he is slight

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he is slight" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is thin or slender in build. Example: "Despite his slight frame, he was surprisingly strong and agile."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Music

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

He is slight, pallid and incrementally balding.

The Guardian - Sport

White-haired and bearded, he is slight of build.

The New Yorker

He is slight, with a standard-issue 30-something goatee.

The New York Times

He is slight and quiet, or so most people assume, and largely goes unnoticed.

The Guardian - Sport

He is slight and elfish-looking, and his manners are refined.

The New Yorker

He is slight and wiry: the ballplayers he represented for so long always loomed over him.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

Beglarian isn't especially canine in appearance--he is slight and neat, with dark hair and gray eyes, and does not bound or slobber as a matter of course.

The New Yorker

In person, he is slighter and more handsome – pretty, even – than his onscreen goofily Muppet-y looks suggest.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Even when Picasso moved decisively away from descriptive naturalism, there is never any sense that he is slighting his human subjects.

The Guardian - Arts

He was slight and short and slender.

The New Yorker

He wasn't bad-looking, but he was slight.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "he is slight", consider adding further details to create a more vivid picture. For example, mention their height, weight, or other physical characteristics to provide context.

Common error

Avoid using "he is slight" when you mean someone is insignificant or unimportant. "Slight" refers to physical build, not social standing or importance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is slight" functions as a descriptive phrase, specifically an adjective phrase, used to provide information about a person's physical appearance. It is used to characterize someone as having a thin or delicate build, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Books

20%

Music

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Science

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he is slight" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression for describing someone's physical build, indicating that they are thin or delicate. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is usable in written English. It appears most frequently in News & Media sources and carries a neutral register, making it appropriate for both formal and informal contexts. When using the phrase, it's beneficial to add further details to enhance the description and to avoid confusing it with concepts of insignificance. Consider related phrases like "he is slender" or "he has a slight build" to vary your language while maintaining clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he has a slight build

Highlights the overall physique being small and delicate.

he is of light frame

Emphasizes the lightness and slenderness of his body.

he is of slender build

Emphasizes the slenderness of his physique.

he is lean

Emphasizes the lack of fat and a slender, healthy appearance.

he is thinly built

Focuses on the lack of bulk in his body.

he is not heavily built

Indicates the absence of a muscular or robust physique.

he is of small stature

Focuses on his short height and small size.

he is delicately framed

Suggests a refined and fragile appearance.

he is petite in stature

Highlights a small and graceful build.

he is somewhat frail

Suggests weakness or delicacy due to his slightness.

FAQs

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

You can use "he is slight" to describe a person's build. For example, "Although "he is slight", he possesses incredible strength."

What's a good alternative for "he is slight"?

Alternatives include "he is slender", "he is thinly built", or "he has a slight build" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "he is slight" in formal writing?

Yes, "he is slight" is appropriate for formal writing as it is a neutral and objective way to describe someone's physical appearance.

What is the difference between saying "he is slight" and "he is skinny"?

"He is slight" suggests a delicate or small build, while "he is skinny" implies being underweight or lacking muscle mass. The former is more neutral, while the latter can carry a negative connotation.