thin body

USAGE SUMMARY

'thin body' is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to a person or animal who is quite slender or insecure in their physical appearance. For example, "Her thin body made her conscious of her self-image, so she tried to find ways to be more confident."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Let me go," she screamed, her thin body jolting away.

The New Yorker

A young man wept wildly, his thin body convulsing.

The New Yorker

The pain of it crackled through my thin body.

The New York Times

She sipped tea, coughing, her thin body shaking.

The New York Times

Netanel's thin body was wrapped in a prayer shawl, white with blue stripes at each end.

The New York Times

Nearby a silvery needlefish, a long thin body with pointed fin, darted about.

The New York Times - Travel

He giggled nervously, his thin body flinching as if it were being tickled.

The New Yorker

Every time Owen was hit solidly in the 11th the thin body shuddered.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

We are more sensitive now to the damage wrought by endless images of unhealthily thin bodies.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Some had cleavage, perhaps even created by God, but it looked out of place on those impossibly thin bodies.

The New York Times

One sequence focuses on a cluster of beluga whales turning frantic somersaults, their thin bodies scarred by assaults from bears.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character, use "thin body" to convey physical vulnerability or a specific aesthetic, but consider complementing it with details about their posture, movements, or clothing to create a more vivid image.

Common error

Avoid solely focusing on a character's "thin body" as their defining trait. Provide additional context such as personality, skills, or background to avoid perpetuating harmful stereotypes about body image.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thin body" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase modifying the noun 'body'. It describes a physical attribute related to slenderness or lack of mass. Ludwig AI confirms this usage across a wide range of examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

29%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "thin body" is a commonly used descriptor, primarily functioning as an adjective phrase to denote slenderness or lack of physical mass. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase appears frequently in News & Media and scientific contexts, indicating a broad range of applications from physical descriptions to conveying vulnerability or aesthetic qualities. While generally neutral, the appropriateness of its use depends heavily on context and potential sensitivities surrounding body image. When writing, it's advisable to complement "thin body" with additional details to create a more vivid and thoughtful portrayal, avoiding harmful stereotypes. Alternatives like "slender physique" or "lean frame" can offer more nuanced descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slender physique

Focuses on the overall form and build, emphasizing grace and elegance.

slim figure

Implies an aesthetically pleasing slenderness, often used in the context of fashion or beauty.

lean frame

Suggests a body with minimal fat and well-defined musculature.

slight build

Highlights a small or delicate body structure.

frail form

Emphasizes weakness or delicacy in physical appearance.

delicate frame

Similar to frail, but with a connotation of elegance and refinement.

scrawny physique

Suggests an unhealthily thin body, often lacking muscle mass.

underweight body

Directly refers to a body mass below the healthy range.

emaciated form

Indicates extreme thinness, usually due to starvation or illness.

gaunt figure

Implies a haggard or skeletal appearance, often due to suffering or age.

FAQs

How can I use "thin body" in a sentence?

You can use "thin body" to describe someone's physical appearance, such as, "The dancer's "thin body" allowed for graceful movements." or "Despite his "thin body", he possessed incredible strength."

What are some alternatives to "thin body"?

Alternatives to "thin body" include "slender physique", "slim figure", or "lean frame", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it always appropriate to describe someone as having a "thin body"?

While factually accurate in some cases, describing someone as having a "thin body" might be considered insensitive depending on the context and the person's relationship with their body image. Consider focusing on other attributes instead or rephrasing using more neutral language like "slight build".

What's the difference between "thin body" and "emaciated form"?

"Thin body" generally refers to a slender physique, whereas "emaciated form" suggests extreme thinness due to malnutrition or illness. "Emaciated" carries a much stronger negative connotation.