a wanted man

USAGE SUMMARY

"a wanted man" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to reference someone who is wanted by the police, as in "The police are searching for a wanted man last seen in the area."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

His fugitive status made him a wanted man.

The Guardian

I behaved like a criminal, a wanted man.

The New York Times

He was still, at the time of his death, a wanted man in his home country.

Independent

Wagner's revolutionary activities made him a wanted man, so he took refuge in Switzerland.

The New York Times - Books

Gusinsky, now a wanted man living in exile, says he agreed to the transaction while in jail and under duress.

Forbes

A man dressed as the caped crusader Batman has handed over a wanted man at a Bradford police station before disappearing into the night.

BBC

Rookwood was proclaimed a wanted man on 7 November.

Wikipedia

Vaiken distributes Cobra's picture to other pirates, making him a wanted man.

Wikipedia

After four months Tanayah returned to England as a wanted man.

Vice

In A WANTED MAN (Delacorte, $28), Reacher is still in the Midwest, the ideal setting for these stark and brutal crime novels, with their undertones of existential loneliness.

The New York Times - Books

He is a wanted man who seems perfectly happy to be wanted.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "a wanted man", ensure the context clearly indicates that the individual is sought by law enforcement or other relevant authorities. Avoid ambiguity by specifying who wants the person and why.

Common error

Avoid using "a wanted man" to describe someone who is simply popular or in high demand in a non-legal context. This phrase specifically implies legal pursuit, not general desirability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a wanted man" functions as a noun phrase, where "wanted" acts as an adjective modifying "man". It's used to describe someone who is being actively sought by law enforcement, often due to suspected criminal activity. Ludwig AI indicates that this phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a wanted man" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe someone actively pursued by law enforcement. Predominantly found in News & Media and legal contexts, this phrase clearly communicates that the individual is being sought by authorities. While its meaning is precise, it's important to avoid using it casually or in contexts where legal pursuit isn't implied. Ludwig confirms its correct usage, emphasizing its informative function in serious legal scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fugitive

This term directly indicates someone who is running from the law, emphasizing their escape.

a criminal on the run

This phrase vividly describes someone actively avoiding capture after committing a crime.

a suspect

This is a general term for someone believed to be involved in a crime.

a hunted person

This highlights the pursuit aspect, suggesting that someone is being actively searched for.

an outlaw

This term evokes a sense of someone who lives outside the law, often with a historical connotation.

a lawbreaker

This is a straightforward term for someone who has broken the law.

a person of interest

This is a more neutral term, suggesting someone police want to question, not necessarily arrest.

a public enemy

This phrase suggests someone considered a threat to society by authorities.

an accused

This term indicates someone formally charged but not yet convicted of a crime.

a target of investigation

This phrase describes someone who is currently under formal scrutiny.

FAQs

How is "a wanted man" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "a wanted man" is used to describe someone who is being sought by law enforcement. For example, "The police announced that the suspect is "a wanted man" and should not be approached".

What are some alternative phrases for "a wanted man"?

Alternatives include "a fugitive", "a person of interest", or "a suspect", depending on the specific context and the degree of certainty about the person's involvement in a crime.

Is it grammatically correct to say "a wanted man"?

Yes, "a wanted man" is grammatically correct. The adjective "wanted" modifies the noun "man", indicating that the man is being sought by authorities.

What is the difference between "a wanted man" and "a missing person"?

"A wanted man" refers to someone sought by law enforcement, usually in connection with a crime. "A missing person", on the other hand, is someone whose whereabouts are unknown, and there is concern for their safety.