a towering man

USAGE SUMMARY

"a towering man" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe someone who is very tall. For example, "The crowd parted to make way for a towering man who had just entered the room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

A towering look at a towering man, Spielberg's somber, restrained portrait of our 16th president doesn't have the emotional heft of, say, "Schindler's List," but it reveals a filmmaker confident in his one-of-a-kind gifts.

Los Angeles Times

Howard E. G. Sawyer was once a towering man with strength and energy.

The New York Times

A towering man in Isis clothing was pushing aside any man obstructing his way towards the owner of the bakery.

The Guardian

Robertson is quite a sight in his own mask -- a towering man, with a shaved head and walrus mustache.

The New York Times - Magazine

"To me it's beautiful," said Mr. Lopez, a towering man with the sound of Brooklyn in his voice.

The New York Times

"I said, 'You've got to be joking,' " said Mr. Alley, a towering man who speaks with an unmistakable Down East accent.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

"There's no need anymore to have a watch that is certified and checked and things like that," said Al Gruber, a customer of Falt who recently retired from Metro-North after 36 years as a tower man and rail traffic controller.

The New York Times

A towering, debonair man in an earth-toned aloha shirt, Carvalho met me in his office to talk monk seals.

The New York Times - Magazine

Hugo was a towering white man with a South African accent, an outsider and a perceived authority figure.

The Guardian - Arts

As the sun began to set in Central Park on Tuesday evening over the statue of Jose Marti, Cuba's national hero, a towering older man wearing a frayed shirt was defending his argument that the Cubans would win the exhibition game.

The New York Times - Sports

A towering, slender man with flowing blonde locks approached and equipped a baritone saxophone that had what appeared to be a traffic cone sticking out of the bell.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a towering man" to vividly describe someone who is remarkably tall and perhaps imposing or influential. It adds a layer of visual imagery to your description.

Common error

Avoid using "a towering man" solely to describe someone of great importance without any physical reference. If the individual's height is not relevant, a phrase like "a man of great influence" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a towering man" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It combines the adjective "towering" to modify the noun "man", painting a vivid picture of someone notably tall.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

94%

Science

3%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a towering man" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe someone of significant height. Ludwig AI confirms this. Its primary function is descriptive, creating a vivid image of the individual. While generally neutral in register, its use is most prevalent in news and media contexts. When using the phrase, ensure it aligns with the context and accurately reflects the intended meaning, considering both the literal and figurative aspects of the description. While it effectively conveys physical stature, be cautious of overusing it solely for figurative importance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a very tall man

Focuses solely on the physical height, removing the implied sense of impressiveness.

a man of great stature

Emphasizes both physical height and figurative importance or respect.

a man of imposing height

Highlights the commanding presence associated with being tall.

a physically large man

Broadly describes the man's size, not just height.

a giant of a man

Uses hyperbole to emphasize exceptional height and size.

a man of considerable height

More formal way to point out someone's tallness.

a man of great influence

Shifts the focus from physical stature to importance or power.

a commanding figure

Focuses on the impression the man makes, rather than his height directly.

a prominent man

Emphasizes the man's notability or importance in a field.

an impressive man

Highlights the positive impression the man makes, which may be due to factors other than height.

FAQs

What does it mean to describe someone as "a towering man"?

Describing someone as "a towering man" typically means they are very tall, often implying they are also imposing or have a commanding presence. It combines a literal description of height with a figurative sense of power or influence.

What are some synonyms for "a towering man"?

Alternatives include "a very tall man", "a man of great stature", or "a giant of a man", each with slightly different nuances.

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

You might say, "The crowd parted as "a towering man" entered the room" or "He was "a towering man", both physically and in his influence over the company."

Is it always appropriate to use the phrase "a towering man"?

While generally acceptable, consider the context. If the person's height is irrelevant to the discussion, focusing solely on their influence or character might be more precise. Avoid using it if it feels like an exaggeration or stereotype.