man of mine

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "man of mine" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to someone you have a close relationship with, often in a possessive or affectionate manner. Example: "He's always been a good friend and a true man of mine."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

| Oct. 29 at 7 30: "That Man of Mine" (1947, Leonard Anderson), followed by a discussion between Ruby Dee and the historian Pearl Bowser.

The New Yorker

Mrs. Kinsella stiffens, then says, "You must excuse me but this man of mine is waiting, and you know what these men are like".

The New Yorker

With a pause, a quaver or a modest upward leap, Ms. Thompson can make a line strike home: "Many a heart has proved untrue/Here's to me and here's to you," she sang in "Dear Old Man of Mine".

The New York Times - Arts

The opener, "Dear Mary," features her ex-husband, Richard, on backing vocals and guitar, but it's Linda's crystalline tone, which conveys the same melancholy intelligence as it did a quarter-century ago, that gives the song its heft; the same is true for the closer, "Dear Old Man of Mine," a portrait of Richard that is at once affectionate and chilling.

The New Yorker

The players on "Fashionably Late" create spare, simply arranged settings, so she can tell the tale of the forlorn young woman in "The Banks of the Clyde" or convey her own complex longing for "the way it never was" in her marriage to Mr. Thompson on "Dear Old Man of Mine".

The New York Times - Arts

After collaborating with producer and later husband Robert John Muttt" Lange, Twain rose to fame with her second studio album, The Woman in Me (1995), which brought her widespread success; it sold 20 million copies worldwide, spawned widely successful singles such as "Any Man of Mine", and earned her a Grammy Award.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

When a trans man friend of mine was assaulted last weekend, the people doing it didn't really care whether he was technically classified as a lesbian or a trans man.

HuffPost

After the first pass, I gave it to three men friends of mine, all straight white men.

The Washington Post

He said "homie, come back to reality for a week" Nookie is power, cut on a new chick every night I wouldn't be prouder, you should allow it   [Verse 4] (What the white man say?) A piece of mines That's what the white man wanted when I rhyme Telling me that he selling me just for $10.99 I go platinum from rapping, I do the company fine What if I compromise?

Independent

Last week I was having a conversation with a men-tee of mine.

Huffington Post

At one point, I bring up a man-friend of mine who happens to possess very limited game where girls are concerned, and chooses to employ it solely on young, and generally struggling, actresses/models.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "man of mine" to express a close relationship or affectionate possession, but be mindful of the context and potential for misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "man of mine" in formal or professional settings, as it can sound too informal or even possessive. Opt for more neutral terms like "my colleague" or "my associate".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "man of mine" functions primarily as a possessive nominal phrase, indicating a close relationship or sense of ownership. It typically refers to a male figure who holds significance in the speaker's life. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

17%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "man of mine" is a possessive phrase used to express a close relationship or affection towards a male individual. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability in written English. While its grammatical status is correct, it's best suited for informal contexts and should be avoided in formal or professional settings where a more neutral tone is appropriate. Alternative phrases, such as "my man" or "a friend of mine", can be used depending on the specific context and desired level of formality. Although it is not a phrase with very high frequency, appearing primarily in news media, its use is consistent and conveys a sense of closeness or ownership.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

my man

A more direct and informal way to express possession or affection.

my guy

A casual and affectionate term for a male partner or friend.

the man in my life

Focuses on the importance and role of the man in one's life.

my partner

Suggests a more formal and committed relationship.

the one I love

Emphasizes the feeling of love and affection.

a friend of mine

Indicates a friendly relationship but lacks the possessive implication.

my boyfriend

Indicates a romantic relationship that is not necessarily a marriage.

my husband

Specifies the relationship as a marriage.

my beloved

A more formal and romantic term of endearment.

the father of my children

Highlights the role of fatherhood and shared parenthood.

FAQs

What does "man of mine" mean?

The phrase "man of mine" typically refers to a male individual with whom the speaker has a close relationship, often implying affection or possession. It's similar in connotation to saying "my man".

Is it appropriate to use "man of mine" in professional settings?

Generally, no. "Man of mine" is considered informal and might be perceived as overly familiar or even inappropriate in a professional context. Use more neutral terms like "my colleague" or "a friend of mine".

What are some alternative phrases for "man of mine"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases such as "my man", "my partner", or "a friend of mine". The best choice will depend on the nature of the relationship you're describing.

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

You can use "man of mine" in sentences like, "That's my husband, the man of mine who always supports me". However, remember to consider the formality of the situation.