burly man

USAGE SUMMARY

"burly man" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a man who is large and muscular in a rugged or robust way. Example: The burly man lifted the heavy box effortlessly, showcasing his impressive strength.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Stegman is a burly man of 48.

The New York Times - Sports

Fayyad is a burly man in his forties.

The New Yorker

I was frisked by a very uncommunicative, burly man.

The New York Times

So did Ron, a burly man wearing a plaid shirt.

The New Yorker

Consider John Bolin, a burly man with big hands.

The New York Times

A large burly man, he died in 2001.

The Guardian

He was a burly man, forty-four, hyperactive, unshaven.

The New Yorker

A young, burly man in work boots — manual laborer?

The New York Times

I spot this burly man walking towards me.

The Guardian - Opinion

Turrell at 70 is a burly man with thick white hair and a snowy beard.

The New York Times - Magazine

Estime, a burly man wearing a winter vest, picked up Marley's iPhone and lowered the volume.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "burly man" to vividly describe a man's physical appearance, particularly when emphasizing his strength and robust build. It adds a layer of detail that helps the reader visualize the character more effectively.

Common error

While "burly man" is acceptable in many contexts, avoid overuse in formal or professional writing where a more neutral term like "strong man" or "well-built man" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "burly man" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. It combines the adjective "burly", which modifies the noun "man", to create a vivid image of a man who is large, strong, and muscular. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "burly man" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a man who is large, strong, and muscular. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. While alternatives like "brawny fellow" or "husky individual" exist, "burly man" effectively conveys a specific image of robust strength and physique. When using this phrase, consider the context to ensure it aligns with the overall tone, avoiding overuse in formal settings where more neutral descriptions might be preferable.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brawny fellow

Replaces "burly" with "brawny", suggesting well-developed muscles and strength.

husky individual

Uses "husky" to suggest a strong, sturdy, and often large build.

muscular bloke

Highlights the muscular aspect of the man's physique.

stocky gentleman

Uses "stocky" to emphasize a solid, thick build, implying strength.

stout man

Replaces "burly" with "stout", indicating a solid, sturdy build.

strapping lad

Implies a tall and well-built young man.

heavyset chap

Employs "heavyset" to focus on a larger build, potentially including some fat.

robust figure

Focuses on the man's overall healthy and strong appearance.

strongman

This phrase refers to a man of exceptional strength, often associated with feats of physical prowess.

well-built man

A more general term indicating a man with a good physique.

FAQs

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

You can use "burly man" to describe someone's physical appearance, emphasizing their strength and size. For example, "A "burly man" carried the heavy boxes with ease".

What are some alternatives to "burly man"?

Alternatives include phrases like "brawny fellow", "stocky gentleman", or "husky individual", each offering a slightly different nuance in describing a strong or large man.

Is it appropriate to use "burly man" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, in highly formal contexts, consider using more neutral terms like "strong man" or "well-built man" to maintain a professional tone.

What does the phrase "burly man" imply?

The phrase "burly man" typically implies a man who is large, muscular, and robust, often suggesting strength and a rugged appearance.