physically disabled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "physically disabled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to individuals who have physical impairments that may affect their mobility or physical functioning. Example: "The organization provides resources and support for individuals who are physically disabled to help them lead more independent lives."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Physically Disabled.

The New York Times

"I'm physically disabled myself," he said.

The New York Times

Most people have limited contact with the physically disabled.

Harvard Business Review

"Mentally and physically disabled veterans," he says, "unemployed people.

The Guardian - Arts

ISAC is a distributed service robot system for the physically disabled.

Robotics and Autonomous Systems

Physically disabled students are encouraged to contact Eric Stein ([email protected]) for enrollment advice.

Stanford University

The goal of improving accessibility for the physically disabled remains to be met.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Individuals may be blind, visually impaired, physically disabled or have difficulty processing information.

Yale University

His pro-bono clients included Puerto Ricans, Haitians, transvestites, and the mentally or physically disabled.

The New Yorker

He spoke of a black single mother, in Ferguson, who was physically disabled and blind.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Physically-disabled patients report CAM/IM use at higher rates than do the general population [ 34].

BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about individuals with disabilities, prioritize person-first language (e.g., "person with a physical disability" instead of "physically disabled person") to emphasize the individual rather than the condition.

Common error

Refrain from using terms like "handicapped" or "crippled", as they are considered offensive by many in the disability community. Opt for more respectful and accurate language such as "person with a disability" or "mobility impaired".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "physically disabled" functions primarily as an adjective phrase that modifies a noun, describing individuals who have physical impairments. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

39%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "physically disabled" is a commonly used and grammatically correct way to describe individuals with physical impairments. As noted by Ludwig AI, it's important to be mindful of evolving language preferences and prioritize person-first language when possible. While "physically disabled" remains acceptable, alternatives like "person with a physical disability" or "mobility impaired" may be preferred in many contexts. The term is frequently found in news, scientific research, and academic discussions, showcasing its widespread use across various domains. Avoiding outdated or potentially offensive terms is crucial for respectful and inclusive communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

person with a physical disability

Emphasizes the person before the disability, promoting person-first language.

disabled individual

Reverses the order of the words, but retains the same basic meaning.

mobility impaired

Focuses on the impairment of movement rather than the disability itself.

affected by a physical disability

Highlights the impact of the disability on the person's life.

having limited physical function

Describes the restriction in physical abilities.

having a physical impairment

Uses the term "impairment" to describe the physical condition.

physically challenged

A more euphemistic term for physical disability.

living with a physical challenge

Presents the disability as a challenge to be overcome.

differently abled

Offers a more positive and empowering perspective on disability.

incapacitated due to physical causes

Emphasizes the state of being unable to function normally due to physical limitations.

FAQs

What is the most respectful way to refer to someone who is "physically disabled"?

Using person-first language is generally preferred. Instead of saying "physically disabled person", say "person with a physical disability" to emphasize the individual rather than the condition.

Are "physically disabled" and "physically handicapped" interchangeable?

While they might seem similar, "physically handicapped" is often considered an outdated and less respectful term. "Physically disabled" or "person with a physical disability" are generally preferred.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "physically disabled"?

Alternatives include "mobility impaired", "person with a physical disability", or "having a physical impairment", depending on the context and the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it appropriate to use the term "differently abled" instead of "physically disabled"?

While some people find "differently abled" empowering, others find it euphemistic and prefer more direct language like "physically disabled" or "person with a physical disability". It's best to be mindful of individual preferences.