a stand-up guy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a stand-up guy" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a person who is honest, reliable, and morally upright. Example: "Even though he was offered a bribe, John refused to compromise his integrity. He's always been a stand-up guy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

"He's a stand-up guy".

The New York Times

"And he's a stand-up guy.

The New York Times - Magazine

Is he a stand-up guy?

The New York Times

"I think Rory's a stand-up guy.

The New York Times

"He is a stand-up guy," she said.

The New York Times

"Frank Vincent's a stand-up guy," James Gandolfini wrote.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Here's to Josh Greenberg, true leader, a stand up guy, and one of my favorite people ever.

TechCrunch

In the case of @meowmeowbeat (the user I'm considering following or "Examined" in this exercise) it's @parislemon, who I know to be a stand up guy.

TechCrunch

Not exactly a stand up guy.

Huffington Post

Romney, there's a stand up guy.

Huffington Post

But Kenny is not a stand up guy at all.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a stand-up guy", ensure the context clearly reflects qualities of honesty, reliability, and moral uprightness. It's most effective when describing someone who has demonstrated these traits through their actions.

Common error

Avoid using "a stand-up guy" sarcastically or ironically if the person's actions are clearly dishonest or unethical. This can confuse your audience and weaken your intended message. Ensure the description aligns with the individual's actual behavior.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a stand-up guy" functions as a descriptive term, specifically an adjective phrase modifying the noun "guy". It's used to attribute positive qualities to an individual, highlighting their character and integrity. Ludwig confirms this usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Wiki

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a stand-up guy" is a common and generally well-regarded phrase used to describe someone who is honest, reliable, and possesses strong moral principles. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While mainly found in news and media, it is advisable to use more formal synonyms in academic or highly professional contexts. Understanding the connotations and appropriate usage of "a stand-up guy" ensures effective and clear communication when describing someone's positive character traits.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a man of his word

Emphasizes the person's commitment to keeping promises and being truthful.

a man of integrity

This alternative underscores the person's strong moral principles and honesty.

an honorable man

This alternative emphasizes the ethical and moral integrity of the person.

a genuine person

Highlights the authenticity and sincerity of the individual.

a trustworthy individual

This alternative highlights the reliability and dependability of the person.

a straight shooter

This alternative suggests honesty and directness in communication and actions.

a reliable person

Focuses on the characteristic of being dependable and consistent.

a solid citizen

This alternative emphasizes the person's contribution to society and adherence to norms.

a decent fellow

This alternative is slightly more informal, suggesting kindness and good nature.

a good sort

This is an informal way of describing a person who is pleasant and reliable.

FAQs

How can I use "a stand-up guy" in a sentence?

You can use "a stand-up guy" to describe someone who is honest, reliable, and has strong moral principles. For example, "Despite the challenges, he remained "a stand-up guy", always doing what was right."

What are some alternatives to saying "a stand-up guy"?

Alternatives include "an honorable man", "a trustworthy individual", or "a man of integrity", depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it appropriate to use "a stand-up guy" in formal writing?

While "a stand-up guy" is widely understood, it leans towards informal language. In formal writing, consider using more professional alternatives like "an honorable man" or "a person of integrity".

What does it mean to be "a stand-up guy"?

Being "a stand-up guy" implies that someone is reliable, honest, and acts with integrity. It suggests a person who can be trusted to do the right thing, even in difficult situations.