ragged man

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "ragged man" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a man who is wearing tattered or worn clothing, often implying a state of poverty or distress. Example: "The ragged man sat on the corner, his clothes frayed and his eyes filled with stories of hardship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Mr. Lavelle wondered who the ragged man might be.

The New York Times

That said, did other book readers have him as an older, more ragged man?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Its precise route cannot be traced, its circumstances cannot be recovered … One glimpses him out of dusty bus windows: a ragged man walking alone down a road".

The Guardian

Standing in an alleyway outside one such station, I was struck by a the sight of a ragged man riding back and forth past the entrance on a rickety old bicycle with a placard praising Mubarak attached to its handlebars.

The Guardian

DUBLIN — The story of an emaciated, ragged man found wandering barefoot in the middle of a quiet country road last week in County Leitrim, near the border with Northern Ireland, continues to confound the police, even after he was identified as a missing Irish property tycoon who said he was abducted eight months ago and tortured during his captivity.

The New York Times

We passed the old synagogue (where, in one of Bassani's most epoch-defining short stories, a ragged man who's come back from the camps stands below a man carving the names of the dead into a memorial stone set into the wall and calls up, when he sees his own name being carved, that he's not dead).

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

She began a sort of chant about achievements of a few ragged men.

The New Yorker

In his view, giving these ragged men back their histories is a way of setting them free.

The New Yorker

He took a series of harrowing photographs of ragged men who look as if they are freezing to death.

The Economist

Eventually, the nihilists of the 1860s and '70s came to be regarded as disheveled, untidy, unruly, ragged men who rebelled against tradition and social order.

Britannica

Now several ragged men and children were selling scrap metal and recycled spare parts for cars; bicycle repairmen sat on boxes at the roadside next to inner tubes, waiting for customers.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "ragged man" to evoke a sense of poverty, hardship, or neglect. It is effective in descriptive writing to quickly convey a character's condition.

Common error

Avoid using "ragged man" casually in modern contexts where other terms like "homeless man" or "poorly dressed man" might be more accurate and less stigmatizing. The term can sound dated or overly dramatic if not used carefully.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "ragged man" primarily functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "ragged" modifies the noun "man". It describes a man's appearance, specifically the state of his clothing and general condition, conveying poverty or hardship. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of the expression.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "ragged man" is a grammatically sound and usable expression, typically employed to depict a man in a state of poverty or disrepair. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, the term evokes a strong image of hardship. While effective in descriptive writing, it's important to consider the context and avoid overuse in modern scenarios where more sensitive alternatives may be appropriate. Related phrases include "shabbily dressed man" and "man in rags", each offering slightly different nuances. The phrase serves to quickly communicate a character's condition or the atmosphere of a setting, adding depth and emotion to the narrative.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

shabbily dressed man

Focuses more on the state of the clothing rather than overall appearance.

poorly clothed man

Directly indicates the man's economic status through his attire.

tattered man

Emphasizes the torn and worn condition of his clothes.

man in rags

Highlights the extreme poverty suggested by his clothing.

unkempt man

Focuses on his general disheveled appearance.

down-and-out man

Refers to a man who is experiencing misfortune or poverty.

destitute man

Emphasizes the man's extreme poverty and lack of resources.

impoverished man

Highlights the state of being made poor.

weather-beaten man

Suggests a man who has been worn down by the elements and life's hardships.

disheveled man

Describes a man with an untidy or rumpled appearance.

FAQs

What does the phrase "ragged man" typically imply?

The phrase "ragged man" typically implies poverty, hardship, and a generally worn or neglected appearance. It suggests someone whose clothing is torn or in disrepair.

Are there more sensitive alternatives to "ragged man" when describing someone?

Yes, depending on the context, alternatives like "homeless man", "impoverished man", or "poorly dressed man" might be more appropriate and less stigmatizing.

Is "ragged man" considered offensive?

While not inherently offensive, "ragged man" can sound dated or insensitive if used without consideration for the individual's circumstances. It's important to use respectful and accurate language.

How would I use "ragged man" in a sentence?

You might say, "The "ragged man" sat on the park bench, his clothes telling a story of hardship and resilience."