an old man

USAGE SUMMARY

"an old man" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
For example, you can use the phrase in the sentence, "The old man walked slowly down the street."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

There's an old man.

The New Yorker

"I'm an old man.

The New York Times

"He's an old man".

The New York Times

He was an old man.

The New Yorker

"Remember, I'm an old man".

The New York Times - Magazine

"Harold was an old man.

The New Yorker

"I'm an old man now.

The New Yorker

No, an old man explained.

The New York Times - Travel

"He was an old man," Gelb says.

The New Yorker

"I feel like an old man now.

The New York Times

"Now he is just an old man.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "an old man" in your writing, consider the connotations you wish to evoke. It can be a neutral descriptor, but it can also carry implications of wisdom, frailty, or experience. Choose your words carefully to convey the intended meaning.

Common error

Be mindful of perpetuating ageist stereotypes when using the phrase "an old man". Ensure your portrayal is nuanced and avoids relying on harmful generalizations about older people.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an old man" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject or object within a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an old man" is a grammatically sound and widely used noun phrase for referring to a male of advanced age. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent appearance in diverse sources. While primarily descriptive, its connotations can vary based on context, and choosing respectful language is important. Alternative phrases like "an elderly gentleman" or "a senior citizen" may be preferable in more formal or sensitive situations. The phrase appears most frequently in news and media sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an elderly gentleman

Emphasizes politeness and respect towards the old man.

a senior citizen

Focuses on the man's status within society based on age.

a man of advanced years

A more formal and descriptive way of indicating the man's age.

a greybeard

An informal and somewhat archaic term referencing the man's likely grey or white beard.

an aging individual

Focuses on the process of aging and its effect on the man.

a veteran

Highlights the man's experience and possibly military service, often associated with age.

a man past his prime

Indicates that the man is no longer at the peak of his physical or mental abilities.

a long-lived person

Emphasizes the man's longevity and the length of his life.

a man with a wealth of experience

Shifts the focus from age to the knowledge and wisdom the man has accumulated over time.

a patriarchal figure

Highlights the man's role as a leader or elder within a family or community.

FAQs

How can I use "an old man" in a sentence?

You can use "an old man" as a subject, object, or part of a descriptive phrase. For example, "The old man sat on the bench" or "She helped an old man cross the street."

What are some alternatives to "an old man"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "an elderly gentleman", "a senior citizen", or "a man of advanced years".

Is it respectful to use the phrase "an old man"?

While generally neutral, "an old man" can sometimes be perceived as disrespectful depending on tone and context. Using more respectful terms like "an elderly gentleman" or "a senior citizen" might be more appropriate in certain situations.

What is the difference between "an old man" and "a wise man"?

"An old man" refers simply to a man of advanced age, while "a wise man" implies that the man possesses wisdom, often gained through experience. While age and wisdom are sometimes correlated, they are not the same thing.