a dear man

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a dear man" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express affection or fondness for a man, often in a sentimental or endearing context. Example: "He was a dear man who always put others before himself."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Have you changed one protocol that requires secrecy?" "He's a dear man," he continued.

The New York Times

In loving memory of a dear man, gone ten years, never to be forgotten.

The New York Times

Not long ago, a friend of mine, a dear man with exquisite taste, took me to dinner at Momofuku Má Pêche in Midtown Manhattan.

The New York Times

In "The American Dream," Mrs. Barker describes her brother: he's "a dear man, and he has a dear little wife, whom he loves dearly.

The New Yorker

On that Sunday in November, this newspaper (without whom…) carried a piece I wrote about my father, a dear man whose life was lived well and ended wrongly.

The Guardian - Opinion

"What a dear man," longtime friend Carl Reiner said Monday after learning of Kanter's death.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

He's a good, dear man and no one would want him to.

The New Yorker

He was a dear, dear man and it's from him that I get my love of words".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He was a very funny and dear man; a gentleman in the truest sense of the word -generous, kind, gracious, and unfailingly loyal.

The New York Times

"Not a 'Hello, my dear man, how are you?!' greeting.

The Guardian

I was listening to your song "Now That The Buffalo's All Gone," and there's the line: "Has a change come about dear man, or are you still taking our lands?" There's a current issue in the Black Hills.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a dear man" when you want to express genuine affection, respect, or fondness for someone. It's suitable for obituaries, personal tributes, or affectionate descriptions.

Common error

Avoid using "a dear man" in highly formal or professional settings. While expressing affection is positive, the phrase might sound out of place in contexts requiring strict objectivity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a dear man" functions as a descriptive expression. It serves to characterize a male individual with affection or fondness. The Ludwig AI confirms its usability, and examples show it in contexts like obituaries or personal tributes.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a dear man" is a phrase used to express affection, respect, or fondness towards a male individual. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and usable, although more suitable for informal or sentimental contexts. Its primary function is to convey positive feelings, and it is most frequently found in News & Media sources. For more formal settings, consider alternatives like "a respected man" or "an esteemed colleague".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a beloved man

Replaces "dear" with "beloved", emphasizing deep affection.

a cherished man

Uses "cherished" instead of "dear", highlighting the value placed on the man.

a respected man

Substitutes "dear" with "respected", focusing on admiration and esteem.

a good man

Replaces "dear" with "good", indicating moral uprightness and kindness.

a kind man

Uses "kind" instead of "dear", emphasizing his gentle and caring nature.

a gentle man

Substitutes "dear" with "gentle", highlighting his mild and considerate behavior.

a fine man

Replaces "dear" with "fine", suggesting a man of excellent character.

an admirable man

Uses "admirable" instead of "dear", focusing on qualities worthy of admiration.

a wonderful man

Substitutes "dear" with "wonderful", expressing great appreciation and delight.

a lovely man

Replaces "dear" with "lovely", indicating pleasantness and charm.

FAQs

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

You can use "a dear man" to describe someone you deeply respect or have affection for. For instance, "My grandfather was "a dear man" who always put his family first."

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

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "a beloved man", "a respected man", or "a kind man".

Is the phrase "a dear man" suitable for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a dear man" is generally better suited for informal or personal contexts. In formal writing, consider using more neutral or professional terms like "a respected colleague" or "an esteemed individual."

What does it mean when someone is described as "a dear man"?

Describing someone as "a dear man" implies that they are regarded with affection, respect, and fondness. It suggests the person is kind-hearted and cherished.