up to the man

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'up to the man' is grammatically correct and can be used in written English in certain contexts.
For example, you might use it in the sentence, "It's up to the man to take the lead on this project." In this context, the phrase refers to someone who has the responsibility of taking charge or leading the project.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

That's up to the man".

The New York Times

The officer caught up to the man.

The New York Times

We made our way up to the man.

The Washington Post

I sidle up to the man doing the varnishing.

The Guardian

What does it all add up to? the man wonders.

The New York Times - Books

They broke the silence and stood up to the man who overpowered them.

The New York Times - Sports

Kibet caught up to the man downstairs, in front of the hotel.

The Washington Post

"I've been through many hurricanes, and it's always up to the man upstairs," he said.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Ironically, perhaps, she is now wised-up to the man who wished to educate her, and hip to his manipulations, and yet she seems relatively happy.

The New York Times - Books

I went to see this the other day: it's Ivo van Hove's follow-up to The Man Who Fell to Earth, set in a New York high rise.

The Guardian

The Express's executive editor (Pilgrim never did have the title of editor) thought a bit of sucking-up to the man who brought us Asian Babes and Big Ones might land him Boycott's job.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "up to the man" to indicate that a decision, responsibility, or action lies with a specific male individual. Ensure the context clearly identifies who "the man" is to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "up to the man" when referring to a group or abstract entity. This phrase is specifically for individual male figures. For broader entities, consider using phrases like "it's their responsibility" or "it depends on the organization".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "up to the man" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase indicating responsibility, dependence, or decision-making power vested in a male individual. As shown in the Ludwig examples, it often modifies a verb, specifying who is in charge or accountable for a particular action or outcome. It is considered grammatically correct according to Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "up to the man" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that a decision, responsibility, or action rests with a specific male individual. Ludwig AI analysis confirms this. While versatile and frequently used in diverse contexts like News & Media and Science, careful consideration should be given to potentially gender-biased connotations, particularly in professional settings. Alternatives such as "it's his responsibility" or gender-neutral phrasing can often be more appropriate. When using the phrase, clarity regarding who "the man" is remains crucial to avoid ambiguity. Overall, while the phrase is both common and acceptable, users must consider the context to ensure they don't offend or mislead their audience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it depends on the man

Highlights the man's influence on the outcome.

it is the man's responsibility

Directly states the man's duty or accountability.

the decision rests with the man

Emphasizes the man's authority in making a decision.

the man is accountable

Stresses that the man is responsible for his actions.

it's the man's call

Highlights the man's power to choose a course of action.

the man has the final say

Underscores the man's ultimate authority.

the onus is on the man

Focuses on the man's obligation or burden.

the man is in charge

Indicates the man has control or command.

confront the man

Focuses on directly challenging or facing the man.

challenge the man

Implies questioning the man's authority or actions.

FAQs

How can I use "up to the man" in a sentence?

You can use "up to the man" to indicate that a decision, responsibility, or action depends on a specific male individual. For example, "It's "up to the man" to decide the next course of action".

What's the difference between "up to the man" and "up to the individual"?

"Up to the individual" is gender-neutral and refers to any person, whereas ""up to the man"" specifically refers to a male person. Use "up to the individual" when gender is irrelevant or unknown.

What are some alternatives to using "up to the man"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "it's his responsibility", "it's his call", or "it "depends on him"". Consider the specific meaning you want to convey when choosing an alternative.

Is it appropriate to use "up to the man" in professional settings?

While grammatically correct, using ""up to the man"" might be perceived as gender-biased in some professional contexts. Consider using gender-neutral alternatives like "it's up to the person" or "it's up to the decision-maker" for a more inclusive approach.