a very wise man

USAGE SUMMARY

'a very wise man' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is wise or to introduce a piece of wise advice. For example, "As a very wise man once said, 'A stitch in time saves nine.'".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

He was a very wise man".

The New York Times - Sports

Either way, Michael Chabon is a very wise man.

The New Yorker

But wait, as a very wise man once said, there's more.

The New York Times

"It must have been done by a very wise man in the Douglas camp," he said.

The New York Times

"A very wise man told me, 'Don't fall in love with the location.

The Washington Post

Kenita describes him as "a very wise man, comical and witty".

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

"He was a kind of very wise man, not cautious, but slow to come to a decision," Ms. Quin said today in an interview.

The New York Times

Hats off to Christian Horner, very wise man and not in a best position to be to manage 2 so well determined team mates.

BBC

(As some very wise man once noted, it is every bit as difficult to make an outstanding commercial movie as it is to make a great art film).

Huffington Post

"A very smart man".

The New Yorker

"Sir Alex's comments always have to be taken seriously - he is a very wise and experienced football man," Barwick told BBC Sport.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a very wise man", ensure the context clearly demonstrates the individual's wisdom through their actions, words, or advice. Provide specific examples to support the assertion.

Common error

Avoid using the phrase "a very wise man" gratuitously. Ensure the person truly embodies wisdom and that the context warrants such a description. Overuse can diminish the impact and credibility of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a very wise man" functions as a noun phrase, specifically a descriptive phrase. It serves to identify and characterize an individual, emphasizing their wisdom. Ludwig AI confirms its proper use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

12%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a very wise man" is a descriptive noun phrase used to characterize an individual possessing exceptional wisdom and sound judgment. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media, as well as academic settings. While interchangeable with similar phrases like ""an extremely insightful man"" or ""a sagacious individual"", its use should be justified by evidence of the individual's wisdom, avoiding overuse. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for both formal and informal communication, serving primarily to convey admiration and respect.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an extremely insightful man

Emphasizes the depth and perceptiveness of the man's understanding.

a profoundly knowledgeable man

Highlights the man's extensive learning and expertise.

a sagacious individual

Replaces "man" with a more formal term and emphasizes wisdom born from experience.

a man of great discernment

Focuses on the man's ability to make sound judgments and decisions.

a highly perceptive man

Highlights the man's keen awareness and understanding of situations.

a man with exceptional foresight

Emphasizes the man's ability to anticipate future events and plan accordingly.

an astute gentleman

Uses a more formal term for "man" and emphasizes shrewdness and cleverness.

a man known for his wisdom

Explicitly states that the man's wisdom is a recognized attribute.

a mentor with invaluable advice

Focuses on the man's role as a guide and source of wisdom for others.

a guru of sound judgment

Uses the term "guru" to amplify the man's position as a guiding expert.

FAQs

How can I use "a very wise man" in a sentence?

You can use "a very wise man" to describe someone whose insights and judgments are consistently sound and beneficial. For example, "My grandfather, "a very wise man", always told me to save for a rainy day".

What are some alternatives to the phrase "a very wise man"?

Some alternatives include "an extremely insightful man", "a profoundly knowledgeable man", or "a sagacious individual". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "a very wise man" or "a wise man"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "a very wise man" emphasizes the extent of the person's wisdom. Using simply "a wise man" is often sufficient, depending on the context.

Can I use "a very wise man" to refer to myself?

While grammatically correct, it may sound arrogant to refer to oneself as ""a very wise man"". It's generally better to let others describe you that way based on your actions and words.