thin frame

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "thin frame" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that has a slender or narrow structure, often referring to a person's physique or the outline of an object. Example: "She had a delicate appearance, with a thin frame that made her look almost fragile."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Illness had stolen 20 pounds from her already thin frame.

The New York Times

In her last decade, she chose tailored clothes that gave shape and glamour to her thin frame.

The New York Times

"Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?" he asks, leaning his delicately thin frame forward.

The New York Times - Arts

And there were questions as to whether Durant's thin frame would hold up under the N.B.A.'s physicality.

The New York Times - Sports

Ellison writes of that crucial meeting in detail: "Assange was pallid and sweaty, his thin frame racked by a cough that had been plaguing him for weeks.

The Guardian

At dinnertime, he was still wearing his pinstriped slacks and white dress shirt, which billowed, untucked and unbuttoned, over his thin frame in the wilting heat.

The New York Times

She is wearing jeans and a white T-shirt and black boots and a large blue jacket, in which her thin frame seems to swim.

The New Yorker

Her thin frame cuts across the nearly bare stage; she has a deadpan focus and a passion for acting, but she's no showoff.

The New Yorker

But back to the man himself, who, with his thick glasses, thin frame and modest manner hardly seems an object of envy.

The New York Times

Symptoms include a pronounced flush of the cheeks, a tall, thin frame, lens dislocation, vascular disease, and thinning of the bones (osteoporosis).

Encyclopedia Britannica

And at 5 feet 8 inches, with broad, square shoulders and large hands and feet on a thin frame, Ms. Arianda can instantly dominate a stage.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person, use "thin frame" to denote a slender or delicate physique without necessarily implying negative health connotations. It is more neutral than terms like "scrawny" or "gaunt".

Common error

Avoid using "thin frame" as a generic descriptor. Be specific: use "slender" if emphasizing elegance, "frail" if emphasizing weakness, or "lean" if describing athleticism. This provides a more nuanced and accurate depiction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "thin frame" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. It combines the adjective "thin" with the noun "frame" to characterize the physique or structure of a person or object. Ludwig examples demonstrate its use in describing physical appearance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Encyclopedias

7%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "thin frame" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a slender physique. According to Ludwig, it's most frequently found in news and media contexts and serves to provide a concise, neutral description of someone's appearance. While alternatives like "slender physique" or "delicate build" exist, choosing the most appropriate term depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. When writing, be mindful of the potential for misinterpretation and aim for accurate and sensitive language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slender physique

Focuses more on the overall body shape being slender.

delicate build

Emphasizes the fragile and refined nature of the structure.

slight build

Highlights the small and delicate nature of the physique.

lean physique

Implies a lack of excess fat and a more muscular, though still slender, appearance.

narrow structure

Refers to the limited width of the frame or body.

petite figure

Highlights the small and dainty nature of the frame, typically used for women.

frail physique

Suggests weakness and vulnerability due to thinness.

underweight body

Directly addresses the health aspect of being below the ideal weight.

scrawny build

Carries a negative connotation, suggesting an unhealthily thin and bony appearance.

gaunt figure

Implies a haggard and emaciated appearance, often due to illness or deprivation.

FAQs

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

"Thin frame" is typically used to describe someone's physique. For example: "Despite his "thin frame", he possessed surprising strength."

What are some alternatives to "thin frame"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "slender physique", "delicate build", or "slight build".

Is it appropriate to use "thin frame" when describing someone's appearance?

Yes, but be mindful of the context. Using "thin frame" is generally acceptable, but avoid using it in a way that could be perceived as judgmental or insensitive. Terms like "frail physique" or "gaunt figure" can be seen as negative.

What's the difference between "thin frame" and "slender build"?

While both "thin frame" and "slender build" describe a slim physique, "slender build" often implies a more graceful or elegant thinness, whereas "thin frame" can simply refer to a narrow or slight body structure without necessarily implying elegance.