a spokesman

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a spokesman" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a person who speaks on behalf of a group, organization, or company, often in a formal context. Example: "The company's spokesman addressed the media to clarify the recent changes in policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A spokesman cited Icarus.

The New Yorker

A spokesman responded.

The Economist

A spokesman said: "Yawn.

Independent

"I am not a spokesman.

The New York Times

A spokesman said the I.A.A.F.

The New York Times - Sports

"Hang on," says a spokesman.

Independent

A spokesman for ISAF, Maj.

The New York Times

("No comment," said a spokesman).

The New York Times

A spokesman declined to comment.

The New York Times

A spokesman for Apollo declined to comment.

The New York Times

A spokesman for Santander declined to comment.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a spokesman", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what they are speaking for. Provide their name and affiliation if possible for clarity.

Common error

Avoid stating that someone is "a spokesman" without proper verification or source attribution. Always confirm their official role to prevent misrepresentation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a spokesman" functions as a noun phrase identifying an individual authorized to speak on behalf of an organization or group. As seen in Ludwig, it's commonly used to attribute statements and provide official viewpoints.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a spokesman" is a common and grammatically sound way to denote an individual who speaks on behalf of an organization or group. According to Ludwig, this phrase commonly appears in news and media, reflecting its use in disseminating official information. While alternatives like "a representative" or "a spokesperson" exist, "a spokesman" maintains its relevance, although "spokesperson" is preferred for gender neutrality. When using the phrase "a spokesman", ensure that the affiliation is clear and verified. In summary, "a spokesman" is a widely accepted phrase with a specific communicative purpose, commonly found in news and formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a representative

Indicates someone officially designated to act or speak on behalf of another.

a spokesperson

Highlights the role of speaking publicly on behalf of an organization or individual.

an advocate

Focuses on actively supporting or pleading for a cause or person.

a mouthpiece

Implies acting as a direct channel for conveying someone else's views, sometimes with a negative connotation.

a publicist

Emphasizes managing the public image and disseminating information to the media.

a liaison

Highlights the role of facilitating communication between different parties.

a negotiator

Focuses on representing interests and reaching agreements in discussions.

a delegate

Suggests formal authorization to represent a group or organization at a meeting or event.

an envoy

Implies a diplomatic role, representing a government or organization in foreign affairs.

a champion

Suggests actively fighting for or defending a cause or person.

FAQs

How to use "a spokesman" in a sentence?

You can use "a spokesman" to identify who is making the statement for an organization. For example, "A spokesman said the company is reviewing its policies".

What can I say instead of "a spokesman"?

You can use alternatives like "a representative", "a spokesperson", or "an advocate" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "a spokesman" or "a spokesperson"?

Both "a spokesman" and "a spokesperson" are correct and widely used. "Spokesperson" is often preferred for its gender neutrality, while "spokesman" is traditionally used for a male representative, though increasingly used generically.

What is the difference between "a spokesman" and "a representative"?

"A spokesman" specifically refers to someone who speaks publicly on behalf of an organization, while "a representative" has a broader meaning, encompassing anyone authorized to act on behalf of another.