is very lean

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is very lean" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is slim, efficient, or lacking excess, often in contexts related to physical attributes, business practices, or diets. Example: "The new budget plan is very lean, focusing only on essential expenditures to maximize efficiency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

But steaming is very lean, and I think eggplant prefers to be rich.

The New York Times - Food

Moose is more coarse-grained than beef, has a deeper flavor and is very lean.

The New York Times - Food

It is not because the bird's meat, which is very lean, is becoming more popular, although it is.

The New York Times

"Beef is marbled, fatty meat, and buffalo is very lean, said Robert Magnan, who oversees fish and game for Fort Peck.

The New York Times

Add your butter – it may look an atrocious amount, but rabbit is very lean and needs bolstering with a good dollop of fat.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The product itself is very lean on features and simple enough for any eatery owner or employee to use.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

"These can be very lean companies with low overhead".

The New York Times

Half the children with this duplication are very lean.

The Guardian - Tech

"As we look at our customers, our opinion is that their inventories are very lean.

The New York Times

"They're very lean, very ambitious and need to grow quickly," he added.

The New York Times

Because I'm very lean in the face, and because I'm always singing my songs.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing food, use "is very lean" to indicate a low fat content. This can be helpful for health-conscious readers.

Common error

Avoid using "is very lean" when you actually mean 'simple' or 'basic'. While a lean operation often aims for simplicity, the primary focus is on efficiency and waste reduction, not just a lack of features.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is very lean" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, indicating a state of being characterized by a lack of excess, whether in physical composition (like meat) or operational efficiency (like a business). As confirmed by Ludwig, it's a perfectly usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

30%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is very lean" is a versatile descriptor, frequently employed to denote a lack of excess, whether in physical composition or operational efficiency. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability across diverse contexts. It finds common application in news, media, wikis, and scientific discussions. When aiming for semantic precision, consider alternatives such as "is highly efficient" or "is extremely thin", each carrying a slightly different nuance. When using this phrase, ensure you're accurately conveying the absence of unnecessary elements rather than just indicating simplicity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is extremely thin

Emphasizes physical slenderness more strongly.

is highly efficient

Focuses on operational efficiency rather than physical leanness.

is exceptionally streamlined

Highlights simplicity and effectiveness, often in design or processes.

is remarkably spare

Suggests a deliberate minimization of resources or features.

is incredibly trim

Implies neatness and lack of excess, often related to body shape or organization.

is exceptionally economic

Emphasizes cost-effectiveness and resourcefulness.

is extraordinarily taut

Implies a tight and firm condition, whether physical or metaphorical.

is surprisingly slender

Highlights an unexpected degree of slenderness or efficiency.

is notably ascetic

Refers to a lifestyle or design that is simple and austere.

is unusually unadorned

Stresses the absence of decoration or embellishment.

FAQs

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

You can use "is very lean" to describe something that has little or no fat, like meat, or something that is efficient and has no waste, like a business process.

What's a good alternative to "is very lean"?

Depending on the context, you could use "is highly efficient", "is extremely thin", or "is exceptionally streamlined".

Which is more appropriate: "is very lean" or "is lean"?

"Is very lean" and "is lean" are both grammatically correct. "Is very lean" emphasizes the degree of leanness more strongly. The choice depends on the level of emphasis you want to convey.

In business, what does it mean when a company "is very lean"?

When a company "is very lean", it means it operates with minimal resources and overhead, focusing on efficiency and eliminating waste. This often involves streamlined processes and a small workforce.