man of distinction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "man of distinction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a man who is notable or respected for his achievements, qualities, or style. Example: "He is a man of distinction, known for his contributions to the arts and philanthropy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

Sarra is a commercial photographer who photographs the Calvert Whiskey Man of Distinction.

The New Yorker

Each "Man of Distinction" gets a case of Calvert's & $300 for his favorite charity.

The New Yorker

Hart's public role as a man of distinction was a constant strain: inside it was all doubt.

The Economist

This was a man of distinction who touched the lives of so many whom he never met, but who are forever enriched by his benevolence.

The New York Times

Incidental Intelligence: The editors of Who's Who in America have decided not to include among one contributor's accomplishments the fact that he was designated a Man of Distinction by the Lord Calvert people.

The New Yorker

Brooks Brothers cedar shoe care kit Any man of distinction will want to get his hands on this kit, containing horsehair brushes, creams and a polishing glove it will help him to keep his shoes looking pristine.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

The Cockburns were Scots lawyers and military men of distinction.

The Guardian

Galton, in Hereditary Genius (1869), proposed that a system of arranged marriages between men of distinction and women of wealth would eventually produce a gifted race.

Britannica

He took part eagerly in discussions with the many men of distinction who came to his father's house and engaged in set discussions at a reading society formed at the home of English historian George Grote in 1825 and in debates at the London Debating Society, formed in the same year.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In a gushing profile of Loomis (for which he characteristically declined to be interviewed), Fortune magazine once wrote, "Anyone meeting Mr. Loomis casually might find it hard to distinguish him from the great mass of men of distinction who are reared in the best families, processed by the best schools... and put in the vice-presidential windows of the best firms".

The New York Times - Books

3 In the battle there had fallen more than five hundred men,49 the majority of whom were cavalry and men of distinction; and more than eight thousand had been captured.

University of Chicago

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "man of distinction" when you want to convey respect and admiration for a man's accomplishments, character, or social standing. It is best suited for formal or literary contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "man of distinction" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler, more direct language when appropriate.

Linguistic Context

Man of distinction functions as a noun phrase, acting as a descriptive title or epithet. It modifies a noun, typically a person's name or a pronoun, to indicate their exceptional status. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

30%

Wiki

30%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "man of distinction" is a grammatically correct and usable term, though relatively uncommon in contemporary language. It is used to describe a man who is highly respected and accomplished, often in formal or literary contexts. Ludwig AI notes its suitability for expressing admiration and recognition. While "man of distinction" is acceptable, alternative phrases such as "esteemed gentleman" or "notable figure" may be more appropriate in certain situations to avoid sounding overly formal. The phrase appears primarily in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Wiki sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

esteemed gentleman

Replaces "man" with a more formal term and uses an adjective emphasizing respect and high regard.

notable figure

Shifts from gender-specific language to a neutral term emphasizing prominence and importance.

prominent individual

Similar to "notable figure", but emphasizes visibility and influence.

accomplished person

Focuses on achievements and skills, rather than inherent qualities.

person of merit

Highlights the individual's worthiness and deserving nature.

illustrious character

Emphasizes fame and historical significance.

respected leader

Highlights leadership qualities and the esteem held by others.

venerated elder

Emphasizes age and the respect associated with wisdom and experience.

upstanding citizen

Focuses on moral character and community contribution.

remarkable human being

Broadens the scope to encompass exceptional qualities in a general sense.

FAQs

How can I use "man of distinction" in a sentence?

You can use "man of distinction" to describe someone who is highly respected or accomplished. For example, "He was recognized as a "man of distinction" for his contributions to science".

What are some alternatives to "man of distinction"?

Alternatives to "man of distinction" include "esteemed gentleman", "notable figure", or "prominent individual", depending on the specific context.

Is "man of distinction" still a commonly used phrase?

While not as common as some simpler alternatives, "man of distinction" is still used, particularly in formal or literary contexts. According to Ludwig AI, it is usable in written English.

What connotations does "man of distinction" carry?

"Man of distinction" carries connotations of respect, admiration, and high social standing. It suggests that the individual is noteworthy for their achievements, character, or style.