at this guy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at this guy" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be used in informal spoken contexts, but it lacks clarity and specificity in writing. Example: "I can't believe you would say that at this guy."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Look at this guy".

The New Yorker

"Look at this guy!" he said.

The New York Times

Well, look at this guy" technique.

The New Yorker

Just look at this guy!

The Guardian - Travel

"I mean look at this guy.

The Guardian

"Look at this guy," he told me.

The New Yorker

It slowed me down: 'Look at this guy.

The New York Times

"We were not looking at this guy as anything special until today," he said.

The New York Times

"Look at this guy," Mr. Morales said, pointing to Mr. Espíritu.

The New York Times

But it's not just the islanders and surf dudes who look at this guy funny.

Independent

"If you look at this guy, he is always on the ball.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, replace the phrase "at this guy" with more grammatically correct alternatives like "about this person" or "regarding this individual" to ensure clarity and professionalism.

Common error

Avoid using "at this guy" in academic papers or business reports. This phrase is considered informal and may detract from your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at this guy" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase directing attention towards a specific male individual. It's often used to introduce an observation, criticism, or comment about the person being referenced, yet according to Ludwig is grammatically incorrect.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at this guy" is a common expression primarily found in News & Media contexts. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically incorrect, it serves to direct attention toward a specific individual, usually male, for observation or commentary. While frequently used in informal speech, it's best to use alternatives like "about this person" or "regarding this individual" in formal writing to maintain clarity and professionalism. The phrase's informality dictates its avoidance in academic or business settings. Although common, using more grammatically sound phrases will ensure credibility and accuracy in formal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

about this person

Replaces the preposition "at" with "about" to improve grammatical correctness and clarity.

regarding this man

Uses a more formal and precise term ("regarding") and specifies gender ("man") for increased clarity.

concerning this individual

Employs formal language to convey a similar idea with greater precision and professionalism.

with respect to him

Offers a more respectful and grammatically sound alternative, suitable for formal contexts.

in reference to him

Presents a formal and clear alternative, suitable for written communication.

in relation to this man

Uses "in relation to" to provide a clearer connection, specifying gender for clarity.

toward this person

Replaces the preposition "at" with "toward", which is grammatically correct but may subtly alter the intended meaning.

in connection with him

Provides a more formal and precise alternative, suitable for professional communication.

looking at him

Focuses on the action of looking, emphasizing visual observation of the individual.

considering this fellow

Suggests contemplation or evaluation of the person, providing a nuanced alternative.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "at this guy"?

You can use alternatives like "about this person", "regarding this individual", or "concerning this man" depending on the context.

Is "at this guy" grammatically correct?

No, "at this guy" is not grammatically correct in standard English. It is often used in informal speech but should be avoided in formal writing.

When is it appropriate to use "at this guy"?

"At this guy" is appropriate in informal conversations or casual settings. However, it is not suitable for formal writing or professional communication.

What's the difference between "at this guy" and "about this guy"?

"At this guy" is grammatically incorrect. "About this guy" is more acceptable, though alternatives like "regarding this person" are even more grammatically sound.