great man

USAGE SUMMARY

"great man" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who has done something admirable or to express admiration for that person. For example, "President Lincoln was a great man; he was instrumental in abolishing slavery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

A great man.

The New Yorker

What a great man!

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"A great man has died.

Independent

"He is a great man".

The New York Times

Believe in the great man".

The New Yorker

Halas was a great man.

The New York Times - Sports

Maybe even a great man.

The New Yorker

A great man indeed.

The Guardian

"He was a great man, a great man".

The New Yorker

A modest, great man.

The New York Times

They were great, man.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "great man" to acknowledge significant contributions or achievements. For example, use the phrase when commemorating historical figures or leaders who've had a profound impact.

Common error

Avoid using "great man" in everyday conversations or trivial situations. This phrase carries significant weight and may sound overly formal or insincere if used inappropriately.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "great man" functions primarily as a noun phrase used to describe a male figure of exceptional character, achievement, or influence. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "great man" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression used to describe a male figure of exceptional character, achievement, or influence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it effectively conveys admiration and respect. Predominantly found in news, media, and academic contexts, its usage ranges from neutral to formal. When using the phrase, consider the potential for overuse in informal situations and its weight due to the significance of the expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remarkable individual

Emphasizes the uniqueness and noteworthiness of the person.

exceptional figure

Focuses on the person's outstanding qualities or abilities.

distinguished person

Highlights the person's achievements and status.

admirable character

Stresses the person's virtuous and praiseworthy nature.

inspiring figure

Stresses the person's ability to motivate and uplift others.

notable man

Highlights the person's fame and social importance.

man of high regard

Focuses on the respect and esteem the person receives.

person of great stature

Emphasizes the person's importance and influence.

venerable leader

Highlights the person's respected position and guidance.

a true legend

Implies the person has achieved legendary status.

FAQs

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

You can use "great man" to describe someone you deeply admire and respect, like in the sentence, "Nelson Mandela was a "great man" who fought for equality".

What are some alternatives to "great man"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "remarkable individual", "distinguished person", or "exceptional figure".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "great man"?

It's appropriate to use "great man" when referring to someone who has made significant positive contributions to society or has demonstrated exceptional qualities. Reserve this phrase for individuals who genuinely deserve such high praise.

Is "great man" considered a formal or informal expression?

"Great man" leans toward being a more formal expression, often used in commemorative speeches, historical accounts, or formal acknowledgments. While it can be used in informal settings, it's essential to ensure it fits the tone and context.