cruel man

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cruel man" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a male individual who exhibits harsh or unkind behavior towards others. Example: "The story revolves around a cruel man who took pleasure in the suffering of those around him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

49 human-written examples

"A very cruel man.

The Guardian - Travel

He's a cruel man.

The Guardian - Music

McGahern's father was a cruel man.

The Guardian - Books

Not because he was a cruel man.

The Guardian

"How would people in Misrata feel if this cruel, cruel man was allowed to stay on?

Independent

"It's very hard to imagine him to be a cruel man".

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

He had come here on this rainy morning to try to impart a professional's touch to a group of Girl Scouts, ages 7 to 11, who were about to head off into the cruel, man-eat-cookie world -- the lobby -- to sell some Samoas, Thin Mints and Trefoils.

The New York Times

A purging influence, Sekiro must rid this sickly world of its cruel men and monsters.

The Guardian - Games

A handful of kind and cruel men — played by the fine likes of Jonny Lee Miller, Sam Riley, Daniel Mays and Caleb Landry Jones — circle Clara and Eleanor.

The New York Times

They are damned strange cruel men, clannish and proud to a fault, thirsty for vengeance over imagined slights, hard-drinking, and inhumanly tough.

The New Yorker

Decadent, cruel men also rose to power: Caligula (37 41) and Nero (54 68) were so loathed that their reigns were struck from the official Roman records.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character as a "cruel man", provide specific examples of their actions to illustrate the nature of their cruelty. This adds depth and credibility to your writing.

Common error

Avoid simply labeling someone a "cruel man" without providing context or evidence. This can come across as a shallow and unconvincing characterization. Show, don't tell.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "cruel man" functions as a descriptive noun phrase. It combines the adjective "cruel", which modifies the noun "man", to describe a male individual characterized by harsh, pitiless, or malicious behavior. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples illustrating its usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "cruel man" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a male individual who exhibits cruelty. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms that this phrase is widely used in various contexts, especially in news and media, to express negative judgment or condemnation. While there are several alternatives, such as "heartless man" or "ruthless individual", the choice depends on the specific nuance. When using "cruel man" in your writing, providing specific examples of their actions will strengthen the impact of your description.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

heartless man

Focuses on the lack of empathy and compassion.

ruthless individual

Emphasizes the lack of pity or remorse.

callous person

Highlights the indifference to the suffering of others.

inhumane being

Stresses the lack of human qualities, particularly kindness and compassion.

tyrannical leader

Specifically refers to a cruel person in a position of power.

sadistic character

Implies deriving pleasure from inflicting pain on others.

merciless oppressor

Highlights the lack of mercy towards those under their control.

wicked soul

Emphasizes the moral depravity of the individual.

brutal figure

Focuses on the physical violence and harshness.

vicious tormentor

Implies a deliberate and persistent infliction of suffering.

FAQs

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

You can use "cruel man" to describe someone who inflicts suffering or demonstrates a lack of empathy. For example: "The dictator was known as a "cruel man" who showed no mercy to his opponents."

What are some alternatives to saying "cruel man"?

Alternatives include "heartless man", "ruthless individual", or "callous person". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What distinguishes a "cruel man" from a "strict man"?

A "strict man" enforces rules firmly, while a "cruel man" intentionally inflicts pain or suffering. Strictness focuses on discipline, whereas cruelty involves malicious intent.

Is it acceptable to describe a historical figure as a "cruel man"?

Yes, if historical evidence supports the assessment. However, ensure your description is objective and based on verifiable facts, avoiding presentism or biased interpretations.