a tall man

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'a tall man' is a perfectly usable phrase in written English.
You can use it any time you want to describe a man who is tall in stature. For example: "The crowd parted as a tall man with a heavy briefcase walked through."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You're a tall man yourself.

The New Yorker

He was a tall man.

The New Yorker

A tall man.

The New Yorker

(Gabo was not a tall man).

The New Yorker

_ You're a tall man yourself.

The New Yorker

A tall man came over.

The New York Times - Style

He's a tall man of sufficient girth.

Independent

A tall man led the charge out of the van.

The New York Times

He was a tall man with heavy bones.

The New Yorker

You are a tall man known for designing ergonomic chairs.

The New York Times

A tall man stood behind the teacher's desk.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone, follow "a tall man" with descriptive details about their appearance, clothing, or demeanor to create a more vivid image for the reader. For instance, "a tall man in a brown suit" or "a tall man with a silver beard".

Common error

Avoid using redundant adjectives. Saying "a very tall man" might be acceptable for emphasis, but overusing intensifiers can weaken your writing. Consider more descriptive and precise language instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a tall man" functions as a noun phrase that serves to describe a male individual who is above average in height. It is a common descriptor used to provide physical characteristics. According to Ludwig AI, this is a usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a tall man" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a male individual of above-average height. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. Its primary function is descriptive, serving to paint a picture of someone's physical appearance, as seen in examples from news and media sources. While the phrase has a neutral tone, the specific context can influence its perceived formality. When using this phrase, consider adding more descriptive details to enhance the image for your audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a towering man

Emphasizes the man's height as being significantly above average, suggesting dominance or impressiveness.

a man of great height

Formally expresses the man's height.

a tall gentleman

More formal and polite way to describe a tall man, implying respect.

a man of considerable stature

Focuses on overall presence and impressiveness, including height.

a six-footer

Refers to a man who is six feet tall.

a lanky man

Suggests a tall and slender build, often implying awkwardness or grace.

a long-legged man

Highlights the length of the man's legs as a key feature of his height.

a gangly man

Similar to lanky, but often with a more uncoordinated connotation.

a big man

Describes someone not only tall but also large in build.

a beanpole of a man

Informal and humorous way to describe a very thin and tall man.

FAQs

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

You can use "a tall man" as a subject or part of a description. For example, "A tall man entered the room." or "She noticed "a tall man" standing near the entrance."

What are some alternatives to saying "a tall man"?

You can use alternatives such as "a towering man", "a man of great height", or "a lanky man" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "a tall man" in formal writing?

Yes, "a tall man" is perfectly appropriate in formal writing. It is a straightforward and clear way to describe someone's height. However, consider adding more detail to create a richer description.

What's the difference between "a tall man" and "a large man"?

"A tall man" specifically refers to someone who is above average in height. "A large man", on the other hand, refers to someone who is big in overall size or build, which could include height, weight, and muscle mass.