of slender build

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "of slender build" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has a thin or slim physique. Example: "The detective was a man of slender build, which allowed him to move quickly and quietly through the crowded streets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

At 5-foot-8 and of slender build, Gross was not particularly physically imposing, and he had a distant look about him.

The New York Times - Magazine

She was a "san worker" herself for several months in 2004 and 2005, having passed rigorous tests, including one to prove that, though of slender build, she was sturdy enough to heft the heavy bags set out on the street.

The New York Times

As the films progressed, the physical resemblance between the director and his creation grew spooky; they were both of slender build, with a triangular face designed for Puck-strength grins, and the one thing that could stop them from gazing at women in the street was the promise of a movie theatre around the next corner.

The New Yorker

Mr. Julani, a youth of slender build with fashionably short hair from the predominantly Palestinian East Jerusalem neighborhood of Ras al-Amud, said in an interview from his hospital bed on Monday that he had no memory of what had happened — or even of being downtown on Thursday.

The New York Times

He was tall, of slender build, and had gray eyes and brown hair.

Huffington Post

"Please only apply if you are of slender build as performance space is limited".

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Edwards' queue manoeuvre is an extreme example, and not one to be recommended for those of more slender build: in that case, the thwarted queue-jumper eventually threw a punch.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In the modern world he was a midfield player able to cover a variety of functions, with a particular gift for turning up, like a Welsh Martin Peters, in space and unannounced to finish a move with a decisive shot or a header that seemed almost excessively powerful for one of his slender build.

The Guardian - Sport

He was nicknamed "the Sparrow" by the Soviet press because of his slender build.

Wikipedia

Parakeet, also spelled Parrakeet, any of numerous seed-eating parrots of small size, slender build, and long, tapering tail.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Members of this family, while still massive, are of a markedly more slender build when compared with other sauropods, such as the titanosaurs and brachiosaurs.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's physical appearance, use "of slender build" to provide a neutral and generally positive description of their physique, avoiding overly critical or judgmental language.

Common error

Avoid using "of slender build" when implying weakness or fragility, as it can perpetuate negative stereotypes about thin individuals. Choose more specific descriptors if necessary.

Linguistic Context

Adjectival phrase modifying a noun. It functions as a descriptive element, providing information about the physical characteristics of a person, animal or object. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Wiki

27%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "of slender build" is a grammatically sound and neutrally descriptive adjectival phrase used to characterize a thin or slim physique. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that the phrase is generally accepted and understood. While not extremely common, the phrase appears most frequently in news and media, encyclopedias, and Wiki sources. When using "of slender build", writers should strive for neutrality and avoid negative connotations and, when needed, they can consider alternatives such as "slim physique", "lean body type", or "thin frame".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slim physique

Replaces "of slender build" with a more concise and direct description.

lean body type

Emphasizes the lack of excess fat, suggesting a healthy and athletic build, slightly different from just thinness.

thin frame

Focuses on the skeletal structure, highlighting the narrowness of the body's build.

slight build

Implies a delicate or frail physique, adding a nuance of fragility not necessarily present in the original phrase.

delicate frame

Similar to "slight build" but with a stronger emphasis on daintiness and fragility.

willowy figure

Suggests a graceful and slender physique, often used for describing women.

svelte figure

Implies elegance and sophistication in addition to slenderness, often used in fashion contexts.

of slight stature

Focuses on overall height and size in addition to slenderness.

narrow physique

Highlights the narrowness of the body shape.

gracefully thin

Emphasizes the aesthetic appeal of being thin.

FAQs

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

You can use "of slender build" to describe someone's physique, like: "The athlete, "of slender build", excelled in endurance sports."

What are some alternatives to "of slender build"?

Alternatives include "slim physique", "lean body type", or "thin frame", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "of slender build" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a neutral and professional way to describe someone's physical appearance.

What is the difference between "of slender build" and "skinny"?

"Of slender build" is a more neutral and often positive description, while "skinny" can sometimes carry negative connotations, implying being underweight or unhealthy.