packet of flesh

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "packet of flesh" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to biology, anatomy, or metaphorical expressions involving the human body or physicality. Example: "The surgeon carefully examined the packet of flesh before proceeding with the operation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

IN the end I am left with the same question, the impossible question: What makes one woman, one packet of flesh and the being inside it, so drenched in value as to make a man leave a woman he loved, leave even his own daughters?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Mr. Banks depicts the Professor as "a man with two bodies, one dancing inside his brain, a hologram made of electrons and neurons going off like a field of fireflies on a midsummer night, the other a moist quarter-ton packet of solid flesh wrapped in pale human skin".

The New York Times - Books

That former grace of flesh.

The New Yorker

There were pieces of flesh.

Independent

In flesh – and absence of flesh?

The Guardian - Opinion

"It brought a strange quality of flesh".

The New Yorker

"We cut a lot of flesh.

The New York Times

Dark, rich — the chocolate of flesh.

The New York Times - Food

Scraps of flesh remained between the pews.

The New York Times

They are made of flesh and blood.

The New Yorker

Another film, another mirthless panoply of flesh.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "packet of flesh" when aiming for a visceral or critical tone to describe the human body. It can be effective in emphasizing the physical over the emotional or spiritual.

Common error

Avoid using "packet of flesh" in professional or academic writing where a neutral or respectful tone is required. Opt for more appropriate terms like "human body" or "physical form".

Linguistic Context

Noun phrase functioning as a descriptor, often used metaphorically to reduce the human body to its physical components. As shown in Ludwig examples, the phrase is often used to provoke thought about value or existence.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "packet of flesh" is a noun phrase used to describe the human body, often with a critical or detached perspective. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct. While not frequently used, it appears mainly in news and media contexts. It serves to evoke a sense of physicality, mortality, or objectification. When writing, it's best to use this phrase when a visceral or critical tone is desired, avoiding it in formal contexts where neutrality is key. Alternatives like "human body" or "physical form" can be more appropriate in certain situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

human body

Focuses on the entire physical form, lacking the potentially negative connotation.

physical form

Emphasizes the external shape and appearance.

corporeal being

Highlights the material and tangible nature of existence.

mass of cells

Reduces the body to its basic biological components.

living tissue

Focuses on the organic and viable aspect of the body.

organic structure

Highlights the organized arrangement of physical components.

physical entity

A more abstract term referring to a being with physical existence.

lump of meat

A more crude and potentially offensive way of describing the body.

collection of organs

Emphasizes the internal components of the body.

biological organism

Highlights the scientific classification of the body.

FAQs

How can "packet of flesh" be used in a sentence?

You can use "packet of flesh" to describe the physical human body, often with a critical or detached perspective. For example, "What makes one woman, one "packet of flesh" and the being inside it, so drenched in value as to make a man leave a woman he loved?"

What's a less graphic alternative to "packet of flesh"?

Consider alternatives like "human body", "physical form", or "corporeal being", depending on the context.

In what contexts is "packet of flesh" most appropriate?

"Packet of flesh" is best suited for literary, philosophical, or artistic contexts where a stark or critical examination of the human condition is desired. Avoid in formal or sensitive situations.

How does "packet of flesh" differ from "human body"?

"Human body" is a neutral and objective term, while "packet of flesh" carries a more subjective and often negative connotation, emphasizing the physical and potentially reducing the human being to mere physicality.