frail body

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "frail body" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a physical form that is weak, delicate, or lacking in strength, often in contexts related to health or vulnerability. Example: "After the illness, she returned to her home, feeling the weight of her frail body and the toll it had taken on her spirit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Each chesty cough shakes his frail body.

The Guardian

Then my hands firmly gripped Christine's frail body.

The Washington Post

And with each passing day, her frail body deteriorated.

The Washington Post

His well-known smile still emitted its charisma, but his frail body seemed nearly spent.

The New York Times

"With her frail body she was defending the Olympic spirit, which moved many people," it said.

The New York Times

Annie's frail body was put through rigorous testing over 48 hours.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

His hand reached out, hesitantly, and I thought of warning him, or even shoving his frail body forward.

The New Yorker

Michelangelo makes the flesh of Christ's frail body so real and tender in death it is heartbreaking.

The Guardian - Arts

The challenge of feeding his frail body was where his thoughts were chiefly concentrated for what remained of our encounter.

Independent

When I had smoothed it out, he lowered his frail body onto it and settled himself down.

Independent

Everyone crowded on her teakwood bed where her frail body lay, the same bed she'd slept in since she married my grandfather and moved to Kolkata decades ago.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's health status, use "frail body" to sensitively convey their physical vulnerability. This phrase is useful in medical contexts or narratives focusing on illness or aging.

Common error

Avoid using "frail body" to describe someone's general appearance if they are simply thin or slender. The term carries implications of weakness and vulnerability that may not be appropriate or accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "frail body" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "frail" modifies the noun "body". It describes a physical state characterized by weakness and delicacy, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Academia

3%

Lifestyle

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "frail body" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a state of physical weakness and delicacy. As confirmed by Ludwig, it effectively conveys vulnerability, particularly in contexts related to health, aging, or malnutrition. While its primary usage lies within news, media, and formal settings, it's essential to use this phrase with sensitivity and avoid overgeneralization. Alternatives such as "delicate physique" or "weakened frame" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you wish to express.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

delicate physique

Focuses on the daintiness and refinement of the body's form.

weakened frame

Emphasizes a loss of strength or structural integrity in the body.

feeble constitution

Highlights an inherent lack of physical resilience or robustness.

fragile form

Conveys the idea of being easily broken or damaged.

debilitated body

Suggests a state of significant physical impairment or enfeeblement.

infirm physique

Implies a condition of weakness or sickness, particularly due to old age.

attenuated figure

Focuses on the thinness and reduced substance of the body.

emaciated build

Highlights a state of extreme thinness and wasting away.

vulnerable body

Emphasizes the susceptibility to harm or illness.

slight build

Describes a body that is small and thin, lacking in muscle mass.

FAQs

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

You can use "frail body" to describe someone who is physically weak or delicate due to age, illness, or malnutrition. For example: "The elderly man's "frail body" was a testament to his long battle with cancer."

What are some synonyms for "frail body"?

Some synonyms for "frail body" include "delicate physique", "weakened frame", and "feeble constitution". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "frail body" to describe someone's appearance?

While "frail body" can accurately describe someone's physical condition, it's important to consider the context. Avoid using it in a way that could be perceived as insensitive or judgmental. If someone is simply thin, "slender build" or "slight frame" might be more appropriate.

What is the difference between "frail body" and "weak body"?

"Frail body" implies a combination of weakness and delicacy, often due to age or illness, while "weak body" simply indicates a lack of physical strength. A "frail body" is more suggestive of vulnerability than a "weak body".