he is lean

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he is lean" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has a slim or slender physique, often in a positive context related to fitness or health. Example: "After months of training, he is lean and ready for the marathon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

He is lean and fit.

The New York Times - Sports

He is lean and young.

The New Yorker

He is lean and aristocratic.

The New York Times

He is lean, fit, and firing.

Independent

He is lean of face and rugged of body.

The New Yorker

He is lean, only ageing slightly when he walks.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

He is leaner these days, except for a slight paunch, and his leanness makes his prominent Italian nose look bigger than it did years ago.

The New York Times - Magazine

He is leaner, sharper, and faster, having lost 11kg.

The Guardian - Sport

Williams would not say how much weight he had lost, but he is leaner than he was two months ago.

The New York Times - Sports

Now as Mr. Nolan prepares for this year's New York marathon, he is leaner, stronger and "easily" averages eight-and-a-half-minute miles on training runs, he said.

The New York Times - Tech

Having lost two stone, he is leaner and quicker.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he is lean" to describe someone with a slim physique, often implying fitness or health. Consider the context to choose a more specific adjective if you want to emphasize strength ("wiry"), elegance ("svelte"), or fitness ("fit").

Common error

Avoid using "he is lean" as a generic descriptor. Be specific about what kind of leanness you are describing (e.g., "he is lean and muscular" or "he is lean from running"). This adds clarity and depth to your description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is lean" functions as a descriptive statement, using the adjective "lean" to characterize the subject's physical appearance. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. Examples show its use in describing athletes, performers, and individuals in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

8%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "he is lean" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe someone's physical appearance, indicating a slim and often fit physique. Ludwig AI validates this usage, and examples show it across various contexts, primarily in news and media. While "lean" generally carries a positive connotation related to health and fitness, it's essential to consider the context and choose more specific adjectives if needed. Related phrases include "he is slender", "he is fit", and "he is wiry", each with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is slender

Focuses more on slenderness or slight build compared to general leanness.

he is fit

Highlights overall fitness and health, rather than specifically body composition.

he is trim

Suggests a neat and well-maintained physique, similar to lean but with an emphasis on appearance.

he is wiry

Indicates a lean but also strong and sinewy build.

he is athletic

Implies a build suited to sports or physical activity, not just leanness.

he is in shape

Similar to 'fit', but emphasizes being in good physical condition.

he is toned

Highlights the presence of muscle definition alongside leanness.

he is healthy

Focuses on overall well-being rather than just physical appearance.

he is svelte

Emphasizes elegance and slenderness, often used in a fashion or aesthetic context.

he is lanky

Suggests a tall and thin frame, possibly with long limbs.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says "he is lean"?

Saying "he is lean" typically means the person has a slim, slender, and often fit physique. It suggests a low amount of body fat and can imply good health or athleticism.

What are some synonyms for "he is lean"?

Alternatives to "he is lean" include "he is slender", "he is fit", "he is trim", or "he is wiry", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "he is lean" or "he is thin"?

"He is lean" usually implies a positive attribute related to fitness and health, while "he is thin" can be neutral or even negative, suggesting a lack of muscle or substance. The better choice depends on the context and the intended meaning.

How can I use "he is lean" in a sentence?

You can use "he is lean" in a sentence like, "After training for the marathon, "he is lean" and ready to compete" or "Despite his age, "he is lean" and full of energy".