light-footed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "light-footed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who moves quickly and gracefully, often with agility or stealth. Example: "The dancer was so light-footed that she seemed to float across the stage."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The work is very light-footed and very transient.

Independent

Alas, you will not have such a light-footed descent.

The New York Times - Travel

If anything, his light-footed grace is richer than ever.

The New York Times - Arts

And: "He was a light-footed lad on a Grecian urn chasing truth and beauty.

The New York Times - Books

But for a certain well-heeled, light-footed buyer, the Lexus should be a painless stretch.

The New York Times

Dwan's deft, understated way with action sequences meshes perfectly with Fairbanks's lighthearted, light-footed acrobatics.

The New Yorker

Fleet herds of light-footed creatures flowed around the house with the wind.

The New Yorker

Herbert Lippert (Klaus-Narr) was the light-footed and articulate tenor.

The New York Times - Arts

He's never more poignant than when he's being lighthearted and light-footed".

The New York Times

Douglas was up next and romped through an impossibly light-footed display of anti-gravity.

The Guardian - Sport

Block D10 is the highlight: a vast but light-footed "wet" factory for preparing pharmaceuticals.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "light-footed" to describe someone who moves gracefully and quickly, or to describe an approach that is nimble and adaptable, as in "a light-footed strategy".

Common error

Don't use "light-footed" ironically to describe someone who is actually clumsy; instead, reserve it for instances of genuine agility or grace.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "light-footed" is as an adjective. It typically modifies a noun to describe someone or something that moves with grace, agility, or speed. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "light-footed" is a grammatically sound and versatile adjective used to describe agility, grace, and adaptability. As Ludwig AI points out, it is found frequently in News & Media, though its usage spans various contexts. Alternatives like "nimble" or "agile" can be considered based on the specific shade of meaning intended. When writing, remember to use "light-footed" to convey a positive sense of ease and quickness. It's important to avoid using it ironically, and reserve it for when someone or something genuinely displays agility or grace.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

light on one's feet

Highlights balance and easy mobility.

nimble

Describes quick and agile movement, emphasizing dexterity.

agile

Focuses on the ability to move quickly and easily.

fleet-footed

Highlights speed and quickness in movement, particularly running.

graceful

Emphasizes elegance and smoothness in movement.

spry

Suggests a lively and energetic movement, often despite age.

sprightly

Implies a lively and cheerful energy in one's steps.

quick-moving

Simply describes fast movement or pace.

deft

Refers to skill and nimbleness, often in handling something.

lissome

Suggests flexibility and ease of movement, often regarding the body.

FAQs

How can I use "light-footed" in a sentence?

You can use "light-footed" to describe a person's graceful movements, like "The dancer was incredibly light-footed", or to describe a strategy that is adaptable and nimble.

What's a good alternative to "light-footed"?

Alternatives include "nimble", "agile", or "fleet-footed", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "light-footed" formal or informal?

"Light-footed" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it's more common in descriptive writing and narratives.

When is it appropriate to use "light-footed"?

Use "light-footed" when you want to emphasize grace, agility, or a quick, adaptable approach. For example, a "light-footed" response to a crisis indicates flexibility and speed.