physically handicapped

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'physically handicapped' can be used in written English to refer to a person who has a physical disability.
For example, "The school ensured all the physically handicapped children had unrestricted access to the playground equipment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"I'm physically handicapped, and I recently had open- heart surgery.

The New York Times

Karen Allen is her physically handicapped daughter, Laura.

The New York Times

The number of dead, missing, forcibly disappeared, injured or physically handicapped has never been officially investigated.

The Economist

one such adult is age 55 or older or is physically handicapped.

Cornell University

"It's nice," Reiches said, "that it brings physically handicapped people to the public awareness.

The New York Times

Some, though not many, are dogs who are physically handicapped and need special care".

The New York Times

Elizabeth began receiving multiple requests from parents of mentally and physically handicapped children.

The Guardian

"Like everyone else in society, regardless of my legal status, I am physically handicapped," she writes.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Link to special education - include physically-handicapped learners in the existing classes.

Unicef

[Washington, D.C.] : National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped, Library of Congress, 2018.

Stanford University

Factsheet: The National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about individuals with physical disabilities, prioritize person-first language (e.g., "a person with a physical disability") over identity-first language to emphasize the individual rather than the condition. While still found in some sources, consider more modern alternatives to the phrase "physically handicapped".

Common error

Avoid using the term "physically handicapped" in contemporary writing, as it can be considered outdated and insensitive. Opt for more respectful and accurate alternatives such as "person with a physical disability" or "individual with limited mobility".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "physically handicapped" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that the person or object has a physical disability. Ludwig provides examples where it describes people, dogs, and even cabins that are accessible.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

13%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "physically handicapped" functions as an adjective phrase to describe individuals with physical disabilities. While grammatically correct, Ludwig and linguistic analysis suggest that it's often considered outdated and less respectful compared to more contemporary alternatives like "person with a physical disability". As seen through Ludwig's examples, it has been used across various contexts including news, encyclopedias, and scientific articles. However, it's important to consider the audience and purpose of your writing and opt for language that is sensitive and respectful of individuals with disabilities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

person with a physical disability

Replaces potentially stigmatizing language with a more neutral and person-first construction.

individual with limited mobility

Focuses on the functional limitation rather than a general label.

person with impaired physical function

Emphasizes the functional aspect of the disability.

someone with a physical impairment

Uses 'impairment' to denote a deviation from typical physical function.

mobility-challenged person

A more euphemistic term that highlights the challenges related to movement.

person with motor disabilities

Specific to disabilities affecting motor skills and movement.

physically impaired individual

Similar in meaning but replaces 'handicapped' with 'impaired'.

person with a bodily disability

Uses a more direct and straightforward term to describe the condition.

differently abled person

Aims to frame disability as a difference rather than a deficit.

individual experiencing physical limitations

Highlights the experience of limitations due to a physical condition.

FAQs

What's a more respectful way to say "physically handicapped"?

Consider using person-first language like "person with a physical disability" or focusing on specific limitations, such as "individual with limited mobility".

Is it appropriate to use the term "physically handicapped" in modern writing?

While not inherently incorrect, the term "physically handicapped" is often seen as outdated. Using more current and respectful terms such as "person with a physical disability" is generally preferred.

What are some alternatives to "physically handicapped" that emphasize specific abilities or challenges?

Depending on the context, you might use phrases like "person with motor disabilities", "mobility-challenged person", or simply describe the specific limitation a person experiences.

What's the difference between "physically handicapped" and "physically disabled"?

While both terms refer to individuals with physical impairments, "physically disabled" is generally considered more acceptable in contemporary usage than "physically handicapped", which can be perceived as outdated and insensitive.