frail person

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "frail person" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who is weak or delicate in physical health or strength. Here are a few examples of how it can be used in a sentence: 1. "The old man was a frail person, struggling to walk with the aid of a cane." 2. "Despite her small frame, she was not a frail person and could lift heavy weights with ease." 3. "The doctor advised the frail person to be careful and avoid any strenuous activities." 4. "Growing up, my grandmother was always a frail person, but she never let it hold her back from living life to the fullest."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

He was a frail person.

The Guardian

"A quivering form of a very frail person was stretched out under a blanket on a daybed.

The New York Times - Arts

They might give a frail person, or someone at risk, a glucose tolerance test, to be sure that diabetes or prediabetes would be detected.

The New York Times - Science

Incredibly, the only person to stand up to Tyson was a fellow guest, the 77-year-old British philosopher AJ Ayer, who gallantly interposed his frail person.

The Guardian - Film

The episodes transformed the once-independent man, who used to work as a chauffeur, into a frail person who was plagued by confusion and was in need of constant help.

The New York Times

The Guardian style guide states that a carer is "an unpaid family member, partner or friend who helps a disabled or frail person with the activities of daily living; not someone who works in a caring job or profession".

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

These services can assist frail persons effectively in their daily tasks.

Robotics and Autonomous Systems

Frail persons living at the same address were randomized as one unit.

BMC Geriatrics

Several inpatient geriatric health services have proven effectiveness in frail persons.

BMC Health Services Research

Our research questions were: Does the FA index distinguish between robust, prefrail and frail persons?

BMC Geriatrics

The test has been adapted from Lemmink and co-workers [ 54] to frail persons.

BMC Geriatrics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as a "frail person", be specific about the aspects of their frailty, such as mobility, strength, or overall health, to provide a clearer picture.

Common error

Avoid using "frail person" as a blanket term without specifying the nature of the frailty. Instead of saying "the frail person needed help", clarify with "the frail person, due to limited mobility, needed help with groceries".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "frail person" functions as a noun phrase where "frail" modifies "person". It serves to categorize an individual based on their physical or overall weakness and vulnerability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

46%

News & Media

44%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "frail person" is a grammatically sound and relatively common way to describe someone who is physically weak or vulnerable. Ludwig confirms its correctness and provides numerous real-world examples. While used across various contexts, it appears most frequently in scientific and news publications. When using this phrase, it's important to be specific about the nature of the frailty and to use it with sensitivity. Consider alternatives like "delicate individual" or "weakened person" depending on the specific meaning you want to convey. Ultimately, understanding the contexts and implications allows for more thoughtful and accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fragile person

Uses "fragile" instead of "frail", emphasizing the person's susceptibility to harm.

delicate individual

Replaces "frail" with "delicate" and "person" with "individual", emphasizing the person's fragility.

weak individual

Uses "weak" instead of "frail", focusing on the person's lack of physical strength.

feeble person

Synonym substitution using "feeble" to indicate a lack of physical strength.

weakened person

Uses "weakened" instead of "frail", focusing on the reduction of strength.

infirm person

Substitutes "frail" with "infirm", suggesting a more advanced state of weakness.

ailing individual

Replaces "frail" with "ailing", suggesting that the person is currently suffering from an illness.

debilitated individual

Replaces "frail person" with "debilitated individual", highlighting a state of being weakened, often by illness.

vulnerable person

Replaces "frail" with "vulnerable", highlighting the person's susceptibility to physical or emotional harm.

unhealthy individual

Replaces "frail" with "unhealthy", focusing on poor health in general.

FAQs

How can I describe someone who is a "frail person"?

You can use alternative descriptions such as "delicate individual", "weakened person", or "infirm person", depending on the specific context and the nuances you want to convey.

Is it offensive to describe someone as a "frail person"?

While not inherently offensive, it's important to use the term "frail person" with sensitivity and respect. Focus on describing their condition rather than defining them by it. Consider using alternatives if they feel more appropriate in the context.

What are the clinical implications of describing someone as a "frail person"?

In a clinical setting, "frail person" indicates an increased risk of falls, hospitalization, and mortality. It often prompts further assessment and tailored care plans to manage their specific needs and improve their quality of life. Understanding the concept of frailty can support informed clinical decisions.

What's the difference between "frail person" and "elderly person"?

While frailty is more common in older adults, not all elderly people are frail. "Elderly person" refers to age, while "frail person" refers to a state of decreased physiological reserve and increased vulnerability to stressors, regardless of age. A younger individual could be considered a "frail person" due to a specific illness or condition.