of thin build

USAGE SUMMARY

'of thin build' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone's body type or physical characteristics. For example, "He was a tall man of thin build."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Natnael is described as black, 5ft 8in tall, and of thin build.

Independent

The third suspect was dark-skinned, of thin build with short hair and a short beard.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Man B was described as "dark-skinned, of thin build, with long hair – tied at the back – and unshaven.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Bethell, who is due to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on 1 February, is described as white, of thin build, with shaven dark brown hair and a tattoo on his right arm.

Independent

This man was described at the time as around 5ft 6in tall, of thin build and was wearing a dark-coloured hooded top with the hood up and dark combat trousers with pockets on the side.

Independent

The teenager is described as black, 5ft 8ins (1.73m) tall, and of thin build.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

He still has the boyish face and thin build of a seminarian, and his parishioners, many of them grandmothers and great-grandmothers, worry that he doesn't eat enough and bring him food and nutrition drinks.

The New York Times

In the launch of the Mate S, Huawei pointed largely to the thin build – the front of which is taken up almost entirely by the screen – and its rear-camera, which features a 13-megapixel sensor.

Independent

"Only people with a thin build could enter that narrow window," an officer reported later, matter-of-factly.

TechCrunch

On examination patient was thin built, anaemic.

BMC Infectious Diseases

From Nancy: How did you chose your number for your salary — out of thin air or built up from your costs?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person's physical appearance in writing, use "of thin build" to convey a specific image of slenderness without being overly critical or negative. This is useful in character descriptions or when providing identifying information.

Common error

Avoid using "of thin build" when the context suggests malnutrition or illness. It's better to use other terms if the person is visibly unhealthy or emaciated, as "of thin build" typically implies a natural body type, not a medical condition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "of thin build" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase modifying a noun (typically a person) to indicate their body type. It's used to provide a specific detail about physical appearance, as seen in Ludwig's examples describing missing persons or suspects.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "of thin build" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in English, as confirmed by Ludwig. It's used to describe someone's physique, specifically indicating a slender or lean body type. While not overly common, it appears regularly in news reports, scientific studies related to criminology, and general descriptive contexts. Alternatives include "of slender build" or "with a lean body", offering slight variations in nuance. When using the phrase, it's important to ensure the context doesn't imply malnutrition or illness, and to select it when a neutral and descriptive term is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with a slender physique

Focuses on overall elegance and slenderness of the body.

having a slight frame

Emphasizes the delicacy and smallness of the bone structure.

with a lean body

Highlights the absence of excess fat and the presence of muscle definition.

having an athletic build

Suggests a toned, fit body with noticeable muscle, while maintaining a relatively slender profile.

with a wiry frame

Implies a thin but strong and resilient physique.

being underweight

Directly states that the person's weight is below the healthy range.

with a gaunt appearance

Indicates extreme thinness, often associated with illness or deprivation.

having a spare form

Uses a more old-fashioned term to describe a lean, slender physique.

with a skinny stature

Emphasizes the lack of muscle and the prominence of bones.

with a delicate constitution

Suggests that the person is thin because of poor health or a sensitive system.

FAQs

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

"Of thin build" is used to describe someone's physique. For example: "The suspect was described as being of thin build and approximately six feet tall."

What are some alternatives to "of thin build"?

Alternatives include "of slight build", "of slender build", or "with a lean body", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "of thin build" in a formal context?

Yes, "of thin build" is generally acceptable in formal contexts, such as police reports or character descriptions in literature. However, consider your audience and whether a more neutral term like "slender" might be preferable.

What's the difference between "of thin build" and "skinny"?

"Of thin build" is a more neutral and descriptive term, while "skinny" can sometimes carry a negative connotation, implying that someone is unhealthily thin or lacking muscle. The best choice depends on the specific context and your intention.