eligible bachelor

USAGE SUMMARY

"eligible bachelor" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe a man who is considered to be a good potential husband, usually because of his wealth, status, or desirable qualities. Example: "Josh was the most eligible bachelor in town, with his successful career, charming personality, and good looks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

You know, technically I'm an eligible bachelor".

The Guardian - Sport

Rahul Gandhi is a very, very eligible bachelor.

The Guardian - Opinion

I was most eligible bachelor the year after.

The Guardian - Sport

"I guess I used to be considered an eligible bachelor.

The New York Times - Style

Has it interfered with your status as India's most eligible bachelor?

The Guardian - Film

He found fame and a spot in People magazine's most eligible bachelor issue along the way.

The New York Times

Chloe is best friends with Alex, the richest and therefore most eligible bachelor on "Siesta Key".

The New Yorker

The headline in The Onion might read: Mermaid Swims Off With Most Eligible Bachelor.

The New York Times - Style

Mr. Rockefeller, who had never married, was considered the most eligible bachelor in the country.

The New York Times

"I thought, 'I have my idea!' What a great eligible bachelor.

The New York Times

Mr. Prokhorov is sometimes referred to as "Russia's most eligible bachelor".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "eligible bachelor" when you want to convey that a man is not only single but also possesses qualities that make him a desirable potential partner, such as wealth, status, or good looks.

Common error

Avoid using "eligible bachelor" to simply describe any single man. The phrase carries the implication of desirability and suitability for marriage due to specific advantageous qualities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "eligible bachelor" functions as a noun phrase that describes a single man considered desirable for marriage. Ludwig's examples show it's often used in news and media to denote status and potential.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "eligible bachelor" is a well-established term used to describe a single man considered desirable for marriage, often due to wealth, status, or personal qualities. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly found in news and media contexts. While the term is generally neutral, it can carry a somewhat old-fashioned connotation. When writing, it's important to consider the specific qualities being emphasized and the overall tone you wish to convey. If you're aiming for a modern, less cliché feel, alternatives like "marriageable man" or descriptive phrases highlighting specific desirable traits may be more suitable. The phrase's frequent presence in news and media indicates its continued relevance in popular culture and social commentary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

marriageable man

Focuses specifically on the man's suitability for marriage.

eligible suitor

Emphasizes the man's role as someone seeking marriage.

desirable unmarried man

Highlights desirability and lack of marriage.

single gentleman

More formal and polite way to describe a single man.

available single man

Emphasizes availability and singleness, less about desirability.

catch

Informal term for a desirable potential partner.

unattached man

Focuses on the state of not being in a relationship.

confirmed bachelor

A man who seems unlikely to ever marry.

unclaimed heart

A poetic and metaphorical way to describe a single person.

lone wolf

A single man who prefers to be alone.

FAQs

What does "eligible bachelor" mean?

An "eligible bachelor" refers to a single man who is considered to be a desirable potential husband, often due to factors like wealth, status, or attractive personal qualities.

What are some alternative phrases to "eligible bachelor"?

Alternatives include "marriageable man", "desirable unmarried man", or "single gentleman", depending on the context and the specific qualities you want to emphasize.

Is it appropriate to use "eligible bachelor" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, the phrase "eligible bachelor" can sometimes sound old-fashioned or cliché in formal contexts. Consider alternatives like "marriageable man" or a more descriptive phrase detailing the man's specific desirable qualities for a more contemporary tone.

Can the term "eligible bachelor" be used ironically?

Yes, the term "eligible bachelor" can be used ironically to describe a man who technically meets the criteria (single and of a certain age) but lacks the other qualities typically associated with the phrase, such as wealth or charm.