a dangerous man

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a dangerous man" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who poses a threat or risk to others, either physically or in terms of their actions or influence. Example: "The authorities warned the public about a dangerous man who had been spotted in the area, urging everyone to stay vigilant."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I am a dangerous man".

The New Yorker

"Qatada is a dangerous man," she said.

The New York Times

SRIDHAR VEMBU is a dangerous man.

The Economist

But he is a dangerous man.

The New York Times

He is a dangerous man.

The Guardian - Opinion

There's a dangerous man beneath.

The Guardian

Raja was a dangerous man.

The Guardian

This was a dangerous man.

The New York Times - Magazine

My friend's a dangerous man".

The New Yorker

The President is a dangerous man.

The New Yorker

"I believe he was a dangerous man," Bush simply said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a dangerous man", ensure the context clearly establishes the nature of the danger. Is it physical, emotional, or related to their influence?

Common error

Avoid using "a dangerous man" as a cliché. Provide specific details to support the claim, rather than relying on the phrase alone to convey the threat.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a dangerous man" functions as a noun phrase that describes a male individual who presents a risk or threat. Ludwig examples show it used in news reports, opinion pieces, and even fiction, all conveying a sense of potential harm or instability. The Ludwig AI also confirms it is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a dangerous man" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a male individual who poses a threat or risk. Ludwig confirms its correct usage. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to warn, inform, or characterize someone as potentially harmful. While generally neutral in register, the phrase gains gravity from the serious contexts in which it typically appears. Consider using alternative phrasing provided such as "perilous individual" to provide different semantic meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a perilous individual

Emphasizes the risk and potential harm the person poses.

a threatening figure

Highlights the intimidating nature and potential for aggression.

a risky character

Focuses on the unpredictable and potentially harmful behavior.

a menacing person

Stresses the ominous and foreboding quality of the individual.

a hazardous element

Suggests the person is a destabilizing and unsafe influence.

a formidable adversary

Highlights the person's strength and potential to cause harm in a conflict.

a volatile personality

Focuses on the unpredictable and potentially explosive nature of the person's behavior.

a sinister presence

Emphasizes the malevolent and evil nature of the person.

an unsafe actor

Highlights the lack of safety associated with this person.

a treacherous individual

Focuses on the person's deceitful and unreliable nature.

FAQs

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

You can use "a dangerous man" to describe someone who poses a threat, risk, or harm to others. For instance, "The police warned residents about "a dangerous man" who had escaped from prison".

What are some alternatives to saying "a dangerous man"?

Alternatives include "a perilous individual", "a threatening figure", or "a risky character", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it acceptable to use "a dangerous man" in formal writing?

Yes, "a dangerous man" is acceptable in formal writing, especially when reporting or describing situations where someone poses a genuine threat. However, ensure the context is clear and the description is justified.

What's the difference between describing someone as "a dangerous man" versus "a threat to society"?

Describing someone as "a dangerous man" typically focuses on their individual capacity to cause harm. "A threat to society", however, suggests a broader impact, implying the person's actions or beliefs endanger the well-being of a larger community or social order.