a man of value

USAGE SUMMARY

"a man of value" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe a person who is considered valuable or highly esteemed due to their good character, integrity, or positive contributions. For example, "He was always a man of value; his generosity and kindness were admired by all who knew him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"Try not to become a man of success," Albert Einstein once said, "but rather a man of value".

The New York Times

Einstein said that one should, " Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value.

Forbes

Rather become a man of value.** Fish who are paying attention, being mindful, know that trying to climb a tree is a waste of a life.

Huffington Post

Do not judge me by my successes, judge me by how many times I feel down and got back up again". Albert Einstein: "Try not to become a man of success, but rather try to become a man of value". So there you have it -- not one of these "famous" people defined success as money or power or owning your own house or flying your own plane.

HuffPost

"Try to become not a man of success, but try rather to become a man of value.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

He went on, "He was a man of values.

The New Yorker

And Al Gore is also a man of vision and a man of values.

The New York Times

5) President Obama is a man of values, a god-fearing man who recognizes the difference between what is right and what is wrong.

Huffington Post

He came across as a man of Old World values.

The New Yorker

"You knew that your grandfather was a man of great values and principles, you knew that your dad was the same way," Tagg Romney said.

The New York Times

Lancaster was everything that Lawford was not: his own man, and a real star who avoided cliché, except in the extra-marital department, where he was predictably active despite promoting himself as a man of family values.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a man of value", ensure the context clearly demonstrates how the individual's actions or character contribute positively to others or society. Provide specific examples to illustrate their value.

Common error

Avoid using "a man of value" as a generic compliment without substance. Instead of simply stating it, show it through detailed descriptions of their actions and principles. Otherwise, the phrase risks sounding insincere and meaningless.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a man of value" functions primarily as a noun phrase, acting as a descriptor for an individual. It serves to attribute a quality of worth or importance to the person being described. Ludwig indicates the correctness and usability of this phrase.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a man of value" is a descriptor used to convey admiration and respect for an individual's character, principles, or positive contributions. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for use in various contexts, though it is important to consider the register and avoid overuse in clichéd ways. Semantically related phrases, such as "a person of worth" or "a valuable contributor", can offer alternative ways to express similar sentiments, each with its own nuance. The phrase sees frequent use in news and media, according to Ludwig's analysis, but can also be found in other contexts. Remember to provide specific examples to support the claim that someone is "a man of value", showcasing their positive impact through actions and principles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a person of worth

Replaces "man" with the more general "person" and "value" with "worth", keeping the core meaning intact.

an individual of substance

"Individual" is used instead of "man" to generalize, and "substance" emphasizes the person's important qualities.

a worthy human being

This phrase focuses on the positive moral qualities of a person.

a man of principle

Highlights the man's adherence to moral principles, a key component of being "of value".

a man of integrity

Focuses on the man's honesty and strong moral character.

a valuable contributor

Emphasizes the positive impact the man has on his community or field.

a benefit to society

Shifts focus to the positive societal impact.

an asset to the team

This is specific to scenarios of teamwork. It changes the focus to the person's contribution.

a pillar of the community

Implies strong support and essential role within a group.

someone who makes a difference

Highlights the impact the person has on their surroundings.

FAQs

How can I use "a man of value" in a sentence?

You can use "a man of value" to describe someone who is esteemed for their character, principles, or contributions. For example, "He was known as "a man of value" in the community because of his tireless work for the less fortunate."

What are some alternatives to saying "a man of value"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "a person of worth", "a man of integrity", or "a valuable contributor". These alternatives emphasize different aspects of the individual's worth.

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

Yes, "a man of value" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when you want to highlight someone's positive impact or moral standing. However, ensure the context supports the claim and avoid using it as a generic compliment.

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

"A man of value" emphasizes character and positive contributions, while "a successful man" focuses on achievements and societal recognition. A successful man might not necessarily be "a man of value", and vice versa, though the two can certainly overlap.