a clean man

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a clean man" is a correct and usable part of a sentence in written English.
It is often used to describe someone who is well-groomed or takes pride in their appearance. For example, "The party was attended by a clean man in a crisp white shirt."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Lawyers for Hosni Mubarak, the ousted president, called him "a clean man who could not do wrong" as they began laying out their defense on Tuesday against charges that he participated in corruption and directed the killing of demonstrators.

The New York Times

Wycliffe Makasembo, Adebolajo's legal representative in Kenya, said that the British high commission sent a letter to the country's anti-terror unit after his arrest informing them Adebolajo was "a clean man", which is why he was then released.

The Guardian

Last month, the country's top oil and gas regulator--revered as a "clean man in a corrupt industry --was charged windustry --was0,000 industry --was an oil-trading charged.

Huffington Post

A clean man, who looks good, gentlemanly and smells nice?

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

"Dad was always a very clean man and I just hope that he did not know what was happening to him".

BBC

Ladies prefer a clean shaven man to a hairy man.

WikiHow

It came when the perpetrator of the attack was described as a "clean shaved man", allowing a dignity denied to even the best black and brown men and women in Britain.

Vice

"Not for me, I'm a clean sheet man and that's the only reason we won the game in the second half.

BBC

The frequent reference to McCartney's grandfather (Wilfrid Brambell) as a "clean old man" sets up a contrast with the stock description of Brambell's character, Albert Steptoe in Steptoe and Son as a "dirty old man".

Wikipedia

The soldiers visiting the wounded in the brigade hospital, a clean facility manned by a single medic, offered words of comfort to their comrades.

The New York Times

A clean-shaven man was handing out fliers for the salafist Nour Party (symbol: a lantern).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more specific adjectives like 'well-groomed', 'tidy', or 'hygienic' to convey the exact type of cleanliness you're referring to.

Common error

While understandable, constantly referring to someone as "a clean man" can sound repetitive or simplistic in formal writing. Opt for varied descriptions or synonyms.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a clean man" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It serves to describe a man characterized by cleanliness, whether in physical appearance or, sometimes, in a figurative, moral sense. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Encyclopedias

7%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a clean man" is a noun phrase used to describe a man who embodies cleanliness, whether physically or morally. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and acceptable. The phrase is most commonly found in News & Media, Wiki, and Science categories. While grammatically sound, overusing this phrase might sound simplistic in formal contexts; consider synonyms for a more descriptive impact. Related phrases include "a tidy man" or "a well-groomed man", depending on the intended nuance. Overall, the phrase is straightforward, but context is vital to understanding its precise meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a tidy man

Replaces "clean" with "tidy", focusing on neatness and orderliness.

a well-groomed man

Emphasizes the man's attention to personal appearance and hygiene.

a hygienic man

Focuses specifically on the man's commitment to hygiene and cleanliness.

a neat man

Similar to "tidy", this highlights the man's organized and uncluttered nature.

a spotless man

Exaggerates cleanliness, implying an almost impossibly clean state.

a fresh man

Suggests a man who is recently cleaned or has a refreshing appearance.

a cleanly man

Adverbial form emphasizing the manner in which the man presents himself.

an immaculate man

Similar to "spotless", denoting a high level of cleanliness and order.

a well-kept man

Highlights that a man’s appearance is maintained.

a pristine man

Suggests an untouched, almost new state of cleanliness, which is a less common usage.

FAQs

What does it mean to describe someone as "a clean man"?

Describing someone as "a clean man" can refer to their physical cleanliness, neatness, or sometimes even their moral integrity. The context usually clarifies the intended meaning.

What are some alternative ways to describe "a clean man"?

You can use alternatives like "a well-groomed man", "a tidy man", or "a hygienic man" depending on the specific aspect of cleanliness you want to emphasize.

Is it appropriate to use the phrase "a clean man" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, using "a clean man" repeatedly might sound simplistic in formal writing. Consider using more descriptive language or synonyms for variety and nuance.

How does "a clean man" differ from "a clean-cut man"?

"A clean man" generally refers to someone who is neat and tidy, while "a clean-cut man" often implies a more specific appearance: neatly dressed, well-groomed, and typically clean-shaven, suggesting a conventional and respectable image.