a burly man

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a burly man" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a man who is large, strong, and heavily built, often conveying a sense of physical strength or robustness. Example: "As they entered the room, a burly man stood by the door, his imposing figure making everyone feel a bit uneasy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Stegman is a burly man of 48.

The New York Times - Sports

Fayyad is a burly man in his forties.

The New Yorker

So did Ron, a burly man wearing a plaid shirt.

The New Yorker

Consider John Bolin, a burly man with big hands.

The New York Times

He was a burly man, forty-four, hyperactive, unshaven.

The New Yorker

Turrell at 70 is a burly man with thick white hair and a snowy beard.

The New York Times - Magazine

Estime, a burly man wearing a winter vest, picked up Marley's iPhone and lowered the volume.

The New Yorker

A burly man on the last stool hesitates, and then says, "Sugar britches".

The New York Times

A burly man in hunting attire cradled two rifles in zippered cases.

The New York Times

A burly man with a neat mustache, Mr. Touil was clearly dispirited.

The New York Times - Travel

"You should talk to Hugh, All said, pointing to a burly man with a handheld camera.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a burly man" to create a vivid image of a character's physical presence in your writing. It quickly conveys size and strength, which can be useful for setting a scene or implying character traits.

Common error

Avoid using "a burly man" when describing individuals in situations where physical descriptions could be interpreted as discriminatory or biased. Focus on relevant characteristics instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a burly man" functions as a descriptive noun phrase, where "burly" is an adjective modifying the noun "man". It provides a physical description, emphasizing size and strength. Ludwig confirms the correctness of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a burly man" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a man with a large, strong, and heavily built physique. According to Ludwig, the phrase is perfectly acceptable in written English. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts and serves to provide a vivid physical description. While useful for creating a strong image, be mindful of the context to avoid perpetuating stereotypes. Alternatives like "a muscular man" or "a heavily built man" can offer different nuances. In summary, "a burly man" is a descriptive phrase suitable for various writing scenarios when physical description is required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a heavily built man

Similar in meaning, but puts more emphasis on the overall size.

a powerfully built man

Directly states the man's physical power.

a robust man

Indicates health and vigor, in addition to a strong build.

a hefty man

Suggests considerable weight and size.

a muscular man

Focuses more on muscle definition than general size.

a strapping man

Implies a tall and well-built physique, often suggesting youthfulness.

a stocky man

Highlights a compact and solid physique.

a stout man

Emphasizes a solid, sturdy build, often implying a shorter height.

a large man

Simple description of size without necessarily implying strength.

a strong man

Focuses solely on physical strength, omitting size.

FAQs

How can I use "a burly man" in a sentence?

You can use "a burly man" to describe someone's physical appearance, emphasizing their size and strength. For example, "A burly man stood guard at the entrance."

What are some alternatives to "a burly man"?

Alternatives include "a muscular man", "a stout man", or "a heavily built man", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a burly man" in formal writing?

Yes, it is generally acceptable in formal writing, especially when describing a character in a narrative or providing a physical description. However, consider the context and ensure it does not perpetuate stereotypes.

What does "burly" specifically imply about a man's appearance?

"Burly" suggests that the man is large, strong, and heavily built. It often conveys a sense of robustness and physical power.