a cable man

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a cable man" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a person who installs or repairs cable television or internet services. Example: "The cable man arrived promptly to fix the internet connection issues we were experiencing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

For a cable man, Mr Roberts's style is subtle.

The Economist

The Customer Service Curse There is a cable man God has placed in my path to exorcise the temper right out of me.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

In Richmond another veteran, Geoffrey Morgan, 79, admits that he's more of a Vince Cable man, "but that's because I'm old".

The Guardian

TV holdings today a glimmer of the past, but wily cable man a pioneer again, converting smallish California cable system into leading-edge two-way addressable network.

Forbes

In that case, the police executed a search warrant on Mr. Taylor's house after getting a tip from the cable man.

The New York Times

Cable man John Malone is a tough sell and has been a vocal critic of the movie business, but the pay-TV service Starz Encore that he controls through Liberty Media Group became Roth's biggest equity partner.

Forbes

Crane jumps are a slow-motion ballet of steel, rope, cable, man and machine.

The New York Times

He lives and works in Brooklyn now, not far from Prospect Park, in a small wooden house so barricaded to guests that he barely lets the cable man in.

The New Yorker

Plot: Man Matthew Broderickk) is cruelly dumped by his mean girlfriend (Mann), so turns to his weird cable man (Jim Carrey) for friendship.

The Guardian - Film

I wasn't home when the cable man showed up, and my wife was forced to try and help him make out the faint clicking projecting from deep inside the machine.

The New York Times - Books

The least pretty of the cable buildings still stands, a three-story concrete structure built for communications security (it was heavily guarded by kilt-wearing Scottish sentries during World War II) and known by the cable men as the Potala, or as Alcatraz.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a cable man", ensure the context is clear and that the audience understands you are referring to someone who installs or repairs cable services. Consider using more specific titles like "cable technician" or "cable installer" for clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "a cable man" in formal or professional settings where a more specific and professional title is expected. Opt for "cable technician" or "communications technician" in those contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a cable man" functions as a noun phrase, typically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is usable, referring to an individual who installs or repairs cable services. Examples show its use in news and personal contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a cable man" is a noun phrase used to refer to a technician who installs or repairs cable services. While grammatically correct and understandable, Ludwig AI notes that the phrase is more informal and should be used cautiously in professional settings. More precise alternatives, such as "cable technician", are often preferred. The phrase appears mostly in news and media contexts. While the term is not incorrect, understanding its informal nature is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

cable technician

Focuses on the technical skill set, specifically installation and repair.

cable installer

Emphasizes the installation aspect of the job.

broadband technician

Highlights the work being done specifically on Broadband services.

internet service provider technician

Specifies the service provider context of the role.

communications technician

Broadens the scope to include various communication systems.

fiber optic technician

Highlights the specific technology used in the job.

field service technician

Emphasizes the on-site service aspect of the job.

telecommunications engineer

Highlights the engineering aspect of telecommunications work, more technical.

outside plant technician

Highlights the work being performed outdoors.

network engineer

Focuses on the network infrastructure aspect of the profession.

FAQs

What does "a cable man" mean?

The term "a cable man" refers to a technician who installs, maintains, or repairs cable television, internet, or telecommunications services. It's a common but somewhat informal term.

What are some alternative terms for "a cable man"?

Alternatives include "cable technician", "cable installer", or "telecommunications technician". These terms are generally more professional and specific.

Is it appropriate to use the term "a cable man" in professional communication?

While widely understood, "a cable man" is generally considered informal. In professional contexts, it's better to use terms like "cable technician" or "field service technician".

In what situations is "a cable man" an appropriate term to use?

The phrase "a cable man" is suitable for casual conversations or informal writing where a general term is sufficient and formality is not a concern. However, it may be too vague for technical discussions.