half-naked

USAGE SUMMARY

"half-naked" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone or something that is only partially clothed. For example: The children ran out of the lake, half-naked and dripping wet.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

No half-naked women.

The New York Times - Travel

They showed her half-naked.

The Economist

(Being wet and half-naked does that).

The New York Times - Travel

Scrawny children run about half-naked.

The Economist

Some arrived half-naked, begging.

The Guardian - Travel

I'm standing there half-naked.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

D.H.H.: They're half naked!

The New Yorker

Not posing half naked.

The Guardian

"It is half naked which is wholly inappropriate for children.

Independent

She had to do this half naked, her gaze lowered.

The Guardian

She left him half naked in the bathroom.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "half-naked", consider the context and audience to ensure it's appropriate. In formal writing, consider using a more neutral term like "partially undressed".

Common error

Avoid using "half-naked" in formal or academic writing where a more clinical or neutral term would be more appropriate. Instead, opt for phrases like "partially clothed" or "scantily clad".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "half-naked" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying a noun to describe a state of partial undress. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and readily usable. This is evident in examples like "half-naked joggers" or "half-naked women".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Wiki

5%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "half-naked" is a commonly used adjective that describes a state of partial undress. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and appears frequently in news, media, and informal contexts. While generally acceptable, it's essential to consider the formality of the writing and choose more neutral alternatives like "partially undressed" or "scantily clad" in professional or academic settings. The phrase serves to vividly depict a scene or person and should be used judiciously to ensure appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

partially undressed

Focuses on the act of being undressed rather than the state of being.

scantily clad

Emphasizes the minimal amount of clothing worn.

semi-nude

A more clinical or artistic term for partial nudity.

lightly dressed

Highlights the lack of substantial clothing.

partly clothed

A more formal and neutral way of saying "half-naked".

revealingly dressed

Focuses on the exposure of the body.

in a state of undress

Highlights the process of being undressed.

immodestly dressed

Suggests that the manner of dressing is inappropriate or provocative.

topless

Specifically refers to being without a top.

bottomless

Specifically refers to being without bottoms.

FAQs

How can I use "half-naked" in a sentence?

You can use "half-naked" to describe someone who is partially undressed. For example, "The children ran out of the lake, half-naked and dripping wet".

What's a more formal alternative to "half-naked"?

A more formal alternative to "half-naked" is "partially undressed", which is less informal and more neutral.

Is it appropriate to use "half-naked" in professional writing?

In most professional writing contexts, it's better to use a more neutral term such as "scantily clad" or "partially clothed", as "half-naked" can be considered too informal or suggestive.

What is the difference between "half-naked" and "semi-nude"?

"Half-naked" generally implies a casual or unintentional state of partial undress, while "semi-nude" often suggests a deliberate or artistic choice to reveal part of the body.