slight build

USAGE SUMMARY

'slight build' is an acceptable and commonly used phrase in written English.
Example: The young boy had a slight build, but he was still determined to make the football team.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Glasses and a slight build make her look particularly unthreatening.

The Guardian

He had a real slight build and a real soft handshake.

The New Yorker

Take, for example, K, a male friend of mine, of slight build, with a ponytail.

The New Yorker

A man of slight build and boyish good looks, Mr. Dumont is a grandmother's dream.

The New York Times

"I look like I'm an intellectual because I wear glasses and have a slight build.

The New York Times

Begley was of slight build and offering minimal resistance to the police.

The Guardian

A young orphan of slight build, Peter Parker is the archetypal geek hiding in his bedroom.

The Guardian - Books

Lee has a marathoner's slight build: 5 feet 6 inches and 125 pounds.

The New York Times - Sports

Ms. Weyl has close-cropped red hair and a slight build.

The New York Times

Ms. Bronzaft, a woman of slight build, ordered a Buffalo chicken salad.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

The Office actor and writer, B. J. Novak, was also cast in August 2008 as Private First Class Smithson Utivich, "a New York-born soldier of 'slight build'".

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character or person, use "slight build" to quickly convey a sense of their physical presence without delving into detailed descriptions. This is especially useful when contrasting their physical appearance with their abilities or personality.

Common error

Avoid automatically associating a "slight build" with weakness or lack of capability. While it describes physical stature, it doesn't dictate strength, resilience, or competence. Ensure that the narrative or description allows for complexity and doesn't rely on stereotypes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slight build" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a slender or delicate physical structure. It provides information about someone's appearance, as seen in numerous Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

10%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "slight build" is a commonly used and grammatically sound descriptive phrase that indicates a slender or delicate physical structure. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability. It's most frequently found in News & Media, Academia and Wiki contexts. While describing someone as having a "slight build", be mindful of potential stereotypes and avoid automatically associating it with weakness. Related phrases like "slim physique" or "delicate frame" can offer subtle variations in meaning. The phrase serves to provide a concise physical description, setting the scene or contrasting physical appearance with other qualities.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slim physique

Emphasizes the slenderness and overall physical form.

thin frame

Focuses on the narrowness of the body's structure.

delicate frame

Suggests a fragile or refined physical structure.

light frame

Emphasizes the lack of weight and substance in the physique.

small stature

Highlights the lack of height and overall size.

lean build

Indicates a physique with little body fat and muscle.

narrow frame

Focuses on the limited width of the shoulders and body.

frail physique

Highlights the weakness and susceptibility of the body.

petite figure

Commonly used for women, indicating a small and slender body shape.

underweight build

Directly points out a weight that is below the healthy range.

FAQs

What does "slight build" mean?

"Slight build" refers to a body physique that is slender, not heavily muscled, and often suggests a smaller frame or stature.

How can I use "slight build" in a sentence?

You can use "slight build" to describe someone's physical appearance, for example: "Despite his slight build, he was surprisingly strong."

Are there synonyms for "slight build"?

Yes, alternatives include "slim physique", "delicate frame", or "lean build", each offering a slightly different nuance.

Is it appropriate to use "slight build" in formal writing?

Yes, "slight build" is appropriate in formal writing as it is a neutral and descriptive term. However, consider the context and whether a more precise or evocative term might be suitable.