a fast man

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a fast man" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is quick in movement or action, often in the context of sports or physical activities. Example: "In the race, he proved to be a fast man, easily outpacing his competitors."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"The quickest way over an ivied wall is to send a fast man around the end".

The New Yorker

"If you have a fast man at university, if you make him train six times a week, and you train like a middle-distance runner, then he's not going to be fast.

The Guardian - Sport

The sight of a sprinter prostrate on the tarmac of a finish straight is not uncommon, unfortunately, but it is rare to see a fast man collapse because of the intensity of the effort it has taken to win rather than due to a crash.

The Guardian - Sport

But he was a big man, a fast man, a great finisher and he knew where the try-line was.

BBC

On the Irish roads, I'd like some race wins, but Michael Dunlop is a fast man on a fast bike and he'll be hard to beat.

BBC

Craig Gentry is a fast man, and he's going to hit second about a third of the time.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

His chase of a loose hack ahead was won brilliantly against a faster man and would have resulted in a try but for Kay's knock-on.

The Guardian - Sport

But in the Paralympics 200m final Oscar Pistorius was overtaken by a faster man with blades.

BBC

Steegmans has two Tour de France stage victories in a distinguished career as a fast-man in his own right but Cavendish's greatness is so assured that, if the pair can form a lasting partnership, Steegmans may too go down in the sport's folklore.

The Guardian - Sport

But he's not as fast as a cheetah, he's only as fast as a very fast man.

Vice

At tight end Cannon became a strong blocker and sure re ceiver, showing the value of a small, fast man at the position and prolonged his career.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a fast man" to add a sense of excitement or urgency to your narrative when describing someone's quick actions.

Common error

Avoid using "a fast man" when you mean someone who is simply efficient or quick at completing tasks that don't necessarily involve physical speed. "Efficient worker" or "quick learner" might be more accurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a fast man" functions as a descriptive noun phrase. It primarily serves to qualify an individual based on their speed or quickness. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and understandable in English. Examples from Ludwig show its use in describing athletes and individuals known for their speed.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Sport

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a fast man" is a descriptive phrase used to characterize someone known for their speed or quickness. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It is most frequently found in News & Media and Sport contexts, indicating its relevance in describing athletes and individuals known for their speed. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the context, focusing on actual speed rather than general efficiency. While "a fast man" can be used in various contexts, it is important to consider alternatives like ""a quick runner"" or ""a swift athlete"" for more precise descriptions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a quick runner

Focuses specifically on running ability.

a swift athlete

Implies speed within the context of athletic performance.

a speedy individual

Uses a more generic term for speed, applicable in various contexts.

a rapid mover

Emphasizes the speed of movement.

an agile person

Highlights nimbleness and coordination.

a man of speed

Highlights speed as the main attribute of a man

a fleet-footed man

Uses a more poetic and descriptive term for quickness.

an express human

Refers to someone who is particularly fast or efficient.

a fast-paced guy

Highlights the speed and energy of a man's life.

a zippy character

Uses a more informal and playful term for speed.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "a fast man" in a sentence?

You can use "a fast man" to describe someone who is quick in movement or action, particularly in sports or physical activities. For example: "He is "a fast man" on the track."

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

Some alternatives include "a quick runner", "a speedy individual", or "a swift athlete", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "a fast man" in formal writing?

While "a fast man" is grammatically correct, it's more commonly used in informal or journalistic contexts. For formal writing, consider using more precise language to describe the person's specific abilities.

What's the difference between "a fast man" and "a faster man"?

"A fast man" describes someone who is generally quick, while "a faster man" implies a comparison, indicating that someone is quicker than another person or a previous state.