less physically able

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "less physically able" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe individuals who have physical limitations or disabilities compared to others. Example: "The program is designed to provide support for those who are less physically able, ensuring they have access to necessary resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Or are women just less physically able, or less competitive, than men?

The New York Times

"And older people are less physically able to deal with it".

The New York Times

And as we become older and less physically able, we're condemning ourselves to a desert of gloomy products and places.

The Guardian

Neither will anyone recall Barber's stated reason for her high tally – that immediate sex with every male student she brushed past in the corridor was a good way to weed out the less physically able of her prospective boyfriends.

Independent

"Maybe the killer was more confident when he dumped the second lot, or maybe by then he was older and less physically able to drag the bodies into the brush," said Vincent Garcia, a detective with the local Nassau county police involved in this week's search.

The Guardian

Already, before midlife, individuals who were aging more rapidly were less physically able, showed cognitive decline and brain aging, self-reported worse health, and looked older.

Duke University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

He added: "That's not just asking me to live on less than I'm physically able to live on, but asking my child to do the same".

BBC

So should people who cannot afford a car or are not physically able to operate a car have any less access to voting?

HuffPost

Older individuals may not be as physically able to provide care and, given recent increases in illiteracy, they are less likely to be literate, which has implications for children's education (Richter & Desmond, 2008).

AIDS Care - Psychological and Socio-Medical Aspects of AIDS/HIV

Something else that may be welcome, but is less often extended, is arranging to take the care recipient out of the house (provided he or she is physically able).

Forbes

I just wasn't physically able.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing individuals with physical limitations, use "less physically able" in conjunction with specific details to provide context and avoid generalizations.

Common error

Avoid using "less physically able" as a blanket term. Instead, specify the nature of the physical limitation to provide a more accurate and respectful description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "less physically able" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It typically modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating a diminished capacity for physical activity or exertion. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

67%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "less physically able" is a grammatically sound and relatively common phrase used to describe a diminished physical capacity. According to Ludwig, it's acceptable and usable in English writing. The phrase is frequently found in both News & Media and Scientific contexts. While generally neutral, using specific terminology might be more appropriate in scientific settings. When using "less physically able", it's important to provide adequate context and avoid overgeneralization, as detailed in the writing guidance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

physically weaker

Focuses on the comparative lack of physical strength.

less physically fit

Highlights a lower level of overall physical fitness.

having limited mobility

Emphasizes restrictions in movement and physical range.

not as strong

Simple and direct way to express reduced physical strength.

with physical limitations

A formal way to state that someone has restrictions on their physical abilities.

physically challenged

A more sensitive and polite way to acknowledge physical limitations.

impaired physically

Focuses on the presence of a physical impairment that hinders ability.

debilitated

Suggests a state of being weakened or impaired, often due to illness or injury.

reduced physical capacity

A formal way of referring to a reduced ability to perform physical activities.

frailer

Implies a delicate or weakened physical condition, often associated with age.

FAQs

How can I use "less physically able" in a sentence?

You can use "less physically able" to describe someone's limited capacity for physical activities. For instance: "The program is designed to support individuals who are "less physically able"".

What are some alternatives to saying "less physically able"?

Alternatives include "physically weaker", "having limited mobility", or "less physically fit", depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "less physically able" in formal writing?

Yes, "less physically able" is appropriate for formal writing, as it is a neutral and respectful way to describe physical limitations. However, providing specific details about the limitations is often preferred for clarity.

What's the difference between "less physically able" and "disabled"?

"Disabled" implies a more significant and potentially legally recognized impairment, while "less physically able" can refer to a broader range of physical limitations that may not qualify as a disability. Use "less physically able" when a general physical limitation is being described, and reserve "disabled" for situations where it is the accurate and legally appropriate term.