a handsome gift

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a handsome gift" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a gift that is attractive, impressive, or generous in nature. Example: "For her birthday, he presented her with a handsome gift that left her speechless."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Plus: after accepting such a handsome gift, wouldn't it be rude of me to write about the intense workplace paint fumes?

The New Yorker

It is such a handsome gift to the listening public one can only hope that these first-rate young players are learning as much as we are.

The New York Times - Arts

But with about only 200 Catholics in New York in the late 1700s, most of them poor, St. Peter's Church would not have been built without a handsome gift from a foreigner — and a papist at that — $1,000 from King Charles III of Spain.

The New York Times

After enough water had churned through these models to satisfy the designers, ground was broken at Old River, about a third of a mile from the crippled sill, for the Old River Control Auxiliary Structure, the most advanced weapon ever developed to prevent the capture of a river — a handsome gift to the American Ruhr, worth three hundred million dollars.

The New Yorker

In the charter Beorhtwulf acknowledges the church's right to the land, but forces a handsome gift from the bishop in return: "four very choice horses and a ring of 30 mancuses and a skilfully wrought dish of three pounds, and two silver horns of four pounds... [and]... two good horses and two goblets of two pounds and one gilded cup of two pounds".

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

Should the listing be approved, Red Sox ownership would be in line for a handsome centennial gift: a 20 percent investment tax credit on the work done to preserve the park.

The New York Times

Back to School Day, Kiner said, featured a "handsome and useful gift".

The New York Times - Sports

Descheduling marijuana without conditions provides a handsome taxpayer-funded gift to the for-profit cannabis industry.

The Washington Post

One ad featured a handsome couple in gift-giving ecstasy; running down an envelope flap on the right side were the words "RedEnvelope Gifts Online".

The New York Times - Magazine

A middle-aged woman bought a history book with a handsome binding as a gift for a teacher for eighty dollars.

The New Yorker

She's perfect, a modernist ahead of her time and Jude is a handsome showcase for her gifts".

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a gift, consider the specific quality you want to emphasize. Use "a handsome gift" when you want to convey that the gift is impressive, elegant, or of high quality in appearance or value.

Common error

While "handsome" can be used to describe gifts, be mindful of its slightly old-fashioned connotation. In some contemporary contexts, consider using more modern alternatives like "stylish" or "elegant" to avoid sounding dated.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a handsome gift" functions as a noun phrase, where 'handsome' modifies the noun 'gift'. It describes the quality or appearance of the gift, indicating that it is attractive, impressive, or generous. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through its examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a handsome gift" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes a gift as attractive, impressive, or generous. Ludwig AI indicates its correct usage, though it's important to be aware of its slightly formal tone. While "handsome" is not incorrect, consider more modern alternatives like "stylish" or "elegant" to avoid sounding dated in casual contexts. Common usage appears in News & Media and Wiki. Overall, it's a solid, if slightly formal, option for describing a pleasing gift.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a splendid gift

Emphasizes the impressive and excellent quality of the gift.

a generous gift

Highlights the thoughtfulness and abundance associated with the gift.

a fine present

Uses a synonym for "gift" and emphasizes the high quality of the item.

a valuable offering

Focuses on the inherent worth and significance of the gift.

an impressive token

Highlights the symbolic and memorable nature of the gift.

a beautiful present

Replaces "handsome" with "beautiful", emphasizing the aesthetic appeal of the gift.

a lovely token

Implies the gift is pleasant and agreeable.

an elegant gift

Emphasizes the refined and stylish nature of the gift.

a lavish present

Highlights the expensiveness and opulence of the gift.

a thoughtful gift

Focuses on the giver's care and consideration in selecting the gift.

FAQs

What does "a handsome gift" mean?

The phrase "a handsome gift" describes a present that is attractive, impressive, or generous in nature. It suggests that the gift is pleasing to the eye and has significant value or quality.

What can I say instead of "a handsome gift"?

You can use alternatives like "a splendid gift", "a generous gift", or "a fine present" depending on the specific aspect you want to emphasize.

Is it appropriate to describe a gift as "handsome"?

Yes, it is appropriate to describe a gift as "handsome", especially when you want to convey that it is impressive, elegant, or of high quality. However, consider your audience and the context, as the term may sound slightly formal or old-fashioned to some.

How can I use "a handsome gift" in a sentence?

You can use "a handsome gift" in a sentence like: "She received "a handsome gift" for her graduation", or "The company presented him with "a handsome gift" in recognition of his years of service".