getting thin

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "getting thin" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone losing weight or becoming less substantial in some way. Example: "After months of dieting and exercise, she is finally getting thin and feeling more confident in her appearance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

In fact, it's getting thin.

Independent

"The skin is getting thin and brown".

The New Yorker

"I feel the promises made to us are getting thin.

The New York Times

To parents and the students getting thin envelopes, I apologize for the demographic realities.

The New York Times

"The air is getting thin up here," Stanley said, his head down, panting.

The New York Times - Travel

One problem with blaming people for being fat, obesity researchers say, is that getting thin is not like quitting smoking.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

That, too, is getting thinner.

The Economist

Lately, their smiles have been getting thinner.

The Economist

Meanwhile, the salt keeps getting thinner.

Independent

"Look, Karen's getting thinner and thinner," she exclaimed.

The Guardian - Books

The air is certainly getting thinner for the Samwer brothers.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "getting thin" to describe a person's weight loss, consider the tone and context. Use more sensitive language when discussing someone's body image or health.

Common error

While "getting thin" is acceptable, avoid using it excessively in formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives like "losing weight" or "reducing body mass" for clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "getting thin" primarily functions as a gerund phrase, where "getting" acts as a verb in its gerund form and "thin" functions as its complement. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in English. This phrase often appears as part of a larger clause.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "getting thin" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe the process of losing weight or becoming less substantial. Ludwig AI shows that it is usable in various contexts, including news, general discussions, and science. While "getting thin" is widely understood, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives like "losing weight" or "reducing body mass" in professional or academic settings. The usage analysis reveals it's most prevalent in News & Media, with other contexts being less common. When discussing weight loss, remember to approach the topic with sensitivity and consider the specific context of the conversation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

losing weight

Focuses specifically on the reduction of body mass.

slimming down

Implies a gradual and often intentional process of weight reduction.

becoming slender

Highlights the aesthetic outcome of achieving a thinner physique.

thinning out

Can apply to both physical appearance and abstract concepts like resources.

reducing in size

A more general term that can apply to various objects, not just people.

dropping pounds

An informal way to describe losing a significant amount of weight.

lightening up

Can refer to becoming less dense or less burdened, metaphorically or physically.

becoming more petite

Emphasizes a smaller, more delicate stature.

shedding weight

Suggests the removal of excess or unwanted weight.

whittling down

Implies a gradual and precise reduction, often in reference to a physical object.

FAQs

What does "getting thin" mean?

The phrase "getting thin" generally means losing weight or becoming less substantial in size or thickness. It's commonly used to describe someone's physical appearance changing as they reduce body mass.

What can I say instead of "getting thin"?

You can use alternatives like "losing weight", "slimming down", or "becoming slender" depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "getting thin" or "becoming thinner"?

Both "getting thin" and "becoming thinner" are grammatically correct. "Getting thin" implies a process currently in progress, while "becoming thinner" can describe a more gradual or long-term change. The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

In what contexts should I avoid using the phrase "getting thin"?

Avoid using "getting thin" in formal or sensitive contexts where a more objective or respectful term is needed. For instance, in medical discussions, use phrases like "losing weight" or "experiencing weight loss".