slight of frame

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "slight of frame" is not correct in standard English; the correct expression is "slight of build" or "slight of stature." You can use it to describe someone who has a slender or thin physical appearance.
Example: "Despite being slight of build, she was incredibly strong and agile."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Ms. Jenkins — slight of frame, with shoulder-length brown hair and the type of boundless energy that should be illegal at such an early hour — greeted me warmly and brought me straight up into the bowels of the pipe room.

The New York Times

He's mostly indestructible, but slight of frame enough to make it okay to root for him.

Huffington Post

However, in the case of Olynyk, he is not slight of frame and a finesse player by any means.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Cast as a swaggering Irish stoker last played on Broadway in 1993 by Liam Neeson, the slight-of-frame Englishman that is Mr. Law hardly sounds like the first person you would turn to for this role.

The New York Times - Arts

Byrd possesses the body of Wiffle Ball star, slight in frame and fastball, and bends at the waist with runners on base the way Phil Niekro did in his late 40's, his socks pulled up high.

The New York Times - Sports

Pete Seeger writes in the prologue of Henrietta's book, An extraordinary woman of slight frame, has gone places and recorded music that the outside world didn't know existed, and then came back to New York City and put it on the radio for anyone and everyone to listen to.

Huffington Post

Putin is blessed with the sort of slight frame and unmemorable face that perfectly match who he was: a colorless mid-level spy.

The New Yorker

He was still throwing hard then — upper nineties, in spite of his slight frame — but it was that great changeup you noticed most, from a distance on high.

The New Yorker

Otherwise, because of my slight frame and soft voice, the boys would call me "pansy" and "fairy" and pull my shorts around my ankles in the middle of the schoolyard.

The New Yorker

Those days may be well behind him, the consequence of his slight frame generating all that torque in a violent delivery that eventually produced injuries to his toe, hip, calf and shoulder.

The New York Times - Sports

For instance, genetic and bone analyses showed that Windeby Girl, a body discovered in Germany and once deemed female because of its slight frame and long hair, was actually an undernourished male, and the remains are now called Windeby I.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more common and grammatically sound alternatives like "slight build" or "slender frame" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "slight of frame" in formal writing; it is not a standard expression. Opt for established phrases like "slight build" or "slender frame" to ensure grammatical correctness and avoid ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "slight of frame" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, aiming to describe someone's physical build. However, Ludwig AI indicates that it is not a standard English expression; therefore, the more common and grammatical alternatives are recommended.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "slight of frame" is used to describe someone with a small or thin body build. However, Ludwig AI indicates it is not a standard English expression. While it appears in various sources, including The New York Times and Huffington Post, it's advisable to use more common and grammatically correct alternatives like "slight build" or "slender frame" for greater clarity and acceptance in formal writing. Given its infrequent and disputed status, opting for established alternatives ensures effective communication and avoids potential ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slight build

Replaces "frame" with "build", a more common term for body structure.

slender frame

Replaces "slight" with "slender", emphasizing gracefulness more than just small size.

delicate frame

Emphasizes fragility rather than just smallness, changing the connotation slightly.

small frame

Uses a more straightforward adjective "small" instead of "slight".

thin frame

Replaces "slight" with "thin", focusing on the lack of bulk.

petite frame

Implies daintiness in addition to small size, often used for women.

slight physique

Substitutes "frame" with "physique", referring to overall body form.

small stature

Shifts focus from build to overall height.

light build

Focuses on the lack of weight rather than size or shape.

trim figure

Implies fitness and neatness as well as slenderness.

FAQs

Is "slight of frame" grammatically correct?

The phrase "slight of frame" is not considered standard English. It's more common and grammatically correct to use phrases like "slight build" or "slender frame".

What does "slight of frame" mean?

The phrase intends to describe someone with a small or thin body. However, due to its non-standard usage, it can be unclear. Using "slight build" conveys this meaning more effectively.

Are there synonyms for "slight of frame"?

While "slight of frame" is not the best choice, you can use synonyms like "small frame", "thin frame", or "delicate frame" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

You can use "slight build" in a sentence like this: "Despite her slight build, she was incredibly strong".