is very thin

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is very thin" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has a small thickness or is slender in appearance. Example: "The paper is very thin, making it easy to tear."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He is very thin".

The New York Times

Ms. Wright is very thin.

The New York Times

The paper is very thin and browning.

Cornell University

"And the dough is very thin.

The New York Times - Food

He is very thin and weak.

The New Yorker

When present, the mucilage sheath is very thin.

Britannica

Like the meter, the groom is very thin.

The New Yorker

This is very thin shellac for the show's musical core.

The New York Times

"The government's case is very thin against Ms Chapman.

The Guardian

"If you pull fast, it is very thin," he said.

The New York Times - Tech

In the other provinces, his support is very thin.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person's physique, consider using "is very lean" or "is very slender" instead of "is very thin" to convey a more positive or healthy image.

Common error

While "is very thin" is generally acceptable, avoid overusing it in formal writing. Opt for more sophisticated alternatives like "is exceptionally lean" or "is remarkably fine" to enhance your writing's impact.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "is very thin" is to act as a descriptive phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate its lack of thickness or substance. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in describing physical objects like paper or dough, and also people.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Wiki

22%

Academia

17%

Less common in

Science

16%

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is very thin" is a common and grammatically sound descriptive phrase used to indicate a lack of thickness or substance. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase appears across various contexts, from news and media to academic writing. While versatile, it's beneficial to consider context-specific alternatives like "is very lean" or "is quite slim" to enhance your writing's precision and style. Avoid overuse in formal contexts, and be mindful of potential errors such as using "is thinly" instead. This phrase is a reliable and clear way to convey the physical characteristics of an object or person, contributing to accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is quite slim

Uses 'slim' instead of 'thin', suggesting a more graceful or aesthetically pleasing thinness.

is extremely narrow

Focuses on the reduced width or breadth, emphasizing the lack of physical space.

is remarkably fine

Implies a delicate and refined thinness, often used for materials or craftsmanship.

is exceptionally lean

Suggests a healthy or athletic thinness, often used to describe a person's physique.

is unusually slender

Highlights a graceful and elegant thinness, often associated with objects or people.

is paper-thin

Uses a simile to emphasize extreme thinness, comparing it to the thickness of paper.

is wafer-thin

Similar to 'paper-thin', uses a simile to highlight extreme thinness, likening it to a wafer.

is lacking substance

Shifts the focus from physical thinness to a lack of content, depth, or importance.

is barely there

Emphasizes the almost imperceptible nature of the thinness, suggesting it's nearly invisible.

is of minimal thickness

Uses more formal language to describe the small measurement of the object.

FAQs

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

You can use "is very thin" to describe something that has minimal thickness or is slender in appearance. For example, "The paper "is very thin", making it easy to tear."

What can I say instead of "is very thin"?

You can use alternatives like "is quite slim", "is extremely narrow", or "is remarkably fine" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "is very thin" or "is thinly"?

"Is very thin" is correct when describing physical thinness. "Is thinly" is grammatically incorrect; instead, use "is very thin". However, "thinly" can be used as an adverb, for example, "The soup was thinly spread."

What's the difference between "is very thin" and "is very lean"?

"Is very thin" generally describes a lack of physical thickness or substance. "Is very lean" typically refers to a healthy or athletic physique with minimal body fat. Therefore, the phrases are only interchangeable in specific contexts.