a grown man

USAGE SUMMARY

'a grown man' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a person who is grown, or an adult, such as in this sentence: John is a grown man now - he recently celebrating his 25th birthday.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

On a grown man.

The New Yorker

"I'm a grown man.

The New York Times - Sports

I was a grown man.

The New York Times

He's a grown man.

The New York Times - Style

A grown man.

The New Yorker

You're a grown man.

The Guardian - Sport

"He looks like a grown man now.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was horrifying, being a grown man.

The New York Times

"I am a grown man," he said.

The New York Times

"I'm a grown man," Sabathia said.

The New York Times

Amadeo was a grown man.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When contrasting behavior, pair "a grown man" with actions typically associated with immaturity to highlight the incongruity.

Common error

While generally acceptable, consider more formal alternatives like "an adult male" in professional or academic contexts where a more neutral tone is preferred. "A grown man" can sometimes carry a slightly informal or even judgmental connotation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a grown man" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a subject, object, or complement within a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its common usage in various contexts. For example, "He is a grown man" functions as a subject complement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

11%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a grown man" is a common and generally acceptable way to describe an adult male. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used, especially in news and media contexts. However, it's important to consider the subtle implications of the phrase. It often carries an expectation of maturity and responsibility, and can sometimes be used in contrast to childish or inappropriate behavior. While "a grown man" is suitable for many situations, more formal alternatives like "an adult male" might be preferable in professional or academic settings. Ultimately, understanding the context and desired tone is crucial when deciding whether to use the phrase "a grown man".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fully grown man

Highlights the completion of physical development.

an adult male

Focuses on the biological and legal status of being an adult and male.

a man who's all grown up

Informal way to emphasize someone has reached adulthood.

a mature man

Emphasizes the emotional and intellectual development of the man.

a man of age

Highlights the man's accumulated years and experience.

an experienced man

Stresses the man's knowledge gained from life events.

a man in his prime

Suggests the man is at the peak of his physical and mental abilities.

a man of the world

Implies experience and sophistication.

a man of full stature

Emphasizes physical size, as well as maturity.

a responsible adult

Highlights the man's reliability and accountability.

FAQs

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

You can use "a grown man" to describe someone who is an adult male. For instance, "It's surprising to see "a grown man" acting so childishly."

What's the difference between "a grown man" and "an adult male"?

"An adult male" is a more formal and neutral term, simply stating someone's age and gender. "A grown man" often implies a certain level of maturity or expected behavior associated with adulthood. Consider the setting to define the most suitable expression.

Which is correct, "a grown man" or "a grown up man"?

"A grown man" is more common and natural-sounding. "A grown up man" isn't incorrect, but it's less frequently used.

What can I say instead of "a grown man"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "an adult male", "a mature man", or "a man of age".