man

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "man" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use the word "man" to refer to any adult male human being, either in singular or plural form. For example: "That man is wearing a blue shirt."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Unlike the most reliable form of protection, a condom, it is the woman, not the man, who makes the ultimate choice about whether to use the gel.

The Economist

Oh, man.

The New York Times

"Marriage is the union between a man and a woman, has been historically, remains so.

The New York Times

Charles was a fine man, a talented politician, and a loving father to his young son.

The Guardian

I met a man who sometimes lets me sleep at his house but I have to wait outside for him to come home at 10 or 11pm and I get very cold.

The Guardian

A lovely man and one of the most talented politicians of his time.

The Guardian

"I'm in a successful TV show in a kind of leading man way and it can sometimes feel like your art is being put to one side for your sex appeal.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

You are the most ghastly man I have ever known.

The Guardian

The blind man is walking in front of a car and you do not have a duty to stop him absent some relation between you.

The New York Times

Man of the match Jack Cork (Swansea).

The Guardian - Sport

Even Warren Hill, a man with an IQ of 70 who is diagnosed as mentally retarded by every doctor who has examined him, found it impossible to meet this standard of proof".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to men and women, ensure balanced language and avoid using "man" to represent all of humanity unless the context is explicitly about human males. Use gender-neutral terms when possible.

Common error

Avoid using "man" to refer to all of humanity. While historically common, it can exclude and marginalize women. Instead, use gender-neutral terms such as "people", "humans", or "humankind".

Linguistic Context

The word "man" functions primarily as a noun, referring to an adult male human. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness. It can also function as an interjection expressing emphasis.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the word "man" is a versatile term primarily used as a noun to denote an adult male human. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and wide applicability. While historically used to refer to humanity as a whole, this usage is becoming less common in favor of more inclusive language. The term's register is generally neutral, though formality can vary depending on the context. When writing, consider the potential for gender bias and opt for gender-neutral alternatives when appropriate. The high frequency of examples in the news media confirms the word's prevalence in contemporary English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

adult male

Focuses specifically on the biological aspect of being a mature male human.

male human

Emphasizes the human aspect while specifying the male gender.

gentleman

Implies a man with refined manners and good social standing.

guy

An informal term for a man, suitable for casual conversation.

fella

A colloquial term for a man, often used in friendly or familiar contexts.

chap

A British English term for a man, suggesting a friendly or affable character.

human being

Broadens the scope to include all people, regardless of gender, focusing on shared humanity.

individual

Refers to a single person, emphasizing their uniqueness and autonomy.

person

A general term for any human, irrespective of gender or age.

member of mankind

Highlights the inclusion of a person within the larger human race.

FAQs

How can I use "man" in a sentence?

You can use "man" to refer to an adult male, as in "He is a good man." It can also refer to humanity in general, though this usage is becoming less common in favor of gender-neutral terms.

What can I say instead of "man" to refer to humanity?

Instead of "man" to mean humanity, you can use alternatives like "humankind", "humanity", or "people".

Which is correct, "man" or "person" when referring to an individual?

Both "man" and "person" are correct. "Man" specifically refers to an adult male, while "person" is a gender-neutral term applicable to anyone.

What's the difference between "man" and "gentleman"?

"Man" is a general term for an adult male. "Gentleman", on the other hand, implies that the "man" has refined manners and good character.