a sound man

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sound man" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is reliable, sensible, or has good judgment. Example: "In times of crisis, we need a sound man to lead us through the challenges ahead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

"A sound man," he said.

The New Yorker

"We shall see if he can be made a sound man again," Andrée wrote.

The New Yorker

(For the second day of shooting, I hired a sound man with an actual boom).

The New York Times

"Nobody Walks," by contrast, puts a sound man in a more contemporary setting.

The New York Times

As they tuned their instruments and checked their sheet music, a sound man adjusted the microphones.

The New York Times

Also on the calendar is "Someone Once Told Me I Was a Sound Man" by the choreographer Jon Kinzel.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

The church had a great sound man.

The New York Times

They also travel with a professional sound man.

The New York Times

"That was in New York when Kesey hired a professional sound man, but he got so frustrated he quit".

The New York Times

In due course an obedient sound, man, nervously watching the script, had tooted his remote toots.

The New Yorker

During a sound check, the sound man made an announcement asking Phil McKravis to come to the office.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a sound man" to describe someone in film or audio, ensure the context clearly indicates you're referring to their professional role, not just their judgment. Otherwise, opt for alternatives like "reliable" or "competent" for broader application.

Common error

Avoid using "a sound man" when you mean someone who merely produces audio; clarify with terms like "audio engineer" or "sound technician" to specify the technical proficiency involved. The term can also be used to describe a reliable person so make sure the right word is used.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sound man" functions as a noun phrase, where "sound" acts as an adjective modifying "man". It can describe either a person's character, implying reliability and good judgment, or refer to a professional specializing in audio, as seen in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a sound man" is a versatile phrase with two primary meanings: a reliable individual or a professional in audio production. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used, especially in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, consider the context to ensure clarity. For general reliability, alternatives like "reliable person" may be clearer; for audio professionals, "audio engineer" or "sound technician" provide greater specificity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a reliable person

Focuses on the quality of being dependable and trustworthy.

a competent individual

Emphasizes the person's capability and skill.

a capable professional

Highlights professional ability and expertise.

a trustworthy fellow

Stresses the aspect of being honest and reliable.

a dependable colleague

Specifies reliability within a work environment.

an audio technician

Specifically refers to someone skilled in audio technology.

a recording engineer

Highlights the role of someone who works with recording equipment.

a sound recordist

Focuses on the task of recording sound.

an audio specialist

Emphasizes expertise in audio-related fields.

a seasoned professional

Highlights experience and skill in a particular field.

FAQs

What does "a sound man" mean?

The phrase "a sound man" can refer to someone who is reliable and has good judgment, or it can specifically refer to a professional who works with audio equipment in film, television, or music production.

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

You can use "a sound man" in a sentence to describe someone's character (e.g., "He's a sound man and can be trusted with important decisions") or to refer to their job (e.g., "We hired a sound man for the film shoot").

Which is more appropriate, "a sound man" or "a reliable person"?

Whether to use "a sound man" or "a reliable person" depends on the context. "A sound man" can be used to describe a reliable person, but it also has a specific meaning related to audio professionals. If you're not referring to an audio professional, "a reliable person" is more appropriate.

What are some alternative phrases for "a sound man" when referring to an audio professional?

When referring to an audio professional, you can use alternatives like "audio engineer", "sound technician", or "sound recordist" to be more specific. For a reliable person, use "a reliable person" or "a dependable individual".