small build

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "small build" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It describes a person's physical frame or body size as being small or petite. Example: The dancer had a small build, with delicate arms and a slim waist, making her movements seem effortless and graceful.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

He is a man of short height, small build and low voice, but a long political career.

The New York Times

Impressed by Adam and Maria's camaraderie, I decided to assemble a small build team of my own.

The Guardian - Tech

And with his small build and disheveled style, his frenzied energy and puckish humor, he seemed years younger than that.

The New York Times

Nicknamed El Mosquito because of to his speed and small build, Ferrero zipped behind the baseline and hit with deceptive power.

The New York Times

In the last few years Agile and "Continuous Deployment" has replaced Waterfall and transformed how companies big and small build products.

University of California, Berkeley

Typically a saucy-looking, alert dog that is sturdier than its small build would suggest, the Chihuahua stands about 5 inches (13 cm) and weighs 1 to 6 pounds (0.5 to 3 kg).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Starting small "builds confidence that people can take control of their lives".

The Guardian - Money

With their small builds and moderate energy levels, Boston Terriers don't require lots of food.

WikiHow

An example of Dr. Mendieta's work on a woman with a "smaller build".

Vice

In Malawi for instance, Bentley et al [ 24] have reported that study participants indicated a large body silhouette as desirable compared to a smaller build.

BMC International Health and Human Rights

In Westernized societies, a bulkier, muscular physical appearance may be more ideal for men compared to women who may prefer a smaller build [ 47– 47].

BMC Psychiatry

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person's physical appearance, use "small build" to convey a sense of slenderness and lack of significant muscle mass or height. It is a neutral way of describing someone's body type.

Common error

Avoid using excessive adjectives to describe a "small build". While "very small build" might seem to add emphasis, it can often sound redundant. Instead, focus on providing specific details about the person's height or weight if necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "small build" primarily functions as a descriptive term, typically an adjective-noun combination, used to specify someone's physical constitution. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage for portraying physical characteristics.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

20%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

6%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "small build" is a grammatically correct and common descriptor used to depict a slender or delicate physical frame. As Ludwig AI illustrates, it appears frequently in contexts such as News & Media and Wiki, and is considered to have a neutral tone, making it suitable for general audiences. Related phrases like "slight build" or "slim build" can serve as alternatives depending on the nuance you wish to convey. When using "small build", avoid overusing modifiers and consider providing specific details to enhance clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slight build

Focuses on the delicacy and lack of substantial mass in the physique.

slim build

Emphasizes the slenderness and lack of excess weight in the physique.

narrow build

Highlights the limited width or breadth of the body.

petite frame

Describes a small and delicately shaped body, often used for women.

delicate physique

Suggests a fragile and refined physical appearance.

light frame

Focuses on the lack of weight or substantial bone structure.

compact build

Implies a body that is small and neatly proportioned.

underweight

Suggests a body weight that is below the healthy range.

diminutive stature

Formally indicates a smaller than average height or size.

slender figure

Emphasizes a graceful and thin body shape.

FAQs

How can I describe someone with a "small build" without being offensive?

Focus on objective characteristics like height and weight if relevant. Alternatively, use synonyms like "slight build" or "slim build", and avoid terms that could be interpreted negatively.

What is the difference between "small build" and "petite"?

"Small build" generally refers to overall body size and frame, while "petite" often refers specifically to women of short stature with a delicate frame. Therefore, "petite frame" would be more appropriate when describing a small woman.

Can "small build" be used to describe objects or structures?

While "small build" primarily describes people, it can also be used metaphorically to describe something that is constructed on a small scale, such as a "small build" 3D printer. However, it's more common to use terms like "compact design" or "small size" in those contexts.

What are some alternative ways to say "person of small build"?

You could say "person with a slender frame", "person with a slight physique", or "person with a "narrow build"". The best choice depends on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.