shoulder of a man

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shoulder of a man" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where you are describing a physical characteristic or a metaphorical aspect related to a man, such as strength or support. Example: "He carried the weight of the world on his shoulders, embodying the true shoulder of a man."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

This weapon was not meant for a trailer; it was designed to be worn over the back or shoulder of a man on the march.

The New York Times

Photograph: YUYA SHINO/REUTERS 11.28am GMT A Shi'ite Muslim boy wearing a scarf which reads "Oh Hussein" rests on the shoulder of a man as other boys flagellate themselves during a Muharram procession to mark Ashura in the southern Indian city of Chennai.

The Guardian

In the church vestibule, a young boy in a turquoise T-shirt let out a shattering howl of grief, burying his face in the shoulder of a man who clasped the boy's head and tried to console him.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

At 66, Love still has the broad shoulders of a man who has known hard physical work.

The Guardian

In Tobruk, a young boy, atop the shoulders of a man most likely his father, held a placard and a message for Colonel Qaddafi: "Irhall, irhall, ya saffah".

The New York Times

He has longish gray hair, a sly grin, and the hunched shoulders of a man who has spent many hours leaning over a guitar.

The New Yorker

It is a heavy burden to be resting on the frail shoulders of a man lying in a Beijing hospital bed as the diplomats and politicians dine together a few blocks away.

The Economist

She finds comfort in the arms of a maternal figure and, in a breathtaking image, is escorted by women on toe who repeat her back arch as she stands on the shoulders of a man and is carried forward.

The New York Times - Arts

Brauner's murky close-ups of a hand and the head and shoulders of a man also anticipate by several decades Gary Schneider's photogram of his hand and Mr. Fuss's ghostly self-portrait.

The New York Times - Arts

And Mr. Bosman revisits the intimations of violence implicit in his pulp fiction paintings with "Raft," which centers (exactly, like a movie camera) on the head and shoulders of a man emerging from a deserted lake onto the ladder of a swimming raft.

The New York Times - Arts

I am at home, where I perform essential tasks such as texting them to say that Michael Jackson has died, say, or that I've seen them on telly, eyes the size of London, sitting on the shoulders of a man with a Bart Simpson tattoo.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "shoulder of a man", consider the context. If you intend to convey support or burden-bearing, ensure the surrounding sentences clearly establish this metaphorical connection. Otherwise, the phrase might be interpreted literally.

Common error

Avoid using "shoulder of a man" in contexts where the image created could be unintentionally humorous or odd. Make sure your meaning is clearly focused and that you are not relying on the reader to make a connection that is not clear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shoulder of a man" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a preposition or as a descriptive element within a sentence. It can denote a physical characteristic or, metaphorically, a source of support or burden as seen in Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "shoulder of a man" is a grammatically correct noun phrase that can be used both literally and metaphorically. Ludwig AI indicates that it's usable in written English, particularly in describing physical characteristics or metaphorical aspects like strength and support. While not exceedingly common, the phrase appears in reputable news sources. Be mindful of potential misinterpretations and ensure clarity when using it to convey support or burden. Alternatives like "man's shoulder" may offer a more direct approach depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

man's shoulder

Direct possessive form; simpler phrasing.

the shoulder of a male

Replaces "man" with "male", slightly more formal.

a male's shoulder

Possessive form with "male", less common.

the burden a man carries

Focuses on the metaphorical burden a man bears, shifting from physical description to an abstract concept.

a man's support

Highlights the support provided by a man, altering the focus to assistance.

where a man finds solace

Emphasizes the aspect of comfort or refuge associated with a man, broadening the scope.

on which a man leans

Focuses on leaning as an action and use case for the body part.

the physique of a man

More encompassing description of a man's build.

a strong man's shoulder

Highlights the strength aspect. Adds an adjective.

the weight on a man's shoulders

Focuses on the weight or pressure on a man.

FAQs

How can the phrase "shoulder of a man" be used in a sentence?

The phrase "shoulder of a man" can be used literally to describe a part of the male anatomy, such as, "The child rested his head on the "shoulder of a man"." It can also be used metaphorically to represent support or burden.

What are some synonyms for "shoulder of a man"?

While there isn't a direct synonym, related phrases include "man's shoulder", which is a more direct possessive. The best alternative depends on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "shoulders of a man"?

Yes, "shoulders of a man" is grammatically correct and can be used when referring to both shoulders or the general build and strength associated with a man's "shoulders".

What is the difference between "shoulder of a man" and "man's shoulder"?

"Shoulder of a man" typically refers to a specific instance or image, while "man's shoulder" is a more general possessive form. Both are correct, but the nuance changes slightly depending on the intended meaning.