weak body

USAGE SUMMARY

"weak body" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to someone feeling physically weak due to illness or lack of exercise, or feeling emotionally or mentally weakened. For example: "She was so tired she had a weak body and was unable to move".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Her small, weak body was icy cold, though it was summer.

The New York Times - Magazine

"If you put hard medicine on a weak body, this is what happens".

The New York Times

The parliament, a weak body, has 500 members, including 75 appointed from the army.

The Economist

For most of its existence, New York City's legislative branch has been caricatured as a weak body stocked with the overambitious and underachieving.

The New York Times

And then she talked about his homecoming -- about meeting his medevac flight, "scared to death," and first taking in the sight of his scar-ridden face, his weak body and missing arm.

The New York Times - Magazine

It made no difference his weak body language killed his chances despite strong credentials.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Few staff are trained to wash, dress and feed weak bodies.

The Economist

"Animals are beginning to die and when we take some meat our bodies feel stomach pains, feel diarrhoea and weak bodies.

The Guardian

The realisation that some drugs don't just cure sick or weak bodies but actually push us beyond our natural physical limits (and are therefore unfair) did not take hold in sports until well into the 20th century.

The Guardian

These diseases are exacerbated by poverty, as weak bodies can't fight as effectively as healthy ones and low-income families cannot access necessary healthcare.

Huffington Post

We eat completely inappropriate food for humans and lead lives that are about as far from what Mother Nature intended as we can be...and we are paying a price for it, with tired, achy, overweight, sick, weak bodies and foggy minds.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a temporary condition, using "weak body" can effectively convey a state of physical depletion or illness. For example, "After the flu, she had a "weak body" and needed rest".

Common error

Avoid attributing a "weak body" solely to laziness or lack of motivation. While physical weakness can result from inactivity, it often stems from underlying health issues or temporary conditions that require medical attention or rest. Focus on describing the specific physical symptoms rather than implying moral failings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "weak body" functions as an adjective-noun combination used to describe the physical condition of a person or entity. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

33%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "weak body" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a state of physical frailty or illness. As noted by Ludwig AI, this phrase is readily understood and used across various contexts, including news, science, and general writing. While it maintains a neutral register, alternative phrases might be more appropriate for highly formal or technical settings. Understanding its nuances and potential causes is key to its correct and impactful use, and it's crucial to avoid misattributing it solely to laziness without considering potential health-related factors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

frail physique

Replaces "weak body" with a focus on overall physical frailty.

feeble constitution

Emphasizes the body's inherent weakness or susceptibility to illness.

infirm body

Similar to 'ailing frame' and stresses the lack of physical strength due to disease or old age.

ailing frame

Suggests a body that is currently suffering from illness or disease.

debilitated physique

Implies a state of physical weakening, often after an illness or injury.

delicate build

Highlights a slender or fragile physical structure.

unhealthy body

A broad term referring to a body that is not in good health.

fragile form

Focuses on the physical form or structure of the body and its vulnerability.

compromised health

Shifts the focus to overall health, implying a weakened physical state.

lacking physical strength

Directly addresses the absence of physical power or vigor.

FAQs

How can I describe the feeling of having a "weak body"?

You can describe it as feeling physically drained, exhausted, or lacking energy. Other ways to express the feeling include using phrases like "frail physique", indicating a general state of physical weakness.

What are some causes of having a "weak body"?

A "weak body" can be caused by various factors, including illness, malnutrition, lack of sleep, or overexertion. Chronic conditions or certain medications can also contribute to physical weakness.

Which is more appropriate: "weak body" or "weakened body"?

"Weak body" generally describes a current state of physical weakness, while "weakened body" implies that the body has become weak over time, often due to illness or injury. The choice depends on the specific context.

Is "weak body" a formal or informal term?

"Weak body" is a neutral term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, in more formal settings, you might consider using more clinical terms like "debilitated physique" or "compromised health".