a powerful man

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a powerful man" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a man who holds significant influence, authority, or strength in a particular context. Example: "In the world of politics, a powerful man can shape the future of a nation with his decisions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Is that not enough evidence to bar a powerful man from getting even more power?

Huffington Post

Abraham is a powerful man.

The New Yorker

"He is a powerful man.

The New Yorker

MICHAEL ASHCROFT is a powerful man.

The Economist

A powerful man.

The Guardian

A real man, a powerful man, a balanced man?

The New Yorker

Deciding to speak out against a powerful man is difficult.

The New York Times

"He was just a powerful man and politician".

The New York Times

The priest was a powerful man, preaching and telling stories.

The Guardian - Opinion

"He wanted to be thought a powerful man," she said.

The Guardian

3.50pm: Nick just said to Jack "You're a powerful man".

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a powerful man" in your writing, consider the specific type of power you want to emphasize (political, economic, social, etc.) to add clarity and depth to your description.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "a powerful man" without providing specific details about the source and nature of his power. Generic descriptions lack impact and can make your writing seem vague.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a powerful man" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where the adjective "powerful" modifies the noun "man". It serves to describe an individual who possesses significant influence, authority, or strength, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a powerful man" is grammatically sound and frequently used to describe someone with significant influence or authority. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread application. While commonly used across various contexts, it's especially prevalent in news media and formal business settings. When using the phrase, consider specifying the type of power involved for greater clarity, and avoid generic descriptions. Alternatives such as "an influential figure" or "a man of authority" may be suitable depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an influential figure

Replaces the adjective "powerful" with "influential" and "man" with "figure", focusing on the impact someone has.

a man of authority

Shifts the focus to the man's official position of power.

a man of influence and standing

Expands the description to include both influence and social position.

a strong leader

Emphasizes leadership qualities rather than general power.

a person of great influence

More generic in that it replaces "man" with "person" making it gender neutral.

a dominant personality

Highlights the man's imposing and controlling character.

a titan of industry

Highlights exceptional power and influence in a specific field.

a man with clout

Uses the informal term "clout" to refer to influence and power.

a man holding sway

Replaces the word "power" with "sway", implying control and influence over others.

a force to be reckoned with

Describes someone whose power makes them formidable and demanding respect.

FAQs

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

You can use "a powerful man" to describe someone with significant influence, authority, or strength. For example, "The company was led by "a powerful man" known for his strategic decisions".

What are some alternatives to "a powerful man"?

Alternatives include "an influential figure", "a man of authority", or "a strong leader", depending on the specific context and type of power you want to convey.

What is the difference between "a powerful man" and "a strong man"?

"A powerful man" suggests influence and authority, while "a strong man" can refer to physical strength or resilience. The best choice depends on whether you want to emphasize social or physical attributes.

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

Yes, the phrase "a powerful man" is appropriate in formal writing, particularly in news articles, academic papers, or business reports. However, be sure to provide specific context to support your description.