thin built

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thin built" is not standard in written English; the correct expression is "thin-built." You can use it to describe someone who has a slender or lean physique.
Example: "She has a thin-built frame, which makes her look elegant in any outfit."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

On examination patient was thin built, anaemic.

BMC Infectious Diseases

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

If not, it wasn't your choice anyway.' " The reasons frequently given for Kenyan dominance in the marathon are familiar: They grow up at altitude and have enhanced oxygen-carrying capacity; run to school in an ambulant culture; have light and thin builds; and live in a moderate climate that facilitates training.

The New York Times - Sports

The other two have have thin builds with one being 18 to 25 years old and the other 20 to 30 years old with a mustache and goatee.

Los Angeles Times

Bagby noticed that he had close-cropped hair, slightly protruding eyes, and a thin build.

The New Yorker

It's not easy because he's got a thin build.

The New York Times

The suspect is described as a white male, approximately 5' 10" tall, with a thin build.

Independent

Natnael is described as black, 5ft 8in tall, and of thin build.

Independent

The third suspect was dark-skinned, of thin build with short hair and a short beard.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

With his thin build and thick glasses, Mr. Gillette, 60, looks like the average high school science teacher.

The New York Times

Man B was described as "dark-skinned, of thin build, with long hair – tied at the back – and unshaven.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Police officers said the man is black, in his 20's, about six feet tall and has a thin build.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider stronger, more descriptive alternatives like "slender" or "lean" to add nuance to your writing.

Common error

The most common error is omitting the hyphen in "thin-built". Remember that compound adjectives placed before a noun usually require a hyphen.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thin built" functions as an adjective phrase attempting to describe someone's physique. However, it's important to note that the correct form is "thin-built", as indicated by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

50%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "thin built" is an adjective phrase used to describe a slender physique. However, it's grammatically incorrect; the correct form is "thin-built", with a hyphen. Ludwig AI also confirms that the phrase isn't grammatically correct. While it appears in various sources, including news and scientific articles, its usage is rare. For clearer and more impactful writing, consider using alternatives like "slender build", "lean build", or "slim build". Remember to hyphenate the compound adjective when placed before a noun.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slender build

Focuses on the graceful and delicate aspect of being thin.

lean build

Emphasizes a muscular and healthy kind of thinness.

slim build

Highlights the narrowness and elegance of the physique.

slight build

Suggests a delicate and fragile physique.

delicate build

Emphasizes the fragility and fineness of the body.

lanky build

Describes someone tall and thin.

gaunt physique

Indicates extreme thinness, often due to illness or deprivation.

wiry frame

Suggests a thin but strong and resilient physique.

petite frame

Describes a small and slender build, typically for women.

underweight physique

Focuses on the unhealthy aspect of being too thin.

FAQs

How do I properly use "thin-built" in a sentence?

Use "thin-built" as a compound adjective before a noun, such as "He was a thin-built man." Remember to include the hyphen.

Is "thin built" grammatically correct?

No, "thin built" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "thin-built", using a hyphen to connect the two words into a compound adjective.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "thin-built"?

You can use alternatives like "slender build", "lean build", or "slim build" to describe someone with a similar physique.

What is the difference between "thin-built" and "skinny"?

"Thin-built" generally describes a slender or lean physique. "Skinny" can sometimes imply an unhealthy or unattractive thinness. Choose the word that best fits the context and desired connotation.