stand-up guy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stand-up guy" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe someone who is reliable, honest, and has strong moral principles. Example: "Everyone knows that Tom is a stand-up guy; he always keeps his promises." Alternative expressions include "trustworthy person" and "reliable individual."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"He's a stand-up guy".

The New York Times

"And he's a stand-up guy.

The New York Times - Magazine

Is he a stand-up guy?

The New York Times

"I think Rory's a stand-up guy.

The New York Times

He's a real stand-up guy.

The New York Times

"He is a stand-up guy," she said.

The New York Times

"I've always been an honest, stand-up guy," Merritt said.

The New York Times - Sports

"Frank Vincent's a stand-up guy," James Gandolfini wrote.

The New York Times

"He's a stand-up guy," one worker said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Here's to Josh Greenberg, true leader, a stand up guy, and one of my favorite people ever.

TechCrunch

Not exactly a stand up guy.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stand-up guy" to characterize someone known for their ethical behavior in challenging situations. This highlights their commitment to doing the right thing, even when it's difficult.

Common error

While "stand-up guy" is a recognizable idiom, overuse can diminish its impact. Try substituting it with more descriptive alternatives like "man of integrity" or "principled person" to keep your writing fresh and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stand-up guy" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a compliment or positive descriptor. It's used to identify someone as honest, reliable, and of good moral character, as Ludwig examples show. It's often used in personal testimonials or character assessments.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stand-up guy" is a common and generally informal idiom used to describe someone who is honest, reliable, and of good moral character. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news and media contexts. While effective, it's important to avoid overusing the phrase and consider more descriptive alternatives like ""man of integrity"" or ""principled person"" to maintain freshness in writing. When using "stand-up guy", provide concrete examples of the person's behavior to support your assessment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

man of integrity

Emphasizes moral principles and ethical behavior.

principled person

Emphasizes the individual's strong moral principles guiding their actions.

person of honor

Highlights the individual's adherence to a code of conduct and integrity.

trustworthy individual

Focuses on the reliability and dependability of the person.

ethical individual

Highlights adherence to moral and professional ethics.

honest man

Directly points out the person's truthfulness and lack of deceit.

reliable fellow

Highlights dependability and consistency in behavior.

decent chap

Indicates a person who is generally good and well-behaved.

upright citizen

Stresses the person's conformity to societal norms and laws.

gentleman

Implies courtesy, honor, and respectability, although traditionally gendered.

FAQs

How can I use "stand-up guy" in a sentence?

You can use "stand-up guy" to describe someone who is honest, reliable, and has strong moral principles. For example, "Everyone knows that Tom is a "stand-up guy"; he always keeps his promises."

What can I say instead of "stand-up guy"?

You can use alternatives like ""man of integrity"", "person of honor", or "trustworthy individual" depending on the context.

Is "stand-up guy" a formal or informal expression?

"Stand-up guy" is considered an informal expression. It's suitable for casual conversations and less formal writing. In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like ""principled person"" or "ethical individual".

What qualities define a "stand-up guy"?

A ""stand-up guy"" is typically defined by qualities such as honesty, integrity, reliability, and a strong moral compass. They are known for doing the right thing, even when it's difficult.