bear of a man

USAGE SUMMARY

"bear of a man" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to refer to a man who is especially strong and imposing. For example, "The bouncer at the door was a bear of a man, and no one dared to challenge him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Zeman was, at 6ft 5in, a bear of a man.

The Guardian - Books

He was a squat, grizzled bear of a man.

The New York Times

Guy Catherine is a broad-shouldered, bear of a man.

The Guardian - Travel

Hoffman was a lumbering, grumbling bear of a man.

The Guardian - Film

He was a charming, warm bear of a man.

The Guardian

A bear of a man, Mr. Green "looked like John Wayne collapsing," Mr. Hileman said.

The New York Times

Crupi is a bear of a man with a bellow to match.

The New York Times - Sports

A bear of a man, he moves nimbly, all but dancing his way through the part.

The New Yorker

A bear of a man, with a great white bushy beard, he runs his own blog.

The New York Times - Sports

I interviewed a gentle bear of a man, a devoted father, beloved by his troops.

The New York Times

Friends remembered Mr. Young as a loving bear of a man.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "bear of a man" to vividly depict someone large and strong, but be mindful of potential connotations of gentleness or clumsiness depending on the context.

Common error

While descriptive, "bear of a man" can be cliché. Opt for more specific descriptors if possible to create a more nuanced and original image.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "bear of a man" functions as a noun phrase used adjectivally. It modifies another noun (typically a person's name or role) to vividly describe their physical presence and, sometimes, their personality. Ludwig provides ample examples of this usage.

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 "bear of a man" is a common and vivid way to describe someone with a large, strong, and often imposing presence. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. While its primary function is descriptive, it can also subtly convey additional nuances such as gentleness or clumsiness. When using "bear of a man", consider the specific context and desired effect to ensure the phrase accurately and effectively communicates the intended impression. Ludwig's examples showcase its versatile application across various scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Large and imposing man

Focuses on the physical size and the impression of authority.

Big burly fellow

Emphasizes size and strength, using more informal language.

Formidable figure

Highlights the impressive and potentially intimidating nature.

Imposing presence

Concentrates on the impact the man has on his surroundings.

Towering man

Stresses the man's height and dominance.

Heavyset individual

A more neutral way to describe a large man's build.

Brawny type

Highlights muscularity and physical strength.

Stocky build

Describes a compact and sturdy physique.

Robust man

Emphasizes health and vigor in addition to size.

Stout fellow

Suggests a combination of strength and resilience.

FAQs

How can I use "bear of a man" in a sentence?

You can use "bear of a man" to describe someone with a large and imposing physique, like: "The bouncer was a "bear of a man", intimidating anyone who considered causing trouble."

What does "bear of a man" imply beyond physical size?

While primarily denoting size and strength, "bear of a man" can also suggest a gruff exterior masking a gentle nature, or a certain clumsiness due to size. The exact connotation depends on context.

What can I say instead of "bear of a man"?

Consider alternatives such as "large and imposing man", "big burly fellow", or "formidable figure", depending on the specific aspect you wish to emphasize.

Is "bear of a man" always a positive description?

Not necessarily. While it often conveys respect for someone's strength or presence, it can also imply a lack of grace or a threatening demeanor, depending on the context and tone.