a proper man

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a proper man" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a man who is considered to be respectable, suitable, or appropriate in a particular context. Example: "He is known in the community as a proper man, always helping those in need and adhering to strong moral values."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"You is a proper man".

Independent

He reached everybody – he was a proper man.

The Guardian - Sport

And a proper man goes in with his fists, not his sharp elbows.

Independent

So he emerges knowing what he must do - write that novel on the banal yet loyal theme of a miserable Cockney transformed by war into a proper man.

The Guardian - Books

Where breathes in the same body a poet and a proper man but in Ted? Tuesday, April 8. Still in bed, still feeling lousy and sneezing like the Great Twitch the minute I get up in Ted's woollen bathrobe, my long practical and unlovely peach flannel nightgown, and black wool knee socks.

The New Yorker

Studies of gender as a symbolic system focused on the roles that men and women played, on ideas about what constituted a proper man or woman in a particular culture, and on how differences between men and women were perceived in that culture.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

He was a proper man-manager; very dry and sarcastic and a pleasure to play for.

BBC

But he was equally good as a Richard III, full of bustling energy and self-loathing: I remember his astonishment at realising that Lady Anne found him "a marvellous proper man".

The Guardian

His father had moved there from Antigua, and, by family accounts, was a stern and proper man.

The New York Times

"He's a proper football man, and probably one of the most knowledgeable about the game that there is around and helped to develop people like Matt Jarvis and Michael Kightly".

Independent

Surely women will consider this representative of a proper straight man to be so off-putting that lesbianism, even to the most sceptical, fearful and brainwashed female, will shine like a beacon of hope? 3. Rosa Parks.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a proper man" when you want to convey that someone adheres to expected social norms or exhibits admirable qualities within a specific context. Consider the specific virtues or attributes you wish to emphasize.

Common error

Avoid using "a proper man" as a generic compliment. Instead, ensure it aligns with specific demonstrated behaviors or qualities, preventing the phrase from sounding cliché or insincere.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a proper man" functions primarily as a descriptive adjective phrase modifying the noun "man". It serves to qualify the noun by attributing a specific characteristic or quality. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a proper man" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a man who is respectable, suitable, or adheres to certain social and moral standards. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is usable in written English. While its usage is widespread, it's essential to consider the specific context and intended nuance when choosing alternatives like "a respectable man" or "a decent man". The phrase appears frequently in news and media, encyclopedias, and wiki sources, demonstrating its relevance across diverse writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a respectable man

Focuses more directly on the aspect of being worthy of respect.

a decent man

Emphasizes moral uprightness and kindness.

an upstanding man

Highlights integrity and adherence to ethical principles.

a morally sound man

Specifically stresses the man's strong moral compass.

a man of integrity

Focuses on the quality of having strong moral principles.

an honorable man

Implies a high level of ethical conduct and respect.

a worthy man

Suggests the man possesses admirable qualities and achievements.

a man of character

Highlights the strength and quality of the man's personality.

a reliable man

Emphasizes the man's trustworthiness and dependability.

a responsible man

Focuses on the man's sense of duty and accountability.

FAQs

What does the phrase "a proper man" mean?

The phrase "a proper man" generally refers to a man who is considered respectable, suitable, or appropriate in a particular context, often implying adherence to certain social or moral standards.

What can I say instead of "a proper man"?

You can use alternatives like "a respectable man", "a decent man", or "an upstanding man" depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

Is there a difference between "a proper man" and "a good man"?

While both phrases are positive, "a proper man" often emphasizes adherence to social norms or expectations, whereas "a good man" focuses more broadly on moral character and kindness.

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

You can use "a proper man" in a sentence to describe someone who behaves in a way that is considered correct or admirable within a specific context, such as, "He is known in the community as a proper man, always helping those in need".