of slight build

USAGE SUMMARY

"of slight build" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone's physical appearance or body type. Example: The new recruit was of slight build, but her agility and quick reflexes surprised her teammates during training.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Ahmed Ibrahim al-Mughassil A 34-year-old Saudi man of slight build, he drove the truck carrying the bomb, parking it just outside Building 131 of the housing complex before escaping into a waiting getaway car, according to the indictment.

The New York Times

Take, for example, K, a male friend of mine, of slight build, with a ponytail.

The New Yorker

A man of slight build and boyish good looks, Mr. Dumont is a grandmother's dream.

The New York Times

Begley was of slight build and offering minimal resistance to the police.

The Guardian

A young orphan of slight build, Peter Parker is the archetypal geek hiding in his bedroom.

The Guardian - Books

Ms. Bronzaft, a woman of slight build, ordered a Buffalo chicken salad.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Nicknamed Der Papierene ('the Paper-man' or, perhaps more idiomatically, 'the Wafer') because of his slight build, Sindelar had been the centre-forward of the Wunderteam, the idiosyncratic darling of the Viennese coffee-houses that dominated the cultural commentary of the age.

The Guardian - Sport

As a teenager, he worked as a roadie at rock shows around Glasgow, and his co-workers nicknamed him Primrose because of his slight build and shy demeanor.

The New York Times - Magazine

He was often picked on as a boy because of his slight build, and later traced his transformation to two New York spots he visited: the Brooklyn Museum, where he saw a statue of Hercules; and the Prospect Park Zoo, where he was captivated by the sight of a lion stretching its muscles.

The New York Times

Santiago is of a slight build, probably only 120 pounds and standing only a few inches over five feet.

Vice

"So how are they going to blame me for breaking and rupturing something that I have no fault in having ruined?" Santiago is of a slight build, probably only 120 pounds and standing only a few inches over five feet.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "of slight build" to provide a concise and objective physical description of a person, particularly when their size or strength is relevant to the context.

Common error

Avoid using "of slight build" repetitively in a single piece of writing. Vary your descriptions with synonyms like "thinly built" or "slender" to maintain reader engagement and avoid monotony.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "of slight build" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to describe someone's physical appearance, specifically their body type. As Ludwig AI suggests, it is often used to objectively describe someone's physique. Examples in Ludwig show the phrase being used to describe physical characteristics in news reports and biographical sketches.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "of slight build" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe someone's physical appearance, specifically their slender or delicate physique. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is objective and suitable for various contexts, especially in news and media, and encyclopedias. While it's a useful descriptor, be mindful of overusing it and consider alternatives to maintain variety in your writing. Common errors include repetitive use, so enrich your descriptions with synonyms like "thinly built" or "slender". Remember that the context and relevance of the description are key to its effective use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

thinly built

Implies a slender physique, emphasizing thinness over overall size.

of slim physique

Similar to 'thinly built', focusing on a lean body.

delicately framed

Suggests a fragile or refined structure, often implying elegance.

slender in stature

Highlights a lean and perhaps tall body shape.

lightly constructed

Emphasizes the lack of bulk or muscle mass.

of petite frame

Indicates a small and slender body.

frail of form

Highlights weakness or delicacy in physical appearance.

small-boned

Focuses on bone structure rather than overall size.

narrow-shouldered

Describes the width of the shoulders, implying a slender upper body.

with a delicate constitution

Highlights a sensitive or vulnerable physical nature.

FAQs

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

You can use "of slight build" to describe someone's physical appearance. For example: "The detective noted that the suspect was "of slight build" and appeared to be non-threatening."

What are some alternatives to "of slight build"?

Alternatives include "thinly built", "slender", or "delicately framed" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

Yes, "of slight build" is appropriate for formal writing as it's a neutral and objective description. However, consider the context and whether the description is relevant.

What's the difference between "of slight build" and "petite"?

"Of slight build" refers to someone who is thin and perhaps not very muscular. "Petite" primarily refers to someone who is short in stature, though they may also be "of slight build".