single man

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "single man" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to an unmarried male or to describe someone who is not in a romantic relationship. Example: "As a single man, he enjoys the freedom to travel whenever he wants without having to consider a partner's schedule."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

A single man.

The New Yorker

"A Single Man," directed by Tom Ford.

The New York Times

"I'm a single man," he said.

The New York Times - Magazine

Not a single man reached first base.

The New Yorker

Whittingdale is a single man.

The Guardian

After A Single Man, Hoult's career skyrocketed.

Independent

"Therefore, but a single man was created..

Encyclopedia Britannica

Every single man had a solicitor.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Single men get little from the EITC.

The Economist

The Church is targeting single men again".

Independent

No help available for single men.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "single man" when you want to clearly state that a man is not married or in a committed relationship. Be mindful of the context, as the phrase can sometimes carry assumptions about lifestyle or availability.

Common error

Avoid making generalizations about "single men" and their desires or intentions. Being single does not automatically mean someone is actively seeking a relationship; many people are content with their single status.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "single man" primarily functions as a noun phrase, acting as a subject, object, or complement in a sentence. It identifies a male individual who is not married or in a committed relationship. As shown in Ludwig's examples, it describes a state of being.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Encyclopedias

13%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "single man" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to an unmarried male. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. It's essential to use the phrase mindfully, avoiding generalizations or assumptions about the individual's lifestyle or desires. Related terms include "unmarried man" and ""bachelor"", each with slight nuances. While the phrase is generally neutral, context is crucial in determining appropriateness. As Ludwig shows, it appears most frequently in news and media outlets, as well as encyclopedias.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

unmarried man

Focuses specifically on marital status.

bachelor

A more formal term for an unmarried man.

unattached man

Emphasizes the lack of romantic attachments.

man without a partner

Highlights the absence of a significant other.

man living alone

Describes a man who lives by himself, which may or may not indicate single status.

sole male

Emphasizes that he is the only male.

available man

Implies someone is open to a relationship.

man on his own

Highlights independence and self-reliance.

man free from commitment

Focuses on the absence of obligations.

lone wolf

Conveys a sense of solitude and preference for being alone.

FAQs

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

You can use "single man" to describe someone who isn't married or in a relationship. For instance: "He's a "single man" who enjoys traveling."

What is a more formal synonym for "single man"?

A more formal synonym is "bachelor". Use "He remains a "bachelor", enjoying his independence."

Is it appropriate to use "single man" in professional contexts?

Yes, it is appropriate if the context requires specifying someone's marital or relationship status. However, ensure it is relevant and avoids unnecessary personal details.

What's the difference between "single man" and "single men"?

"Single man" refers to one unmarried male individual, while "single men" refers to a group or plurality of unmarried males.