a man who

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a man who" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to introduce a following clause that describes a particular man. For example: "The famous cyclist was a man who had won many races."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"From a man who died".

The New Yorker

Never trust a man who loves animals.

The New Yorker

"Ian is a man who can.

Independent

"A man who would be gentle".

The New Yorker

I am a man who needs financing.

The New Yorker

He was a man who flew.

The New Yorker

A man who drives a bus along.

The New Yorker

There was a man who could rededicate.

The New Yorker

"This is a man who was disgraced".

Independent

I like a man who dresses well".

The New York Times

A man who chose the wrong partner.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a man who", ensure the following clause clearly and concisely describes a key characteristic or action of the man you are referring to. This helps maintain clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using overly general or vague descriptions after "a man who". Instead of saying "a man who is nice", be more specific: "a man who always offers help to others".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a man who" functions as a relative clause introducing a description or characteristic of a specific man. It connects a noun ("man") to a clause that provides additional information, defining or elaborating on the man's qualities or actions. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

17%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a man who" is a grammatically sound and frequently used construction to introduce a descriptive clause about a man. According to Ludwig AI, it is perfectly acceptable in written English. It appears most commonly in News & Media, and its neutral tone makes it versatile for various writing styles. Remember to follow it with a clear and specific description to avoid vagueness. While alternatives like "an individual who" and "someone who" exist, "a man who" remains a straightforward and effective choice when the gender of the subject is relevant.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a gentleman that

Replaces "man" with "gentleman", implying a more refined or courteous individual, and uses "that" instead of "who".

a person that

Replaces "man" with "person" and "who" with "that", broadening the application to any individual regardless of gender.

an individual that

Substitutes "man" with the more neutral term "individual", broadening the scope beyond gender, and uses "that" instead of "who".

one who

Uses "one" as a pronoun to replace "a man", which sounds more sophisticated.

someone who

Replaces "a man" with the gender-neutral "someone", making the phrase applicable to any person.

a fellow that

Replaces "man" with "fellow", suggesting a more informal or colloquial tone, and uses "that" instead of "who".

the kind of man that

This alternative specifies the type of man being described with 'kind'.

a male that

Replaces "who" with "that" after "male", it makes the phrase slightly more detached and impersonal.

he who

Uses the pronoun "he" followed directly by "who", creating a more formal or archaic tone.

an entity that

Replaces "man" with "entity", used to describe any existence, from concrete to abstract ones.

FAQs

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

Use "a man who" to introduce a relative clause that describes a specific characteristic or action of a man. For example, "He is "a man who cares" about his community."

What are some alternatives to "a man who"?

Alternatives include "an individual who", "someone who", or "he who", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it always necessary to specify gender when using "a man who"?

No, if gender is not relevant, consider using gender-neutral alternatives like "a person who" or "someone who" to be more inclusive.

What's the difference between "a man who" and "a man that"?

While both can be used to introduce a relative clause, "who" is generally preferred when referring to people, while "that" is more commonly used for things. Therefore, "a man who" is grammatically more appropriate.