delicate constitution

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'delicate constitution' is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone's health or physical strength. For example, "She was born with a delicate constitution, so she needs to take extra care of herself."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

It is too much for my delicate constitution to bear.

The New York Times - Style

Or else regret over losing Les was gnawing at her delicate constitution.

The New Yorker

Newsprint has a delicate constitution: fluctuations in temperature and moisture could hasten decay.

The Guardian - Books

His delicate constitution led him to avoid sports and rely on his brains instead of his muscles.

The New York Times - Arts

The temperature will come as a pleasant surprise and won't shock anyone who has a delicate constitution.

The New York Times - Food

With my delicate constitution in need of some serious fortification, it's a tough call between fluffy American pancakes (with maple syrup and bacon) or bacon and eggs served on thick, buttery hunks of fresh bread.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

It's exceedingly well behaved, omitting anything that might upset delicate constitutions.

The New York Times - Books

Another popular strategy among those with delicate constitutions: reading the entire plot on Wikipedia before stepping foot into a theater.

The Washington Post

Devoted cowards and those with more delicate constitutions can take a guided Segway tour through forest trails.

The Guardian - Travel

Until the advent of the Big Boy, tomatoes were a hugely popular but time-intensive crop that flourished only under the painstaking dedication of gardeners diligent enough to spend hours staking their 15-foot vines, fertilizing to accommodate their persnickety soil preferences and protecting their delicate constitutions from disease.

The New York Times

Foie gras not a delicacy for those with delicate constitutions.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's inherent physical weakness or sensitivity, use "delicate constitution" to convey a sense of inherent frailty rather than a temporary condition.

Common error

Avoid using "delicate constitution" to describe a condition caused by lifestyle or external factors; it's more appropriate for describing an inherent, pre-existing physical sensitivity. For conditions or diseases that developed due to one's lifestyle, it would be better to describe one's condition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "delicate constitution" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes the physical makeup or health of an individual or organism, often implying a susceptibility to illness or weakness. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating this usage.

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

In summary, "delicate constitution" is a commonly used and grammatically correct noun phrase that describes a state of physical weakness or sensitivity. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's suitable for referring to someone's health or physical strength. Predominantly found in News & Media, Academia, and Science, this phrase effectively conveys inherent frailty. When employing this phrase, consider the context and whether it truly reflects an inherent condition rather than an acquired one. Alternatives such as "fragile health" or "weak physical condition" can offer similar meanings with slightly different emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fragile health

Focuses specifically on the fragility of one's health.

weak physical condition

Highlights the lack of physical strength or robustness.

sensitive system

Emphasizes sensitivity to external factors or internal imbalances.

compromised immunity

Focuses on a weakened immune system, making one susceptible to illness.

poorly resistant

Emphasizes the lack of ability to withstand illness or stress.

frail physique

Highlights physical frailty and lack of robustness.

susceptible to illness

Indicates a higher likelihood of becoming sick.

vulnerable health

Highlights the unprotected state of one's health.

debilitated state

Emphasizes a weakened or impaired condition.

unhealthy state of being

Generalizes to an overall lack of well-being and health.

FAQs

What does it mean to have a "delicate constitution"?

Having a "delicate constitution" means that someone is physically weak or susceptible to illness. It suggests a natural frailty or sensitivity rather than a condition developed over time.

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

You can say, "Because of her delicate constitution, she avoids strenuous activities" or "The oyster has a delicate constitution and is susceptible to pollution".

Are there other phrases similar to "delicate constitution"?

Yes, you can use alternatives like "fragile health", "weak physical condition", or "sensitive system" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "delicate constitution" in formal writing?

Yes, "delicate constitution" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. It is a well-established phrase with a clear and widely understood meaning.