able man

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "able man" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a person who is competent, capable, or skilled in a particular area or task. Example: "In times of crisis, we need an able man to lead us through the challenges ahead."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

She depicted him as a "sincere, brave and able man".

The Economist

He was once a confident and able man.

The Guardian - Books

"He is a good and able man," Mr. Kyrillos said.

The New York Times

Garibaldi also greatly impressed other foreign observers as an honest and able man.

Encyclopedia Britannica

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

The New Yorker

One day the supervising physician, a smart and able man, was on the ward perusing the patient's voluminous chart.

The New York Times - Health

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

I am married (to an able-bodied man) and have one child (also able-bodied).

The New York Times

He's an able-bodied man.

The New York Times - Magazine

My father was among the first, being an able-bodied man in his forties.

Stanford University

"When I read it, I was an able-bodied man in his 30's.

The New York Times

The next day the solders come to take every able-bodied man into the army.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as an "able man", be specific about the context in which he demonstrates his abilities. For instance, "an able man in negotiations" provides more clarity than just "an able man".

Common error

Avoid using "able man" as a generic compliment. Instead, focus on specific skills or achievements to provide a more meaningful and impactful description of the individual's capabilities.

Linguistic Context

"Able man" functions primarily as a descriptive phrase, where 'able' serves as an adjective modifying the noun 'man'. It denotes competence, skill, or capability. Ludwig examples show its use in praising someone's character or professional skills, highlighting a positive attribute. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Encyclopedias

21%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "able man" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to describe a man who possesses skill, competence, or capability. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, and the provided examples showcase its usage across various contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and academic writing. While generally neutral in register, it's best practice to use the phrase with specific context to avoid overgeneralization. Consider alternative phrases like "competent individual" or "skilled professional" for greater precision, depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

competent individual

Focuses on the individual's skill and proficiency in a general sense.

capable person

Highlights the person's inherent ability to perform tasks effectively.

skilled professional

Emphasizes expertise in a specific field or occupation.

qualified candidate

Implies meeting specific criteria or requirements for a position or role.

resourceful leader

Focuses on the ability to find and use resources effectively in a leadership context.

proficient expert

Highlights a high level of skill and knowledge in a particular area.

efficient operator

Emphasizes the ability to perform tasks quickly and effectively.

accomplished performer

Highlights achievements and a history of successful performance.

effective agent

Focuses on the ability to produce the desired result or effect.

well-equipped individual

Highlights the presence of necessary skills, knowledge, or resources.

FAQs

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

Use "able man" to describe someone who is competent and skilled in a particular area. For example, "He is an able man when it comes to problem-solving".

What is a synonym for "able man"?

Alternatives to "able man" include "competent individual", "capable person", or "skilled professional", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use the phrase "able man" in a formal setting?

Yes, the phrase "able man" is generally appropriate in formal settings, but consider using more specific terms like "qualified candidate" or "proficient expert" for increased precision.

What is the difference between "able man" and "able-bodied man"?

"Able man" describes competence and skill, while "able-bodied man" refers to physical strength and health. They are not interchangeable.