frail looking

USAGE SUMMARY

"frail looking" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who appears physically weak or delicate. Here are a few examples of how it can be used in a sentence: 1. The old woman was frail looking, but she still had a fierce determination in her eyes. 2. Despite her frail looking frame, the young ballerina had incredible strength and grace on stage. 3. He was surprised to see that the previously robust athlete was now frail looking and pale after his illness. 4. The princess was known for her beauty, but her frail looking appearance disguised her fierce fighting skills. 5. I couldn't help but feel sorry for the frail looking puppy, who had been abandoned on the street.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"All of my life," he said, "people have said that they thought I was too fragile, thin and frail looking.

The New York Times - Sports

Some presenters, on the other hand, were outstanding, notably the impossibly beautiful Angelina Jolie, who graciously steered a rather frail looking Sidney Poitier through his portion of the introduction.

BBC

Pennington is a frail looking, 29-year-old with a wispy goatee.

Huffington Post

Standing 173 cm (5 ft 8 in) and weighing 63 kg, Craig was a lightly built and frail looking batsman.

Wikipedia

The real treat of Roulette is the performance space itself: an intimate gem of an old ballroom/theater, a tiny balcony spanning the perimeter, anchored to the ceiling by skinny, frail looking pipes.

Huffington Post

Split this shot in half: you've either got a confused and frail looking Kenny Dixon Jr, aka Moodymann, looking like he's seriously having to retrace his steps and really think long and hard about whether the hob's still on.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Speaking in his colourful Prague office decorated with a life-size sculpture of a female figure and photos of him with various international dignitaries a frail-looking Mr Havel insists the plot is not autobiographical.

The Economist

Television news crews outside his Jackson Heights home Monday captured footage of a frail-looking man, missing his front teeth, who groaned in pain as he was hoisted on a stretcher into an ambulance.

Vice

Horowitz also describes the Lettera as "frail-looking".

The New Yorker

Beware frail-looking people who will watch paint dry.

The New York Times

A deceptively frail-looking woman, she was simmering with rage and steely reason.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character in fiction, use "frail looking" to subtly convey vulnerability or declining health, enriching the reader's understanding of their condition without explicitly stating it.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on "frail looking" as the main identifier of a person. Supplement it with details about their personality, actions, or background to create a more nuanced and engaging character.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "frail looking" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, providing information about the apparent physical condition of the subject. Ludwig shows examples across varied contexts, illustrating its descriptive role.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "frail looking" is a grammatically sound and commonly understood way to describe someone's apparent physical weakness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, though sensitivity is advised to avoid negative connotations. While "frail looking" is most often found in News & Media, it also appears in Wiki and some scientific contexts. When aiming for variety in your writing, consider using synonyms like "weak appearance" or "fragile looking".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fragile looking

Synonymous, emphasizes the easiness to be damaged.

feeble appearance

Highlights a lack of strength or energy.

weak appearance

Focuses on the visual aspect of weakness rather than implying a state of health.

delicate appearance

Implies a refined and fragile aesthetic, softer than outright frailty.

unhealthy looking

Suggests a lack of vitality and possible illness.

sickly appearance

Directly implies an outward sign of sickness.

gaunt looking

Focuses on the thinness and hollowed features, suggesting malnourishment or illness.

worn looking

Indicates that someone appears tired and aged, often due to stress or hardship.

weakened state

Focuses on the condition of being less strong, rather than the appearance.

pallid

A more concise term emphasizing an unhealthy paleness in appearance.

FAQs

How can I describe someone who is "frail looking"?

You can use phrases like "weak appearance", "delicate appearance", or "feeble appearance" to provide similar descriptions.

Is it appropriate to use "frail looking" in formal writing?

Yes, "frail looking" is acceptable in formal writing, but consider the context. If a more clinical or precise term is needed, consider alternatives like "appearing physically weakened".

What does it mean when someone is described as "frail looking"?

It means they appear physically weak, delicate, or easily susceptible to illness or injury. It emphasizes their outward appearance of vulnerability.

Are there any negative connotations associated with the term "frail looking"?

While generally neutral, using "frail looking" could be perceived negatively if it's used to stereotype or demean someone. Ensure your usage is sensitive and contextually appropriate.