muscular build

USAGE SUMMARY

"muscular build" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it in a description of a person or animal. For example, "He had a strong, muscular build and stood nearly six feet tall."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He is twenty-nine, with a top-heavy, muscular build.

The New Yorker

The man they apprehended had a muscular build and a long face.

The New York Times - Magazine

"And during that time, their muscular build and their skill level should increase quite dramatically.

The Guardian - Sport

Deputy Geherty, 27, is 5 feet 10 inches tall and of muscular build.

The Guardian

Jean Palème Mathurin has the stocky, muscular build of a farmer, but he's not one anymore.

The New Yorker

Despite his muscular build, Ms. Graswald said she was powerless to keep him from drowning.

The New York Times

Sean has a muscular build and knuckles so weather-beaten they look scarred.

The New York Times - Travel

Dario, too, with his florid complexion and muscular build, seems physically to blend into his wares.

Independent

Mr. Coen, a 24-year-old with red hair and a surfer's muscular build, greets them all.

The New York Times

Up there were piles of black-and-white fight stills, and I recall studying Louis's muscular build and handsome face.

The New York Times - Sports

With his close-cropped hair, muscular build and camouflage pants, Mr. Segarra, 39, looks like a marine.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's "muscular build", be specific about the area of the body where the muscularity is most evident (e.g., "muscular arms", "muscular chest").

Common error

Avoid using "muscular build" to describe individuals who are simply overweight or stocky. The phrase implies defined muscle mass, not just overall size.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "muscular build" functions primarily as a descriptive element, adding detail to the physical characteristics of a subject. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it serves to provide a clearer picture of someone or something's physical appearance, suggesting strength and athleticism.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

13%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "muscular build" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a physique characterized by well-defined muscles. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile, fitting seamlessly into both formal and informal contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media and Wiki sources, it serves to provide a clear and vivid description of physical appearance. For alternative expressions, one might consider "athletic physique" or "strong physique", while avoiding terms like "stocky" which do not accurately convey the presence of muscle mass. When using the phrase, ensure it aligns with the subject being described and specify body areas if possible for clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

athletic physique

Focuses on the overall impression of fitness and athleticism.

strong physique

Emphasizes physical strength and robustness.

brawny frame

Suggests a large and powerful build, often associated with manual labor.

well-built body

A more general term, simply indicating a body that is in good shape.

toned physique

Highlights muscle definition and low body fat.

robust constitution

Focuses on the overall health and resilience implied by a strong physical form.

powerful frame

Suggests strength and a solid physical presence.

sturdy build

Implies resilience and the ability to withstand physical challenges.

hulking figure

Suggests a very large and imposing physique.

chiseled body

Emphasizes the sculpted and defined appearance of the muscles.

FAQs

How can I describe a "muscular build" in simpler terms?

You can use phrases like "strong physique", "athletic body", or "well-built body" as alternatives to "muscular build".

What are some words to avoid when describing a "muscular build"?

Avoid using terms like "fat", "obese", or "stocky", as these do not accurately convey the meaning of a "muscular build".

Is it appropriate to use "muscular build" in formal writing?

Yes, "muscular build" is appropriate for formal writing, as it is a neutral and descriptive term. However, consider the context and choose the most precise and suitable phrase. Alternatives include "athletic physique" or "strong physique".

How does a "muscular build" differ from a "stocky build"?

A "muscular build" indicates defined muscle mass and low body fat, while a "stocky build" suggests a solid, broad frame, which may or may not include significant muscle definition. A stocky person might be simply large and robust, without necessarily being muscular.