he is thin

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he is thin" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's physical appearance, specifically their body type or build. Example: "Despite his tall stature, he is thin and often gets mistaken for being fragile."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

29 human-written examples

He is thin as an elder tree.

The Guardian - Arts

He is thin and I am fat.

The Guardian - Opinion

Naftali is forty-four, and he is thin and excitable.

The New Yorker

He is thin and pale and too tired to cry.

The Guardian

He is thin, as if to reduce resistance.

The New York Times - Magazine

He is thin; a slight cough has set in.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

"He is thin-skinned".

The New York Times

He is thin-skinned, melodramatic, petulant, impulsive, loud-mouthed, obnoxious, boastful, crude and shameless and, like many adolescents, he has at best a casual relationship with the truth.

The Guardian

But the story of his rocky though successful rise from television bit player to NBC's smash hit "E.R.," and, most recently, to movie stardom, reveals an actor who can be as confrontational as he is affable, as tough as he is thin-skinned, who often really did do it his way.

The New York Times

He is thinner and his moustache has grown spikier.

The Economist

Now, at seventy-three, he is thinner, slower, and openly bald.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he is thin" when describing someone's physical appearance in a neutral or objective way, without implying judgment or negativity. Consider the context and choose a synonym if a more specific or nuanced description is needed.

Common error

Avoid using "he is thin" in contexts where it could be perceived as insensitive or judgmental, especially when discussing someone's health or body image. Opt for more empathetic or descriptive language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is thin" primarily functions as a descriptive statement, characterizing an individual's physical attribute. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it's a common way to describe someone's physique in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he is thin" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase for describing someone's physical appearance. As per Ludwig AI, it is perfectly correct. The phrase is commonly found in news and media contexts. While it's generally neutral, being mindful of the context is crucial to avoid potential insensitivity. Consider using synonyms like "he is lean" or "he is slender" for varied expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is lean

Emphasizes a healthy and athletic build with low body fat, implying fitness.

he is slender

Focuses on an elegant and graceful thinness, often implying a delicate build.

he is slim

A general term for thinness, suggesting a pleasing and attractive physique.

he is underweight

Indicates a body weight below the healthy range, potentially implying a medical concern.

he is slight

Suggests a delicate or fragile build, often implying small stature as well.

he is wiry

Describes a thin but strong and sinewy physique, emphasizing resilience.

he is lanky

Implies a tall and thin build, often with long limbs and a somewhat awkward appearance.

he is gaunt

Suggests an unhealthy thinness, often due to illness or deprivation, with a hollowed appearance.

he is frail

Emphasizes weakness and delicacy, often associated with old age or illness.

he is delicate

Focuses on a fine and fragile build, often implying sensitivity and vulnerability.

FAQs

What are some alternative ways to say "he is thin"?

You can use alternatives like "he is lean", "he is slender", or "he is slim" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "he is thin"?

The phrase "he is thin" is suitable for describing someone's physical appearance in a neutral context. Avoid using it in situations where it might be perceived as judgmental or insensitive.

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

While both describe a lack of body weight, "thin" is generally considered more neutral, whereas "skinny" can sometimes carry a negative connotation, suggesting an unhealthy or unattractive thinness.

Is "he is thin" a formal or informal way to describe someone's physique?

"He is thin" falls in the neutral register and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, for formal settings, consider using more descriptive terms like "he is slender" or "he is lean" for a more sophisticated tone.