a small man

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a small man" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a person of short stature or to convey a figurative meaning, such as a person's character or behavior. Example: "Despite being a small man, he had a larger-than-life personality that captivated everyone around him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Arts

Sports

Magazine

Film

Academia

Lifestyle

Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

You are a small man, dainty even, and gentle.

The Guardian - Books

"As you can see, I'm a small man.

The Guardian - Film

Mr. Vita is a small man with big memories.

The New York Times

But Jack's a small man, a slight man.

The New York Times

Coach is a small man with a big smile.

The Guardian - Sport

Gabriel is a small man on a big stage.

The New York Times - Books

I'm not a small man, but on top of Johanna?

The New Yorker

Winnie was quite a small man, and it often showed.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Wiens is a small man.

The New Yorker

A small man, thin and pale, enters the hotel, carrying a suitcase.

The New Yorker

Gurcharan Das is a small man with a big voice.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a small man", consider the context and whether it's meant literally (physical size) or figuratively (lack of influence or character). Choose other alternatives if your description can cause unintended offense.

Common error

Be cautious of using "a small man" to imply negative personality traits or lack of capability. Ensure your description is objective and avoids perpetuating harmful stereotypes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a small man" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase, modifying the noun "man" with the adjective "small". Ludwig's examples showcase its use in describing physical stature or, metaphorically, a person's character or influence. The phrase provides additional information about the subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Books

10%

Arts

6%

Less common in

Sports

4%

Academia

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a small man" is grammatically sound and frequently used, as validated by Ludwig. It serves as a descriptive noun phrase, primarily found in news, books, and arts contexts. While often used literally to describe physical stature, it can also carry figurative weight, implying insignificance or a lack of influence. As Ludwig AI analysis indicates, the phrase's register is generally neutral, although caution should be exercised to avoid unintended negative connotations or stereotypes. Therefore, context is critical when employing "a small man" in writing or speech.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a short man

Direct synonym focusing on physical height.

a little man

Emphasizes small size, possibly with a connotation of endearment or diminishment.

a man of small stature

More formal way of describing someone's height.

a diminutive man

Highlights the smallness in a more descriptive manner.

an undersized man

Implies that the man is smaller than average.

a man of slight build

Focuses on the man's slender physique rather than just height.

a physically small man

Adds emphasis to the physical attribute of being small.

an insignificant man

Shifts the meaning to describe someone unimportant or powerless.

a man with a small man complex

References a psychological complex related to feelings of inadequacy due to size or perceived insignificance.

a man of little consequence

Emphasizes a lack of importance or influence.

FAQs

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

You can use "a small man" to describe someone's physical stature, as in, "He was "a small man" with a big voice". It can also be used figuratively to imply a lack of importance or influence.

What are some alternatives to "a small man"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "a short man" (for physical size), "an insignificant man" (for lack of influence), or "a little man" (can imply endearment or diminishment).

Is it appropriate to use the term "a small man" in professional writing?

While grammatically correct, using "a small man" in professional writing can be tricky. If referring to physical size, it's best to be neutral and avoid potentially demeaning language. If you mean to imply a lack of influence, consider more direct and professional phrasing.

What does it mean if someone is described as having "a small man complex"?

The term "small man complex" refers to a psychological condition where a person, often of short stature, overcompensates for feelings of inadequacy by being aggressive, domineering, or fame-hungry, as exemplified in the Ricky Gervais series, Life's Too Short.