a good man

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a good man" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who possesses positive qualities, such as kindness, honesty, or integrity. Example: "He is known in the community as a good man who always helps those in need."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He's a good man".

The New York Times

A good man, indeed.

The New York Times

Such a good man.

The New York Times - Sports

A good man.

The New York Times

A good man has died.

The New York Times

A good man, no doubt.

The Economist

Was he a good man?

The Economist

You are a good man".

The New Yorker

Mitt Romney's a good man.

The New York Times

He is a good man".

The New York Times

He was a good man.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a good man", provide specific examples of their actions or qualities to reinforce the positive assessment. Avoid vague or unsubstantiated claims.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on the phrase "a good man" without providing concrete examples or evidence to support the claim. This can weaken your argument and make it seem insincere. Instead, illustrate their goodness with specific actions, behaviors, or qualities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a good man" functions primarily as a descriptive term, serving to positively characterize an individual. As Ludwig indicates, it highlights positive attributes such as kindness and honesty. The structure is simple and direct, typically functioning as a subject complement or appositive.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a good man" is a common and generally accepted way to describe someone possessing positive moral qualities such as honesty, kindness, and integrity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. While widely used, it's essential to provide context and examples to substantiate the claim, avoiding overuse without justification. Alternatives like ""a decent man"" or ""an honorable man"" can be used for semantic variety. Primarily found in news and media, the phrase serves to convey admiration and respect, maintaining a neutral register suitable for diverse writing contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a decent man

Focuses on the person's respectability and adherence to social norms.

an honorable man

Emphasizes the person's integrity and adherence to a code of ethics.

a virtuous man

Highlights the person's moral excellence and righteousness.

a righteous man

Stresses the person's adherence to moral or religious principles.

a benevolent man

Emphasizes the person's kindness and desire to do good for others.

a principled man

Highlights the person's strong adherence to a set of moral principles.

a man of integrity

Highlights that the person is honest and has strong moral principles.

a man of honor

Highlights the person's adherence to a code of conduct and ethics.

a kind-hearted man

Focuses on the person's compassion and empathy.

a man of character

Emphasizes the person's overall moral strength and positive attributes.

FAQs

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

You can use "a good man" to describe someone who is honest, kind, and has strong moral principles. For example, "He is known in the community as "a good man" who always helps those in need."

What are some alternatives to "a good man"?

Alternatives to "a good man" include "a decent man", "an honorable man", or "a virtuous man". The best choice depends on the specific qualities you want to emphasize.

Is it appropriate to use "a good man" in formal writing?

Yes, "a good man" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when you want to express admiration or respect for someone's character. However, ensure that your assessment is supported by credible evidence.

What's the difference between "a good man" and "a successful man"?

"A good man" emphasizes moral character and positive qualities, while "a successful man" focuses on achievements and accomplishments. They are not interchangeable, as someone can be successful without necessarily being a good person, and vice versa.