man in question

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "man in question" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a specific man who is being discussed or considered in a particular context. Example: "The man in question was last seen at the café around noon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The man in question: Dominique Strauss-Kahn.

The New Yorker

The man in question was Mr Campbell.

The Guardian

Diego had already met the man in question.

The New Yorker

I looked down the street toward the man in question.

The New Yorker

The man in question has denied the allegations.

The Times

The man in question, of course, was Michael Winner.

The Guardian

The man in question, John R. Silber, feigned disappointment.

The New York Times

The man in question didn't call the attendant "disgusting".

The Guardian

The man in question is Lil Wayne, who's a rapper.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She pointed out that neither did the man in question, winning herself the pay rise.

Independent

The man in question, we were told, was playing pinball in the store.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "man in question" when you need to refer back to a specific male individual previously mentioned, avoiding repetition of their name or a lengthy description. It's especially useful in legal, journalistic, and formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "man in question" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler references like "he", "that guy", or the person's name are often more appropriate and natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "man in question" functions as a noun phrase, specifically acting as a referential expression. It points back to a particular male individual who has already been introduced or is otherwise understood within the context. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "man in question" is a grammatically sound and frequently used referential expression, as validated by Ludwig AI. It serves the purpose of identifying a previously mentioned male individual in a clear and concise manner. While its register is generally neutral, it finds its primary context in news and media. For stylistic variation, consider using alternatives such as "individual in question" or "aforementioned man", while avoiding overuse in informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the individual in question

Replaces "man" with the more neutral term "individual", broadening the scope beyond gender.

the person in question

Similar to "individual in question", but using "person" as a gender-neutral alternative to "man".

the aforementioned man

Uses "aforementioned" to indicate the man was previously mentioned, adding a sense of formality.

the man under discussion

Highlights that the man is currently being discussed or considered.

the subject in question

"Subject" implies a more formal or detached perspective, suitable for analytical contexts.

the relevant man

Emphasizes the man's relevance to the current topic or situation.

the man concerned

"Concerned" suggests the man is relevant due to his involvement or interest in the matter.

that particular man

Adds emphasis to the specific man being referred to, distinguishing him from others.

the man in this case

Specifies the man's relevance within a particular case or scenario.

the party in question

A more formal and legalistic term, where "party" refers to a person involved in a situation.

FAQs

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

The phrase "man in question" is used to refer to a specific male individual previously mentioned or known in the context. For example: "The witness identified the "man in question" as the driver of the vehicle."

What are some alternatives to "man in question"?

Alternatives include "individual in question", "person in question", or "aforementioned man", depending on the level of formality and the need for gender neutrality.

Is "man in question" formal or informal?

The phrase "man in question" leans towards the formal side. In casual settings, it might sound stilted. Simpler pronouns or names are usually preferred in informal contexts.

When is it appropriate to use "man in question"?

Use "man in question" when you want to refer to a specific male individual in a formal or legal context, especially when you've already introduced him and want to avoid repetition or ambiguity. For example, you can use "man in question" in journalistic or formal writing.