My good man

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "My good man" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used as a polite or somewhat old-fashioned way to address a man, often in a context where you are expressing camaraderie or making a point. Example: "My good man, I must insist that we reconsider our approach to this issue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

The master-servant relationship is upended, as the "houseboy" returns with fondness and irony the Master's way of addressing him as "my good man".

The Guardian - Books

"My good man": the enthusiastically anti-colonialist Odenigbo cannot hear the Edwardian absurdity of it.

The Guardian - Books

"Watson, my good man.

The New Yorker

"'Where are you, my good man?' He said my good man in English".

The Guardian - Books

Don't mind if I do, my good man.

The Guardian - Sport

"So, my good man, you're going in? Look at Julia out there".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

It was gut-wrenching and terrifying, but mostly my heart ached for the anguish Pete was experiencing -- and I missed my sweet, good man.

HuffPost

"My poor good man," said she, "why is Neptune so furiously angry with you?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

He referred repeatedly to Mr Trump's running mate, Mike Pence, as "my good friend" and "a good man".

BBC

"I wouldn't leave my husband because my husband is a good man," said Mahdia, who now enjoys the freedom of walking down the street whenever she likes.

Vice

"Good man," my namesake said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context and your relationship with the person you're addressing. The phrase can sound condescending if used inappropriately.

Common error

Avoid using "My good man" in modern or informal settings where it might sound out of place or overly theatrical. It's generally better to opt for simpler, more direct forms of address unless you're aiming for a specific effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "My good man" primarily functions as a vocative, directly addressing a male individual. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase can serve as a polite, yet somewhat old-fashioned, form of address often used to express camaraderie or to make a point.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "My good man" is a grammatically sound phrase used to directly address a male individual. As Ludwig AI suggests, it carries a polite, yet somewhat old-fashioned tone. While common in news and media, its usage should be deliberate, considering the context and audience. Alternatives like "my friend" or "sir" offer more modern options. Avoid overusing it in informal settings. Understanding these nuances ensures effective communication. Remember, choosing simpler and more direct forms of address could be more beneficial unless a specific effect is desired. It's a valuable phrase, but one that requires careful consideration for optimal impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

My good sir

Emphasizes formality and respect, amplifying the original phrase's tone.

Good sir

A slightly shorter, yet equally formal version of the original phrase.

Kind sir

Highlights politeness and courtesy in the address.

My dear fellow

Replaces "good man" with a more affectionate term, conveying warmth and camaraderie.

My fine fellow

Similar to "My dear fellow", adding a touch of lightheartedness.

My worthy friend

Emphasizes the value and esteem held for the person being addressed.

My friend

A more modern and universally applicable term of address, lacking the old-fashioned tone.

Sir

A simple and respectful form of address, more formal and less personal.

My esteemed colleague

Suitable in a professional context, acknowledging the recipient's status.

Gentleman

Direct and formal way to address someone, especially in group.

FAQs

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "My good man"?

The phrase "My good man" is appropriate in contexts where a touch of old-fashioned formality or gentle irony is desired. It can also be used to evoke a sense of camaraderie or to lightly tease someone, but should be avoided in overly formal or sensitive situations.

What are some alternatives to "My good man"?

Alternatives to "My good man" include "my friend", "sir", "my dear fellow", or simply using the person's name if you know it. The best choice depends on the context and your relationship with the person.

Can "My good man" be considered offensive?

While not inherently offensive, "My good man" can sound condescending or patronizing if used inappropriately, especially in modern contexts or when addressing someone of higher status. Consider your audience and the tone you want to convey.

Is "My good man" grammatically correct?

Yes, "My good man" is grammatically correct. It's a vocative phrase, used to directly address someone. However, its usage is somewhat dated and should be chosen carefully depending on the situation.