strong arms

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strong arms" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who has muscular or powerful arms, often in the context of physical strength or capability. Example: "The athlete's strong arms helped him excel in weightlifting competitions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Strong arms, those two.

The New York Times - Sports

He's got strong arms.

The New Yorker

Then again, this staff has strong arms in abundance.

The New York Times - Sports

Strong arms, sharp eyes, stoic indifference to danger.

The New York Times

You have to have strong arms, strong stamina, and you must ride the horse well".

The New York Times

"I've gotten very strong arms carrying things around the city," she said.

The New York Times

When he finally reached me, I laughed in his strong arms as he pulled me aboard.

The New York Times

I still remember my father's strong arms cradling me as I sobbed uncontrollably.

The New York Times - Magazine

I am a man with big strong arms and a great big brain.

The Guardian

She also looks petite – until you notice the big, strong arms: she used to box.

The Guardian - Arts

I might remember his strong arms or the way his cheek pressed mine.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "strong arms" to describe someone with a physical advantage, but consider more nuanced terms like "muscular arms" or "powerful arms" when specific details are more informative.

Common error

Avoid using "strong arms" in contexts where gentleness or precision is required. It primarily denotes physical power, so it may be inappropriate in scenarios involving delicate tasks.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "strong arms" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective + noun combination. It's used to attribute a quality of strength to the noun "arms". As Ludwig AI suggests, it describes someone who has muscular or powerful arms, often in the context of physical strength or capability. Ludwig's examples highlight its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Wiki

22%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "strong arms" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe physical strength and capability. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English, highlighting its application in contexts ranging from physical descriptions to conveying a sense of protection. While versatile, it's important to consider the specific nuance required and choose alternatives like "muscular arms" or "powerful arms" when greater precision is needed. Overall, "strong arms" is a reliable and widely understood way to express upper body strength.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

muscular arms

Focuses specifically on the muscularity of the arms.

powerful arms

Highlights the power and force that the arms possess.

robust arms

Emphasizes the health and strength of the arms.

brawny arms

Suggests a rugged, muscular build, often associated with manual labor.

sturdy arms

Implies that the arms are well-built and capable of withstanding strain.

vigorous arms

Highlights the energy and active strength present in the arms.

capable arms

Focuses on the ability of the arms to perform tasks effectively.

Herculean arms

Draws a comparison to the mythical hero Hercules, known for his immense strength.

well-built arms

Describes the arms as being physically developed and strong.

athletic arms

Indicates that the arms are conditioned for athletic performance.

FAQs

How can I use "strong arms" in a sentence?

You can use "strong arms" to describe someone who is physically powerful or capable. For example, "The lifeguard needed "strong arms" to pull the swimmer to safety."

What are some alternatives to "strong arms"?

Alternatives include "muscular arms", "powerful arms", or "brawny arms", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "strong arms" in a formal setting?

While generally acceptable, consider the context. In formal writing, more specific terms like "robust arms" or "capable arms" might be more suitable, depending on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "strong arms" and "big arms"?

"Strong arms" implies functional strength and capability, while "big arms" primarily refers to the size and visual appearance of the arms. Someone can have big arms without necessarily having "strong arms".