a man of decency

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a man of decency" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is honorable, ethical, and behaves in a morally upright manner. Example: "In a world where integrity is often compromised, he remains a man of decency, always standing up for what is right."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Yes, Goldsmith is to be held in contempt: a man of decency would have rejected this gutter strategy.

The Guardian - Opinion

His introduction speaks for Greene's better angels: "Graham Greene was a man of decency and courage," he writes.

The New York Times - Books

Israel told the Sun-Sentinel, "I'm a man of honor, I'm a man of courage, I'm a man of decency".

The New Yorker

He was a man of decency and honor (Silver Star in World War II) and had a great sense of humor.

The New York Times

Frankly, I have a soft spot for the de facto Saudi ruler, Crown Prince Abdullah, who is a man of decency and moderation.

The New York Times

More than that, he is a man of decency, judgment, taste and an extraordinary appreciation for all types of talent, except his own.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Al Gonzales is a man of integrity, decency and principle.

The New York Times

A man of extraordinary decency, selflessness and humor, he inspired all who knew him.

The New York Times

It was led by a man of some decency, Kenneth Kaunda, and, all in all, there was a sense of hope.

The Economist

A revered colleague, physician, and public servant, Dr. Daines was a man of devout decency, determination, faith, compassion, and humor.

The New York Times

Several letter writers, even some who indicated they disagreed with Libby, said they found Libby to be a man of uncommon decency.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a man of decency", ensure the context provides specific examples of the person's decent behavior to reinforce the claim. Instead of just stating someone is "a man of decency", illustrate it with actions.

Common error

Avoid using "a man of decency" as a generic compliment. If you can't provide concrete instances of their decency, consider a more general term or provide clarifying details. This enhances credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a man of decency" functions as a noun phrase that serves to characterize an individual. Ludwig AI shows that it is often used to convey respect and admiration for someone's moral character, highlighting their ethical behavior and integrity. As examples from Ludwig show, it can be applied to historical figures, politicians, or anyone who embodies positive moral qualities.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a man of decency" is a phrase used to describe someone who exhibits strong moral character, kindness, and integrity. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage in both formal and informal contexts, particularly in news, media, and academic settings. The phrase effectively conveys respect and admiration, and while widely accepted, it is important to support its usage with specific examples of the individual's actions. Alternatives such as ""a man of integrity"" or ""a man of honor"" offer similar nuances, allowing for a more tailored description. When writing, ensure that the context supports the assertion of decency with concrete examples to avoid vagueness and enhance credibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a man of integrity

Focuses specifically on the individual's honesty and adherence to moral principles.

a man of honor

Emphasizes the individual's adherence to a code of conduct and reputation.

a man of principle

Highlights the individual's commitment to strong moral beliefs.

an upright man

Describes someone who is morally correct and honest.

a morally sound man

Emphasizes the healthiness and reliability of the person's moral compass.

an ethical man

Highlights the person's adherence to moral principles governing behavior.

a man of high moral character

A more elaborate way of saying someone has very good moral qualities.

a respectable man

Indicates that the person is worthy of admiration and respect due to their moral qualities.

a virtuous man

Implies the person possesses high moral standards and behavior.

a man of good character

A general description of someone with positive moral traits.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a man of decency" in a sentence?

To effectively use "a man of decency", provide context by illustrating the person's actions that demonstrate their moral uprightness. For instance, "Despite facing pressure, he remained "a man of decency", refusing to compromise his values."

What are some alternative phrases to "a man of decency"?

Some alternatives to "a man of decency" include "a man of integrity", "a man of honor", or "an upright man", each emphasizing different aspects of moral character.

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

Yes, "a man of decency" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when recognizing someone's positive impact or moral standing. However, ensure the context and tone align with the formality of the piece.

What distinguishes "a man of decency" from "a man of integrity"?

While both terms relate to moral character, ""a man of decency"" generally implies kindness and consideration for others, whereas ""a man of integrity"" more specifically focuses on honesty and strong moral principles, even when facing adversity.