of average build

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "of average build" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to a person's body type. For example, "The new employee is a tall woman of average build".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

As you would imagine, he is of average build.

The Guardian

Then the father, a man of average build, broke the silence.

The Guardian - Sport

From an adult perspective, my father was of average build, six feet in his socks, and athletic.

The Guardian

Pitta Elements: fire and water Pitta people are of average build and have a ruddy complexion or red hair, with moles, freckles or acne.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It turns a person of average build into a walking sport utility vehicle, and -- this is the point -- makes him or her look bigger than anyone else around.

The New York Times - Arts

Curves has a very simple concept: cheap, fast exercise for women only, with no-frills spaces suited to middle-aged clients of average build.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

A 15-year-old boy of average built presented to the orthopaedics department with a draining non-healing sinus at the lateral aspect of his right lower thigh for the last 9 months (Figure 1).

Critical Ultrasound Journal

Müller's nickname was Kleines dickes Müller – short, fat Müller – although he was neither, a man of average height and average build.

The Guardian - Sport

This would put a lot of pressure on anyone not of medium build and average height, wouldn't it?

The New York Times - Sports

And compared with nuclear, which has an average build time of 12 years, solar thermal wins hands down, with build times as low as two years.

The Guardian

With an average build time of 12 months, those requests translate into an annualized rate of 717,000 units to be built nationwide this year, compared with 611,000 units built in 2011.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "of average build" in descriptions when you want to convey that a person's body type is neither particularly muscular nor thin, without drawing undue attention to their physique.

Common error

Avoid using "of average build" excessively in creative writing. Over-reliance on this phrase can make descriptions feel generic. Instead, consider using more specific details to paint a unique picture of the character's physique.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "of average build" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It is used to provide information about someone's physical appearance, specifically their body type. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "of average build" is a grammatically sound and useful descriptive phrase, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's most commonly found in news and media, followed by scientific and wiki sources. The phrase serves to provide a neutral description of a person's body type, indicating that they are neither particularly muscular nor thin. While appropriate for formal contexts, overuse in creative writing should be avoided in favor of more specific and evocative descriptions. Alternatives like "of medium build" or "of normal build" can offer slight variations in tone. The best practice is to use this phrase when a general, unbiased physical description is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

of medium build

Uses "medium" instead of "average" to convey a similar meaning regarding body size.

averagely built

Adverb form modifies the verb, shifting the grammatical structure slightly.

of normal build

Replaces "average" with "normal", suggesting typical proportions.

with an average physique

Substitutes "build" with "physique", offering a more formal tone.

of moderate build

Employs "moderate" to indicate a build that is neither thin nor heavy.

not particularly large or small

Describes the physique by negation, focusing on what it is not.

neither thin nor heavy

Indicates the build by excluding extremes in body weight.

of unremarkable stature

Shifts focus to overall height and size, indicating a lack of distinctiveness.

of standard proportions

Highlights the proportionality of the body, suggesting balance.

possessing a typical body type

Uses a more generic term to describe someone of average constitution.

FAQs

How can I describe someone with a typical body type?

Besides "of average build", you can use phrases like "of medium build", "of normal build", or "with an average physique" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it appropriate to use "of average build" in formal writing?

Yes, "of average build" is suitable for formal writing. It's a neutral and objective way to describe someone's body type without being overly descriptive or subjective. However, make sure that you should use it only in contexts where the body shape is relevant.

What's the difference between "of average build" and "of medium build"?

The phrases "of average build" and "of medium build" are very similar and often interchangeable. Both suggest a body type that's neither particularly thin nor heavy. The choice often comes down to personal preference or stylistic variation.

Can I use "of average build" to describe objects or things?

No, "of average build" is generally used to describe people. It's not typically applied to objects or things. For describing the size or structure of objects, use other adjectives like "medium-sized" or "standard" depending on the context.