strong men

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "strong men" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to physically powerful individuals or metaphorically to describe men with strong character or leadership qualities. Example: "Throughout history, strong men have often shaped the course of nations with their decisive actions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Strong men shouldn't need help.

The Economist

The founders were strong men.

The New Yorker

Strong words from strong men.

The New York Times

"We are strong men.

The Guardian

Strong men carried her out.

Princeton University

They're mostly men and strong men.

Independent

These are physically young strong men.

Independent

Strong men also cry, Jon, strong men also cry.

The Guardian - Sport

A dozen strong men to dig.

The Guardian

Africa doesn't need strong men, it needs strong institutions.

The New Yorker

"This boutique is just for big strong men".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "strong men" when you want to convey physical strength, moral fortitude, or leadership capability in a group of men. The phrase is versatile and widely understood.

Common error

Be mindful of using "strong men" in contexts where strength is not exclusively a male trait. Consider using "strong people" or "strong leaders" to be more inclusive.

Linguistic Context

"Strong men" functions primarily as a noun phrase, referring to a group of males characterized by physical strength, resilience, or leadership capabilities. As Ludwig confirms, it's a correct and usable phrase in English, often appearing in news and media contexts to describe figures of power or influence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

18%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

4%

Wiki

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "strong men" functions as a noun phrase to denote males possessing notable physical, emotional, or leadership strength. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. Its frequency is high, particularly in news and media contexts, and its usage is versatile, ranging from literal descriptions of physical prowess to metaphorical representations of power and influence. While the phrase is generally acceptable, careful consideration should be given to its potential for gender bias, with more inclusive alternatives considered where appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

powerful men

Emphasizes authority and influence more than physical strength.

mighty men

Suggests great power and impressive strength, often with historical or legendary connotations.

stalwart men

Highlights reliability, firmness and dedication.

robust men

Focuses on health and vigor.

capable men

Emphasizes competence and ability.

influential men

Highlights the impact and sway these men have on others or events.

commanding men

Suggests authority and leadership.

forceful men

Highlights assertiveness and impact.

resilient men

Focuses on the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties.

vigorous men

Emphasizes energy and enthusiasm.

FAQs

How can I use "strong men" in a sentence?

You can use "strong men" to describe physical prowess, as in "The circus employed several "strong men" to lift heavy objects", or to describe leadership, as in "The nation needed "strong men" to guide it through the crisis".

What is a good alternative to "strong men"?

Alternatives include "powerful men" (emphasizing influence), "mighty men" (highlighting great strength), or "stalwart men" (stressing reliability and firmness), depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "strong men"?

It is appropriate when referring specifically to a group of men who possess notable physical strength, resilience, or leadership qualities. Be mindful of gender neutrality in broader contexts and consider "strong leaders" or "strong individuals" if the qualities apply to all genders.

What are some common misconceptions about "strong men"?

A common misconception is that "strong men" refers only to physical strength, neglecting the equally important aspects of emotional, moral, and intellectual strength. Also, be aware of the stereotype that associates strength exclusively with men; consider using more inclusive terms when appropriate.