being a man

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being a man" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing the qualities, responsibilities, or societal expectations associated with masculinity. Example: "He often reflects on the challenges and expectations of being a man in today's society."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

46 human-written examples

"Hubert enjoys being a man.

The New York Times

He likes being a man.

The Guardian - Film

Either way, it's hard being a man".

The New York Times

He relished being a man apart.

The New York Times

"I've moved on to being a man.

The New York Times - Books

To him, he's just being a man.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

Being a man-made environment with short history, we might call it a neo-habitat.

Acta Oecologica

By virtue of being a man-made artificial environment, the city expresses this opposition, this conflict.

City, Territory and Architecture

"This is the president essentially being a man-baby".

Huffington Post

The criterion for participation was 'being a man and working or living in the FTZ area'.

BMC International Health and Human Rights

The 'Being a Man' festival at the Southbank runs from Friday 31 January-Sunday 2 February.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "being a man" when discussing the multifaceted aspects of masculinity, including societal expectations, personal identity, and lived experiences. Be mindful of the context and ensure your usage reflects a nuanced understanding of the topic.

Common error

Avoid reducing "being a man" to stereotypical or outdated notions of masculinity. Recognize the diverse range of experiences and expressions of manhood.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being a man" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun. As evidenced by the Ludwig AI response and the examples, the phrase commonly serves as the subject or object of a sentence, expressing a state, condition, or experience. For instance, "It's about being a man."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "being a man" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that functions as a gerund phrase. Ludwig AI analysis, confirmed by numerous examples, reveals its primary use in discussing the multifaceted aspects of masculinity, including societal expectations, personal identity, and lived experiences. While it maintains a generally neutral register, its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to scientific discourse and personal reflections. Avoiding oversimplification and recognizing the diverse expressions of manhood are crucial when employing this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being male

A more direct and biological way of stating the condition of being a man.

manhood

Focuses specifically on the state or condition of being a man.

masculinity

Emphasizes the qualities or attributes considered characteristic of men.

male identity

Highlights the personal sense of self as a man.

the male experience

Refers to the collective set of feelings, thoughts, and observations associated with being a man.

the role of a man

Highlights the expected behaviors and responsibilities associated with men in society.

the state of being a man

A more formal and philosophical way of describing the condition of manhood.

embracing masculinity

Focuses on the active acceptance and expression of masculine traits.

living as a man

Emphasizes the day-to-day experiences and actions of someone who identifies as a man.

defining manhood

Highlights the ongoing process of understanding and interpreting what it means to be a man.

FAQs

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

You can use "being a man" to discuss the challenges, expectations, or experiences associated with masculinity. For example, "He reflected on the pressures of being a man in modern society."

What are some alternatives to "being a man"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "manhood", "masculinity", or "male identity".

Is it correct to say "being a man"?

Yes, "being a man" is grammatically correct and commonly used. It functions as a gerund phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence.

What does "being a man" typically imply?

"Being a man" often implies a complex interplay of societal expectations, personal identity, and lived experiences related to masculinity. It's a multifaceted concept that can vary greatly among individuals.