physical appearance

USAGE SUMMARY

"physical appearance" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as a noun in a sentence to refer to a person's outward appearance, such as their face, height, weight, clothing, hairstyle, etc. For example: "The candidate's physical appearance gave the wrong impression to the interviewer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Describes Hikari's physical appearance.

The New Yorker

Describes his physical appearance.

The New Yorker

You can even enhance your physical appearance.

Independent

Law changed his physical appearance further still.

The New York Times

3 Examine the subject's physical appearance.

The Guardian - Books

Make detailed notes on their physical appearance.

The Guardian - Books

Protecting yourself is about more than your physical appearance.

The Guardian

Is there something suspicious about their physical appearance?

The New Yorker

Wei Ziqi's physical appearance was also a disadvantage.

The New Yorker

This privilege comes purely from my physical appearance.

The Guardian - Opinion

There is no judgement whatsoever on the woman's physical appearance.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's "physical appearance", be specific and avoid generalizations. Instead of saying someone is "attractive", describe their specific features, such as their piercing blue eyes or confident smile.

Common error

When discussing "physical appearance", avoid injecting personal biases or subjective opinions. Focus on objective descriptions rather than evaluative statements to maintain neutrality and avoid potential offense.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "physical appearance" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It acts as a subject or object in a sentence, referring to the outward presentation of a person or thing. Ludwig examples confirm this, showcasing its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Wiki

16%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "physical appearance" is a commonly used noun phrase to describe someone's outward presentation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable in various contexts. While generally neutral in tone, it's essential to use it with sensitivity, avoiding subjective judgments. Alternatives such as "outward appearance" or "physical form" can be used for a more formal tone. Predominantly found in News & Media and Wiki sources, mastering the use of "physical appearance" enables more descriptive and nuanced communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

outward appearance

Focuses on the external aspect, similar to physical appearance, but may include mannerisms.

physical form

Emphasizes the shape and structure of the body.

bodily aspect

Highlights a specific feature or part of the body.

exterior

General term for outer surface or look.

visual aspect

Focuses on the visual characteristics and is less personal.

personal image

Implies a constructed or curated appearance.

look

A simple, less formal way to refer to physical appearance.

physical attributes

Highlights specific traits like height or build.

facial features

Specifically refers to the elements of the face.

general aspect

The phrase is more generic and can be used in other contexts other than a person's look.

FAQs

How can I describe someone's "physical appearance" in writing?

Focus on specific details such as height, build, hair color, eye color, and any distinguishing features. Use descriptive adjectives to create a vivid picture for the reader.

What is a more formal way to say "physical appearance"?

A more formal alternative could be "outward appearance" or "physical form". These options are suitable for professional or academic contexts.

Is it appropriate to comment on someone's "physical appearance" in a professional setting?

Generally, it's best to avoid commenting on someone's "physical appearance" in a professional environment unless it's directly relevant to the job and done with sensitivity. Focus on skills and qualifications instead.

What are some common insecurities related to "physical appearance"?

Common insecurities may include concerns about weight, skin conditions, hair, or specific facial features. These concerns often stem from societal beauty standards and can impact self-esteem.