a prominent man

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a prominent man" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is well-known, influential, or important in a particular field or context. Example: "The conference featured a prominent man in the field of environmental science, who shared his insights on climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

Mr. Ali is a prominent man.

The New York Times

Inside, they found skeletons of a prominent man, possibly a ruler, and two human sacrifices.

The New York Times - Science

Dr Mukwege is a prominent man in a violent, impoverished country.

The Economist

Barbara Bush seems to glory in being the wife of a prominent man.

The Washington Post

Ebola arrived after a villager returned from a funeral of "a prominent man" elsewhere.

The Guardian

His father, a prominent man in the small Mississippi town, was unable to manage him & put him in an asylum.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

It is relatively catholic in its selection of a nest site, breeding in an old raptor nest, in a broken-off tree stump, on a cliff, in a cave, or on a prominent man-made structure.

Cornell University

When I couldn't find a women's bathroom inside the Armory itself — though there was a prominent men's room — I was directed to one of those fancy port-a-potty trailers adjacent to the building.

The New Yorker

Referring to Pentagon Papers leaker Daniel Ellsberg, a prominent Manning supporter, Coombs said "history has been the ultimate judge of his courage and sacrifice".

Huffington Post

A onetime encyclopedia salesman, he became a very prominent man in Indiana, where the Indiana Pacers play at the Conseco Fieldhouse and the Indianapolis Symphony performs at the Hilbert Circle Theater.

The New York Times

1816 Bucharest, Romania May 4, 1897 Ghergani, Romania Ion Ghica, (born 1816, Bucharest, Rom. died May 4, 1897, Ghergani) member of a great Romanian princely family, prominent man of letters, economist, and prime minister of Romania (1866 67, 1870 71).

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider synonyms like "an influential figure" or "a leading individual" to add variety to your writing and avoid repetition.

Common error

Avoid using "a prominent man" as a generic descriptor. Always provide context about why the individual is considered prominent. For instance, instead of saying "a prominent man spoke at the event", specify "a prominent economist spoke at the event."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a prominent man" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject or object in a sentence. It identifies an individual who is well-known and influential, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

14%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a prominent man" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe an individual who is well-known and influential. According to Ludwig, it is most frequently found in News & Media contexts, with supporting usage in Academia and Wiki. While the phrase is generally neutral, it's important to provide specific context about the individual's area of prominence to enhance clarity and avoid vagueness. Consider alternative phrases like "a leading figure" or "an influential person" for variety and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a leading figure

Focuses on leadership role rather than general prominence.

an influential person

Highlights the power to affect others and events.

a well-known individual

Emphasizes public recognition and familiarity.

a notable person

Stresses worthiness of attention and remembrance.

a distinguished gentleman

Adds a layer of formality and respect.

an eminent person

Highlights high rank or reputation.

a respected leader

Emphasizes the respect held by others towards the person.

a person of influence

Rephrases to focus directly on the influence held.

a significant figure

Highlights importance and impact.

a celebrated personality

Focuses on fame and public recognition.

FAQs

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

Use "a prominent man" to describe someone who is well-known and respected in a particular field. For example, "The conference featured a speech by a prominent man in the field of medicine."

What are some alternatives to "a prominent man"?

You can use alternatives like "a leading figure", "an influential person", or "a notable person" depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to specify the field when referring to "a prominent man"?

While not always mandatory, specifying the field or area of prominence adds clarity and strengthens the description. For example, saying "a prominent scientist" is more informative than simply "a prominent man".

What is the difference between "a prominent man" and "a distinguished man"?

"A prominent man" emphasizes visibility and recognition, while "a distinguished man" suggests respect and honor due to achievements or character. The two terms can overlap, but they have slightly different connotations.