a very able man

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of a sentence 'a very able man' is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to describe someone who is highly skilled and capable, and who displays intelligence and expertise in their field. For example, "John is a very able man; he is a master carpenter and has built many beautiful pieces of furniture."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Mr. Walker leaned over and said to Mrs. Walker, "A very able man".

The New Yorker

"He kept seven clean sheets in 10 games but we have a very able man to step forward in Boaz, who has performed well when he's come into the team".

BBC

Former US senator George Mitchell, who chaired the Northern Ireland peace talks that led to the Good Friday Agreement, had earlier praised Dr Haass as "a very able man" who would make every effort to resolve the issues.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

One respondent mentioned she had encountered hostility in her role as a judge, she received comments, such as: "Well you were appointed to make up the numbers… There are still many very able men who cannot get appointed because they are not lesbians".

Independent

There are smart, and very able men and women of great intellect and good conscience on both sides of the aisle.

Huffington Post

Mr. Goodman's assessment of the Goodman professor: "A very able, intellectually powerful man who will provide an inspirational message to those coming along trying to find direction in their lives".

The New York Times

The critic Ferdinand Avenarius described Seffner more realistically as 'not a number-one man, but a very able portraitist, who in Saxony is perhaps a little overrated'.

History Workshop Journal

She's a very able journalist.

The Guardian

He was a very able author.

The Guardian

She's a very able adversary.

The New York Times - Magazine

Museum Bulletin, but has had cable reports on it, and Kenneth Oakley, one of the three men who signed the declaration, is a very cautious and able man, as are undoubtedly the others.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "a very able man", provide specific examples of their abilities or accomplishments to add weight to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "a very able man" without supporting evidence. Generic praise can sound insincere. Instead, highlight specific skills or achievements.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a very able man" functions as an adjective phrase modifying the noun "man". According to Ludwig AI, it describes someone highly skilled and capable. It's used to attribute a quality of competence to an individual.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a very able man" is used to describe someone with significant skills and capabilities. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and applicability in written English. While grammatically sound and appropriate for various contexts, it's most commonly found in news and media. To maximize its impact, consider supplementing it with specific examples of the individual's abilities. Despite its relative infrequency, the phrase remains a valid and effective way to express admiration for a man's competence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a highly competent man

Replaces "very able" with a synonym emphasizing competence.

a remarkably skilled man

Uses "remarkably skilled" to highlight the man's expertise.

an exceptionally talented man

Substitutes "very able" with "exceptionally talented" emphasizing innate talent.

a particularly gifted man

Emphasizes the man's natural gifts or aptitudes.

a decidedly clever man

Focuses on the man's intelligence and quick-wittedness.

a thoroughly capable man

Highlights the man's overall capability and efficiency.

a truly accomplished man

Emphasizes the man's achievements and accomplishments.

a decidedly astute man

Highlights the man's shrewdness and insightful nature.

a man of great ability

Rephrases to focus on the man's overall ability instead of describing him directly.

a man with exceptional capabilities

Emphasizes the breadth and depth of the man's capabilities.

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "a very able man" in a sentence?

You can use "a very able man" to describe someone you think is competent and skilled. For example, "The company hired John, believing him to be "a very able man" for the project."

What are some alternatives to saying "a very able man"?

Alternatives include "a highly competent man", "a remarkably skilled man", or "an exceptionally talented man" depending on the context.

Is it acceptable to use the phrase "a very able man" in formal writing?

Yes, the phrase "a very able man" is acceptable in formal writing. However, providing specific examples of the man's abilities will strengthen your assessment.

What's the difference between "a very able man" and "an effective man"?

"A very able man" suggests competence and skill, while "an effective man" implies that the person achieves desired results. Although related, "an effective man" focuses more on outcomes and impact.