muscular

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "muscular" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is strong, powerful, or well-defined, often in reference to physical strength or appearance. Example: "The athlete's muscular physique was a testament to his rigorous training regimen."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Politics

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Bluf Stands for "bottom line up front" – a request from NSA analysts to collect less data from the Muscular program (see below) because it is of no intelligence value.

The Guardian

The muscular bass lines played by Louis Johnson as a session musician on Michael Jackson's Off the Wall and Thriller albums are known to millions – in particular his classic, driving bass part for the Jackson song Billie Jean.

The Guardian - Music

On spin-ups we increase the cadence to maybe 130-140 rpm - a purely neural, not muscular move.

The Guardian - Sport

Today, it was being stressed by the government that David Cameron's call for a more "muscular liberalism" to combat home-grown terror, made in a speech in Munich on Saturday, was not simply rhetorical.

The Guardian

There is something uniquely pathetic about the parent who realises their smacking days are over because their once pliant, now muscular, child rises to height and hits them back.

The Guardian - Opinion

I think he is – I haven't seen a really good-looking muscular guy inside … [slightly hysterical nervous titter] his, um, suit.

The Guardian - Music

He was unusually muscular and well-built for a 12-year-old, and I was just as oddly tall and lanky for a kid the same age.

The Guardian

He wrote about guilt and sin, raged about indignities and poked back at the hypocrisy of the prisoner's dubious ethical code ("I have seen sex offenders attacked. Almost always they're the weaker ones. I've seen big, muscular and capable rapists walk the landings with impunity").

The Guardian

At the end Thisera Perera, with several muscular blows, had offered timely assistance.

The Guardian - Sport

No one explained to him the potential dangers involved in the construction of a fabricated muscular hydrostat, the suit alleges, and unspecified damages are sought.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The agencies say they cannot do their work without these capabilities and they want to expand them; critics say they should not have been able to acquire them without a proper debate, and without more muscular accountability.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing physical attributes, use "muscular" to convey a sense of well-developed muscles and strength. For abstract concepts, it can imply forcefulness or rigor.

Common error

Avoid using "muscular" excessively in contexts where simpler words like "strong" or "vigorous" are more appropriate. Overusing it can make your writing sound unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "muscular" primarily functions to describe attributes related to muscles or physical strength. It is commonly used to depict physical characteristics, as shown in Ludwig's examples such as ""muscular physique"" or can also be applied metaphorically to imply forcefulness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Sport

17%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Lifestyle

7%

Opinion

7%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "muscular" is a versatile adjective primarily used to describe attributes of muscles and strength, both physically and metaphorically. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. Its application spans from physical descriptions to characterizing forceful approaches, fitting various registers from neutral news reporting to formal business contexts. When writing, be mindful of the context to ensure the term's appropriateness, considering alternatives like "strong" or "powerful" for broader connotations. The phrase appears most frequently in News & Media, Sport, and Formal & Business contexts. Always consider the context to make sure that its implications are accurate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brawny

Focuses on physical strength and robust build.

strong

A general term for physical power and resistance.

powerful

Emphasizes the ability to exert force.

athletic

Implies fitness and physical prowess.

robust

Highlights health and vigor.

vigorous

Indicates energy and active strength.

heavily built

Refers to a substantial physical build.

well-built

Focuses on a proportionate and strong physique.

strapping

Suggests a tall and powerfully built figure.

forceful

Implies strength in action or expression.

FAQs

How can I use "muscular" in a sentence?

You can use "muscular" to describe physical attributes, such as "a "muscular physique"", or to describe something forceful, like "a "muscular approach" to problem-solving".

What are some synonyms for "muscular"?

Alternatives to "muscular" include "brawny", "strong", "powerful", and "athletic", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "muscular" to describe a policy?

Yes, "muscular" can be used metaphorically to describe a policy or approach that is forceful or robust. For example, "a "muscular foreign policy"".

What is the difference between "muscular" and "strong"?

"Muscular" specifically relates to muscles and their development, while "strong" is a more general term for physical power and resistance. You might say someone is "muscular" to indicate they have well-defined muscles, and "strong" to indicate their ability to lift heavy objects.