frail child

USAGE SUMMARY

'frail child' is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone, usually a child, who is small, weak, and prone to illness. For example: The nurse gently cradled the frail child in her arms.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

He was a frail child.

The New York Times

His remains show that he was a frail child, with buck teeth and a pronounced overbite.

The Washington Post

She was a frail child, desperately ill with TB, hepatitis and scarlet fever.

The Guardian - Music

Applebee was a frail child and received her education at home from local clergymen.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A frail child with a Proustian case of asthma, Shteyngart spent much of his youth idling inside his family's Stalin-era apartment, dictating stories to his adoring grandmother.

The New York Times - Magazine

The writer was reminiscing with her younger sister, Derry, not long ago and learned that little Derry hadn't been the sick, frail child she had appeared to be.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

We suspected that this could influence the analysis of growth since more small and frail children might have survived in the early BCG group.

BMC Pediatrics

On the other hand, if more frail children survive in the "early BCG" group, this could create a false positive association between early BCG and poor nutritional status.

BMC Pediatrics

The study could not establish with certainty whether the results reflect lack of any effect of BCG on growth or it is due to the better survival of frail children in the early BCG group.

BMC Pediatrics

When the harsh living conditions of the jungle began to take their toll on the the already-frail child, the commander sent him for treatment at a health centre.

Unicef

God set me up as frail asthmatic child.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "frail child", ensure that the context clearly indicates the cause or manifestation of the child's frailty, such as illness, malnutrition, or a congenital condition.

Common error

Avoid attributing a child's frailty to a single, broad cause without sufficient evidence. Frailty can result from various factors, and specifying the likely contributors provides a more accurate and sensitive portrayal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "frail child" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "frail" modifies the noun "child". As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically correct way to describe a child's physical condition. The phrase acts as a descriptor, providing information about the child's health and physical state.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

12%

Wiki

3%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "frail child" is a grammatically correct and commonly used descriptor, predominantly found in News & Media, Encyclopedias and Scientific contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to highlight a child's vulnerability and delicate health. While alternatives like "delicate child" or "weak child" exist, "frail child" carries a specific connotation of physical weakness potentially linked to illness or inherent constitution. It's crucial to use this phrase with sensitivity and accuracy, avoiding generalizations about the cause of frailty. While generally neutral, context dictates whether the phrase aligns with your writing's purpose and tone. The examples provided showcase its usage across diverse reputable sources, indicating its broad acceptance in formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

delicate child

Focuses on the child's physical delicacy and sensitivity.

weak child

Highlights the child's lack of physical strength.

sickly child

Emphasizes the child's frequent or chronic illnesses.

vulnerable child

Focuses on the child's susceptibility to harm or illness.

unhealthy child

Indicates a general lack of good health in the child.

feeble child

Stresses the child's lack of strength and energy.

ailing child

Highlights the child's current state of illness.

infirm child

Emphasizes the child's physical weakness and lack of robustness.

underweight child

Focuses on the child's lack of weight and potential malnutrition.

slight child

Emphasizes the child's small size and delicate build.

FAQs

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

You can use "frail child" to describe a child who is physically weak, delicate, or prone to illness. For example, "The nurse gently cared for the "frail child" in the hospital ward."

What are some alternative ways to say "frail child"?

Alternatives include "delicate child", "weak child", or "sickly child", depending on the specific aspect of frailty you wish to emphasize.

Is it appropriate to use the term "frail child" in formal writing?

Yes, "frail child" is appropriate in formal writing when used to accurately and sensitively describe a child's physical condition. However, consider the context and ensure the term is not used in a stigmatizing or dehumanizing way.

What is the difference between "frail child" and "sick child"?

"Frail child" suggests a general state of physical weakness or delicacy, while "sick child" specifically indicates that the child is currently experiencing an illness. A child can be frail without being actively sick, and vice versa.