an unpretentious man

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an unpretentious man" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is modest and does not seek to impress others with their status or achievements. Example: "Despite his wealth and success, he remained an unpretentious man who valued simplicity and authenticity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Mr. Chrysohoidis, an unpretentious man from northern Greece, insists that November 17 is broken forever.

The New York Times

George Gendron, former editor of Inc., described Goldhirsh as an unpretentious man, casual to the point of socklessness, an avid sailor and an entrepreneur who "liked starting things and growing things". Goldhirsh, who received the S.B., degree in mechanical engineering in 1961, considered business his "medium of creative expression, the way a sculptor uses clay or a writer uses words.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

An unpretentious man in a profession not noted for its glamour, Mr. Beale — his highest academic degree was a master's in sociology from the University of Wisconsin — still developed a cult following among his peers.

The New York Times

An unpretentious man, in and of the world, who wrote for readers and not critics, and produced as many words per day as a journalist.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

He is aggressively boring". A friendly, unpretentious man with an engaging sense of humor, Thicke still winces at the memory of those reviews.

Los Angeles Times

Respect is deserved, but does it have to be delivered in such a sober package -- especially when homage is being paid to a studiously unpretentious man who seemed happy playing straight man to an orangutan not once but twice (in "Every Which Way but Loose" and its sequel)?

The New York Times - Arts

He is a friendly, unpretentious man who comes to fetch his visitors from the reception area himself.

The New York Times

That left Riesenburger, a warm, unpretentious man who liked to read his wife Bible stories.

Los Angeles Times

A quiet and unpretentious man, he also earned a reputation as an honest leader.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It is a tribute to a tireless and unpretentious man who represented man-made and natural beauty with striking directness.

The Guardian - Arts

His son described him as an approachable, gregarious and unpretentious man "who did an enormous amount of simple physical labor" in his life and was modest about his work.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "an unpretentious man", ensure the context supports this by providing examples of their behavior that demonstrate humility and a lack of affectation.

Common error

Avoid describing someone as "an unpretentious man" if their actions consistently demonstrate a need for attention or an inflated sense of self-importance, as this creates a contradiction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an unpretentious man" functions as a descriptive phrase, characterizing a man by his lack of affectation and modesty. Ludwig examples show it used to portray individuals in various contexts, highlighting their unassuming nature.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

22%

Encyclopedias

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "an unpretentious man" is a phrase used to describe someone who is modest and avoids showing off their status or achievements. Ludwig AI identifies it as grammatically correct and usable in various contexts, mainly in news, media and academia. While not extremely common, the phrase effectively conveys admiration for genuineness and humility. Consider using alternatives like "a humble man" or "a down-to-earth man" to add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a man without airs

Directly states the absence of pretentiousness or affected behavior.

a humble man

Emphasizes a lack of pride and a modest view of oneself.

a down-to-earth man

Highlights practicality and a grounded perspective, suggesting someone who is relatable and avoids airs.

an unaffected man

Emphasizes genuineness and a lack of artificiality.

a modest man

Focuses on a lack of vanity or boastfulness.

a genuine man

Highlights authenticity and sincerity.

a simple man

Suggests a preference for uncomplicated things and a straightforward approach to life.

a plain man

Highlights ordinariness and a lack of extravagance in character and appearance.

a natural man

Suggests someone who is spontaneous and true to themselves.

a man of the people

Highlights someone who is relatable and connects well with ordinary individuals, avoiding elitism.

FAQs

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

You can use "an unpretentious man" to describe someone who is modest and doesn't try to impress others. For example, "Despite his wealth, he remained "an unpretentious man", always treating everyone with respect."

What is a synonym for "an unpretentious man"?

Alternatives to "an unpretentious man" include "a humble man", "a down-to-earth man", or "a modest man". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "an unpretentious man" or "a unpretentious man"?

"An unpretentious man" is correct. The indefinite article "an" is used before words that begin with a vowel sound.

What does it mean to describe someone as "an unpretentious man"?

Describing someone as ""an unpretentious man"" means they are modest, straightforward, and do not try to impress others with their status, wealth, or achievements.