partially clothed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "partially clothed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is wearing some clothing but not fully dressed. Example: "The artist's painting depicted a figure that was partially clothed, emphasizing the contrast between fabric and skin."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Instead, the circumstances remain partially clothed.

The Guardian

Bloody, partially clothed children run from the school.

The Guardian

Her body is partially clothed and under a duvet.

The Guardian

Within minutes the tarmac was a macabre jumble of dishevelled, partially clothed bodies.

The Guardian

Corporal Charlene Pritchard described how she was the first person to find Ellement – partially clothed – after the alleged rape.

The Guardian

Water was the ideal abstract theme for Hockney because it was so humanly alluring to the partially clothed body.

Independent

The bystanders intervened, holding the 19-year-old Turner until police arrived and found the woman, 22, partially clothed and "completely unresponsive".

The Guardian

The victim, Diana Almestica, 32, with no known address, was found strangled and partially clothed on the second floor of 1010 East 178th Street.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Occasionally the church bells or the dog pierce the veil, but the washing stays in the washing machine and the kettle boils whistlelessly until a steamed, partially-clothed dog appears, howling at the bells.

The Guardian

Gerard Beattie, accompanied by a police officer, found the partially-clothed remains of his 18-year-old sister Marian Beattie in a quarry on 30 March 1973.

BBC

He used a "spy pen" to secretly capture pictures of his partially-clothed victims - the pen was found to contain 170,425 images.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a scene, consider the connotations of "partially clothed". It can imply vulnerability, informality, or even a state of distress, depending on the context. Choose the term carefully to match the tone you want to convey.

Common error

Avoid using "partially clothed" when a more specific term is appropriate. For example, instead of saying "the swimmer was partially clothed", specify "the swimmer wore a swimsuit" if that's the context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "partially clothed" functions primarily as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe someone or something that is not fully dressed. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Academia

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "partially clothed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used adjective phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It serves to describe a state of incomplete dress, often in contexts that require a descriptive detail, such as news reports or narratives. While generally neutral in register, it’s essential to consider the connotations and choose it carefully to align with the intended tone. Alternative phrases like ""scantily dressed"" or ""half-dressed"" may offer more specific nuances depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

half-dressed

Directly suggests a state of being in the process of dressing, but not fully clothed.

partially undressed

Directly refers to the action of removing clothes, implying incompleteness.

scantily dressed

Focuses more on the lack of clothing, implying a minimal amount is worn.

lightly clad

Implies a thin or insubstantial amount of clothing.

scantly covered

Highlights the insufficient coverage provided by the clothing.

underdressed

Suggests the clothing is inappropriate for the occasion or setting.

semi-nude

Indicates a state closer to nudity, with only minimal covering.

incomplete attire

Highlights that an outfit is missing elements or unfinished.

improperly dressed

Emphasizes that the clothes are not as expected in the specific context.

in dishabille

A more formal term suggesting a casual or informal state of undress.

FAQs

How can I use "partially clothed" in a sentence?

You can use "partially clothed" to describe someone who is wearing some clothes but not fully dressed. For instance, "The victim was found "partially clothed" near the riverbank."

What are some alternatives to "partially clothed"?

Alternatives include "scantily dressed", "lightly clad", or "half-dressed", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "partially clothed" in formal writing?

While "partially clothed" is grammatically correct, consider the context. In formal writing, a more precise and less suggestive term might be preferable, depending on the subject matter.

What does "partially clothed" imply?

The term "partially clothed" can imply a state of undress, vulnerability, or informality. The specific implication depends heavily on the surrounding context and the intent of the writer.