physically adept

USAGE SUMMARY

"physically adept" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to describe someone who is skilled or proficient in physical activities or tasks. Example: The candidate's resume highlighted their experience as a dancer, gymnast, and martial artist, showcasing their physically adept abilities.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

"I was never particularly physically adept, and I realized as an actor, my physical instrument is a huge part of my storytelling vocabulary.

Los Angeles Times

Along with Gandini Juggling, Ockham's Razor have been at the forefront of a quiet revolution, creating shows such as Not Until We Are Lost which, like this latest piece, do not underestimate an audience's pleasure in watching a physically adept company test themselves and their relationships with each other through performance.

The Guardian

While it's clear the men pictured are not only physically adept but also psychologically determined, their bodies are channeling postures and expressions not typically -- or, stereotypically -- matched with masculinity.

Huffington Post

It's also here, in precisely reenacted skits involving a hospital visit, hard-boiled eggs, double doors and more — all introduced with the duo's signature tune, "The Cuckoo Song" — that the film provides its biggest laughs, reminding us just how physically adept and uniquely funny these artists could be.

Los Angeles Times

Such progress spells the beginning of an age of physically adept artificial intelligence.

Nature

Ms. Sanchez and her dancers -- Diana Rayón, Eleno Guzman and Alberto Pérez -- are likable as well as physically adept.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

In old age, when he was physically less adept at doing so, he painted large garden pictures in related sets, which were meant to wrap around the walls of circular or oval rooms, enfolding and enclosing the views, taking and keeping them in.

The New York Times - Arts

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, BERKELEY'S HAAS SCHOOL OF BUSINESS – Researchers have long known that people are very frequently overconfident – that they tend to believe they are more physically talented, socially adept, and skilled at their job than they actually are.

University of California, Berkeley

Researchers have long known that people are very frequently overconfident – that they tend to believe they are more physically talented, socially adept, and skilled at their job than they actually are.

University of California, Berkeley

Teams will take him on physically, but he's proven adept at finding open ice.

The Guardian - Sport

On one side of the debate are those who say the state should act like a responsible parent to stop minors from leaving to meet sexual predators, including the pimps who are adept at psychologically manipulating and physically controlling the foster children and the johns who pay for sex with them.

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's physical abilities, consider the context. "Physically adept" works well when highlighting learned skills or developed capabilities rather than inherent talent.

Common error

Avoid using "physically adept" when you mean simply "physically fit". Adept implies skill, whereas fit implies general health and endurance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "physically adept" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to describe someone possessing skill and proficiency in physical activities. Ludwig shows examples highlighting its use in various contexts to denote physical competence.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Academia

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "physically adept" is a grammatically correct adjective phrase used to describe someone with skill and proficiency in physical activities. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides examples from reputable sources. While the phrase is not exceedingly common, a variety of alternative phrases exist, such as "physically skilled" or "athletically gifted", which may be more appropriate depending on the context. Remember to use "physically adept" to emphasize developed skills rather than just general physical fitness, and avoid the common error of interchanging it with "physically fit".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

physically skilled

Replaces "adept" with "skilled", maintaining the meaning of having physical ability. It is a more general term.

physically proficient

Uses "proficient" instead of "adept", suggesting a high degree of competence in physical tasks. Implies formal training.

athletically gifted

Focuses on natural talent rather than learned skill, implying an innate physical ability.

nimble

Highlights agility and quickness in physical movements, a specific aspect of physical skill.

dexterous

Emphasizes skill in using one's hands or body in a clever and skillful way.

physically capable

Highlights the ability to perform physical tasks, though not necessarily with a high level of skill.

physically fit

Emphasizes general physical health and fitness, rather than specific skills or abilities.

coordinated

Highlights the ability to move different parts of the body together efficiently.

having physical prowess

Uses the noun "prowess" to denote superior ability or skill, especially in a particular activity or field.

accomplished athlete

Suggests a high level of achievement in sports or other physical activities.

FAQs

How can I use "physically adept" in a sentence?

You can use "physically adept" to describe someone who is skilled in physical activities. For example: "The dancer was "physically adept" at complex routines."

What is a synonym for "physically adept"?

Synonyms for "physically adept" include "physically skilled", "physically proficient", and "nimble". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it better to say "physically adept" or "athletic"?

"Physically adept" emphasizes learned skills and proficiency, whereas "athletic" often implies natural talent or general fitness. The better choice depends on what aspect you want to emphasize.

What's the difference between "physically adept" and "physically capable"?

"Physically capable" suggests the ability to perform basic physical tasks, while "physically adept" implies a higher level of skill and expertise. Someone who is "physically adept" can perform complex actions with grace and precision, going beyond mere capability.