frail frame

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "frail frame" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has a delicate or weak physical build, often in a context discussing health or vulnerability. Example: "Despite her frail frame, she displayed remarkable strength and resilience in the face of adversity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

An early-1980s tour, brought on by penury, was finally too much for his frail frame.

The Guardian - Music

The outbursts put a strain on the home's staff, who struggle to deal with her frail frame.

The New York Times

He is a man of seventy-six, with a white beard, a frail frame, and a thinnish voice.

The New Yorker

Ms. O'Connor's extremely close-cropped hair makes her look both vulnerable and adamant; her clothing - a bustier and tight black jeans - emphasized her frail frame.

The New York Times - Arts

He closed the book with a reference to Biggs: "When I look at his frail frame, I see my own mortality.

The Guardian

On the final page of his updated memoir, Crossing the Line, Reynolds remarks of Biggs: "When I see his frail frame, I see my own mortality.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

Standing 4ft 11in until a growth spurt in his late 30s took him to 5ft 7in, and frail of frame, he was known throughout the early part of his career as Little Jimmy Scott.

The Guardian - Music

Sierra's pole got lucky when she lost her grip and went down her pole in a wild, rough thrust, her pole battering her frail bony frame as she plummeted.

Huffington Post

A week later when I first saw her, she was 20 pounds lighter, her chin was sagging like our mothers once did, I could see in her profile our other sister who died at 29 from AIDS, and her frail, sunken frame reminded me of our late grandmother.

Huffington Post

They talk more openly than they once did about the pope's frail health, framing it in the context of a perseverance that they say sets a powerful example.

The New York Times

She pictured an old man getting slowly out of an old-fashioned car, his hair white, his frame frail.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone with a "frail frame", consider adding details about their resilience or inner strength to avoid portraying them solely as weak or vulnerable. Balance physical description with character portrayal.

Common error

Avoid using "frail frame" in overly sentimental or melodramatic writing. Opt for more nuanced descriptions that highlight specific aspects of their physical condition and personality to prevent cliché.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "frail frame" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. It combines the adjective "frail", indicating weakness or delicacy, with the noun "frame", referring to the body's structure. Ludwig AI examples show this phrase used to describe the physical condition of individuals.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "frail frame" is a descriptive term used to depict someone's delicate or weak physical constitution. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, be mindful of the potential for cliché and aim for nuanced descriptions that balance physical portrayal with character depiction. Consider alternatives like "delicate physique" or "slight build" to vary your language. The phrase primarily functions to convey information about physical health or condition with a generally neutral register.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

delicate physique

Replaces "frame" with a more general term for body build and "frail" with "delicate", emphasizing grace and slightness.

weak constitution

Focuses on inherent health and resilience rather than just physical build.

slight build

Highlights the smallness and slenderness of the person's body.

fragile body

Emphasizes the ease with which the person could be hurt or damaged.

feeble form

Uses a more formal term ("form") and emphasizes a lack of strength.

unhealthy physique

More generally indicates a lack of well-being and physical strength.

weakened body

Highlights the process of becoming less strong, usually due to illness or age.

delicate structure

Uses "structure" to refer to the body, emphasizing its intricate and potentially vulnerable nature.

brittle figure

Suggests a rigid, easily broken physical state.

fragile constitution

Combining "fragile" and "constitution" emphasizes the easily compromised nature of overall health.

FAQs

How can I describe someone with a "frail frame" without being insensitive?

Focus on specific details rather than generalizations. Mention the specific features that contribute to the perception of frailty, such as thin limbs or stooped posture, and balance it by showing the person's strength and resilience, not to reduce them to their physical condition. Also, be mindful of the overall tone and avoid language that might be seen as pitying or condescending.

What are some alternatives to "frail frame" that still convey a sense of physical weakness?

You can use alternatives like "delicate physique", "slight build", or "weak constitution" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "frail frame" when writing about someone's health?

Yes, it can be appropriate in a medical or descriptive context. However, ensure the term is used objectively and with respect for the individual's dignity. Avoid using it in a way that dehumanizes or stigmatizes the person.

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

"Frail frame" implies a greater degree of delicacy and vulnerability, often associated with age or illness. "Weak frame" simply suggests a lack of physical strength. While they are similar, "frail" carries a stronger connotation of fragility.