis on the physical weakness or breakability of the bones

delicate facial structure

Narrows the scope specifically to the features of the face

narrow bone structure

Describes the physical width rather than the perceived daintiness

elegant bone structure

Places a positive aesthetic value on the arrangement of the bones

slight build

Describes the overall body type including muscle and fat rather than just bones

petite bone structure

Implies smallness in stature alongside the daintiness of the bones

graceful bone structure

Focuses on the visual flow and poise of the physical features

FAQs

What is another way to say "delicate bone structure"?

You can use synonyms like "fine bone structure", "slender bone structure" or "refined bone structure" depending on whether you want to highlight beauty or size.

Is "delicate bone structure" a compliment?

Yes, in many fashion and media contexts, it is used to describe an elegant or attractive physical trait often associated with models or actors.

How do I use "delicate bone structure" in a sentence?

You can say, "The actress was known for her striking eyes and "delicate bone structure"." or "The archaeologist marveled at the "delicate bone structure" of the avian fossil."

What is the difference between "delicate bone structure" and "skeletal structure"?

While "skeletal structure" is a broad anatomical term, adding the adjective "delicate" provides a specific description of refinement, fragility or small scale.