of medium build

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "of medium build" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a person's physical stature, indicating that they are neither too thin nor too heavy. Example: "The suspect was described as a man of medium build, approximately six feet tall."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Cowley is described as white, of medium build, around 5ft 4ins.

The Guardian

The suspect is described as black, 5 feet 9 inches, and of medium build.

The New York Times

McKeague is described as white, 1.78 metres (5ft 10ins), of medium build, with short light brown hair.

The Guardian

Of medium build, at 150 pounds and 5 feet 8 inches tall, Mr. Atwa is in his early 40's.

The New York Times

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

The New York Times - Sports

They also asked about a dark-haired woman of medium build, people who had been questioned said.

The New York Times

Kisier is described as white, 5ft 6in tall with blonde hair and of medium build with tattoos on his neck.

The Telegraph

He is described as a black man of medium build, about 5ft 8in, and may have had short dreadlocks.

The Guardian

Police described the man as black, aged between 20 and 30 and of medium build, with short dark hair.

Independent

She is described as black, believed to be of Ghanaian heritage, of medium build with short black hair.

Independent

He is described as white, in his late 20s, short, of medium build, with a roundish face, no facial hair, well presented and with no distinctive accent.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone for identification purposes (e.g., in a police report or missing person alert), use "of medium build" along with other physical descriptors such as height, hair color, and distinguishing features for a clearer picture.

Common error

While "of medium build" is useful for factual descriptions, avoid using it excessively in creative writing where more evocative and descriptive language can enhance the reader's experience. Consider using more imaginative language to describe a character's physique.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "of medium build" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a noun (usually a person). It provides a general descriptor of someone's body type, indicating they are neither overly thin nor heavy. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "of medium build" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe someone's physique as neither overly thin nor heavy. Ludwig confirms its widespread use, particularly in news and media contexts for providing general physical descriptions. While accurate, it's best used in factual contexts and can be replaced with more descriptive language in creative writing. Common alternatives include "average build" and "moderate build". Overall, it's a useful phrase for general descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

average build

Uses 'average' to convey a similar meaning of not being particularly thin or heavy.

moderate build

Replaces 'medium' with 'moderate', suggesting a balanced physique.

medium frame

Focuses on the skeletal structure rather than overall body mass.

average physique

Uses 'physique' to refer to the overall form of the body.

not too thin, not too heavy

Expresses the meaning of 'medium build' in a more descriptive way.

of normal weight

Indicates that the person's weight is within the typical range.

well-proportioned

Suggests that the body is balanced in terms of size and shape.

neither slim nor stout

Defines 'medium build' by negating the extremes of body size.

having a balanced physique

Similar to 'well-proportioned' but emphasizes the balance of the body.

with an average body type

Directly states that the person's body type is typical or common.

FAQs

How can I use "of medium build" in a sentence?

You can use "of medium build" to describe someone's physique, as in "The suspect was described as being "of medium build", approximately 5'10" tall, with brown hair".

What does "of medium build" mean?

"Of medium build" means that a person is neither particularly thin nor overweight, representing an "average build" or physique.

Are there alternative phrases for "of medium build"?

Yes, you can use phrases such as ""average build"", "moderate build", or "medium frame" to describe a similar body type.

Is it appropriate to use "of medium build" in all contexts?

While generally acceptable, "of medium build" is most appropriate in factual descriptions. In creative writing, consider using more descriptive language for a richer portrayal of a character's physique.