he was thin

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he was thin" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's physical appearance, typically in a narrative or descriptive context. Example: "As he walked into the room, it was clear that he was thin, almost frail, which made him look even taller."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Huston goes on: "he was thin and pale; I could feel so much pain in him for the past and a lot of anxiety and uncertainty for the future".

Huffington Post

He was thin, pale, covered in scabies.

Independent

He was thin, a little hunched.

The New Yorker

Sinbad when he was thin!

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He was thin and 56, and often wore a bandanna.

The New York Times

He was thin and he could play all day".

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

He was thin-skinned about his own appearance, and he tinkered with it continually.

The New Yorker

He was thinner.

The New York Times

He was thinner, greyer and his voice has lost some of its liquidity.

Independent

He was thinner than people remembered, his long hair shorn to the nub.

The New York Times - Arts

By the time "Middlesex" appeared, he was thinner, balder and possessed of a wily Van Dyke beard.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he was thin" to clearly and directly describe someone's physical appearance, particularly when contrasting it with a previous state or other characteristics. Be mindful of the context and choose more nuanced vocabulary if you want to convey additional information about the nature or cause of the thinness.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "he was thin" without providing further context or detail. Instead, expand on the description by adding information about his overall appearance, health, or circumstances to provide a more complete picture.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he was thin" functions as a descriptive statement, providing information about someone's physical appearance. Ludwig AI confirms it's readily usable in written English. Examples show it used in narrative contexts to characterize individuals.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he was thin" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe someone's physical appearance. Ludwig AI highlights its broad applicability, particularly within narrative contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's important to consider the surrounding context and potential sensitivities when describing someone's body. Related phrases, such as "he was lean" or "he was slender", can offer more nuanced descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he was lean

Implies a healthy thinness, often associated with fitness.

he had a slender build

Replaces "thin" with "slender build", emphasizing a graceful and delicate physique.

he was wiry

Describes a thin but strong and resilient physique.

he was delicate

Highlights a refined and fragile thinness.

he was of slight stature

Focuses on overall size and frame rather than just thinness.

he was gaunt

Suggests a thinness resulting from illness or deprivation.

he was underweight

Suggests a thinness that is below the healthy range.

he was frail

Implies weakness and delicacy along with thinness.

he was scrawny

Indicates an unattractive or bony thinness.

he was skin and bones

A more extreme and evocative way of saying "he was thin".

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says "he was thin"?

Saying "he was thin" generally means that the person had a body build with little fat or muscle. It's a straightforward description of someone's physical appearance.

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

You could use phrases like "he was lean", "he was slender", or "he was underweight" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to describe someone as "he was thin"?

While generally acceptable as a factual description, be mindful of the context and potential sensitivities. Using terms like "he was gaunt" or "he was scrawny" can be considered judgmental or negative.

How can I use "he was thin" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe someone's appearance: "When I saw him after the illness, he was thin and pale." You can also use it as part of a contrast: "He used to be quite muscular, but now he was thin and weak."