slender figure

USAGE SUMMARY

"slender figure" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's body shape. For example: "She had a slender figure, but she seemed to carry herself with confidence."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Isoel's slender figure prompts her employer to send her out on the floor as a manikin.

The New York Times

A strikingly slender figure with a Mohican tuft of hair, he flits like a butterfly.

The New York Times - Sports

It shows a boyish, almost pre-adolescent slender figure with the elegance of a young David.

The New York Times

She's said to eat raw food one day a week to maintain her slender figure.

Independent

A tall and slender figure, his balance can seem balletic at times.

The New York Times - Sports

With her auburn hair and slender figure, she soon caught the attention of Glenn Griswold, the publisher of the magazine.

The New York Times

"Café Müller" begins and ends in darkness, with a slender figure in white hobbling through a room.

The New Yorker

She was young — the chart said 22, but the slender figure surrounded by life-support equipment appeared even younger.

The New York Times - Magazine

— Nick Fox The New York Times: Secrets to a slender figure: brown rice, brown bread — and now, brown fat?

The New York Times

While her slender figure and exquisite stage manners are ravishing, what's spellbinding is the way she finds time for everything.

The New York Times - Arts

"I'm just a regular guy; just another honest cop," he protested, a slender figure almost lost in a crush of cameras.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an object (or animal) rather than a person, ensure "slender figure" applies appropriately to its proportions or design.

Common error

Avoid using "slender figure" in highly formal or academic writing where more precise or objective descriptions are required. Instead of "slender figure", prefer more neutral alternatives when describing someone's appearance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slender figure" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. It describes a physical attribute, specifically the body shape of a person or sometimes an object. Ludwig provides various examples where it's used to characterize individuals, often in news and media contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slender figure" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase for describing a lean and graceful body shape. According to Ludwig, it's most commonly found in News & Media and scientific sources. While generally neutral, it's important to consider the context and avoid overuse in overly formal settings. Some related phrases include "slim physique", "lean body", and "svelte form". The phrase is primarily used to provide a concise and aesthetically pleasing description, as confirmed by various examples found on Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slim physique

Focuses on the body's physical attributes, emphasizing leanness.

lean body

Highlights the lack of excess fat and a toned appearance.

svelte form

Emphasizes elegance and grace in the slenderness.

trim silhouette

Refers to the outline of the body, indicating a neat and slender shape.

willowy frame

Suggests a graceful and flexible slenderness, reminiscent of a willow tree.

lithe build

Implies agility and flexibility along with slenderness.

attenuated shape

Emphasizes the thinning or tapering of the body's form.

petite frame

Highlights smallness and slenderness, often associated with women.

skinny body

Focuses on thinness, sometimes with a slightly negative connotation.

underweight physique

Medically oriented, focusing on body mass relative to health standards.

FAQs

How can I use "slender figure" in a sentence?

You can use "slender figure" to describe someone's body shape, as in, "She maintained a "slender figure" through regular exercise and a balanced diet."

What are some alternatives to "slender figure"?

Some alternatives include "slim physique", "lean body", or "svelte form", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "slender figure" in all contexts?

While generally acceptable, avoid using "slender figure" in overly formal or medical contexts where more objective language is preferred. In such cases, consider using terms like "low body mass index" or other specific measurements.

What connotations does "slender figure" carry?

"Slender figure" generally carries positive connotations, implying elegance and good health. However, be mindful of the context and audience, as it could be perceived negatively if used insensitively in discussions about body image or eating disorders.