a handsome guy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a handsome guy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an attractive male person in various contexts, such as casual conversation, descriptions in literature, or social media. Example: "At the party, she couldn't help but notice a handsome guy across the room who caught her eye."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"He's a handsome guy".

The New York Times

He was a handsome guy.

The New York Times

And he was a handsome guy".

The Guardian - Music

"This guy was a handsome guy," he told me.

The New Yorker

"He's a handsome guy, that's all I know.

The New York Times

In a waiting room full of actors, a handsome guy recognizes an attractive woman.

The New York Times

Mr. Dicks replied, "I yield to the gentleman," then conceded: "You're such a handsome guy, I thought you spoke twice.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

Best was a soccer genius, a very handsome guy, and a lad about town.

The New York Times - Sports

You take a very handsome guy, or a guy that thinks he's a real hot-shot, and they're always asking you to do them a big favor.

The New Yorker

QUESTION No. 1 for Craig Bierko: You're a roguishly handsome guy with a diverse résumé of film and television roles, a Tony nomination to your name and a bright career still ahead of you.

The New York Times - Arts

The agent, whose name is Dan Jason Clarkee), a tall, handsome guy with a bushy brown beard, subjects the prisoner to "enhanced interrogation" — a full complement of pain, naked humiliation, and waterboarding.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone, consider using more specific adjectives beyond "handsome" to add depth to your description. Words like "charming", "striking", or "well-groomed" can offer a richer portrayal.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on the phrase "a handsome guy" in your writing. While acceptable, overuse can make your descriptions sound generic and uninspired. Vary your vocabulary to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a handsome guy" functions primarily as a descriptive phrase. It's used to attribute a quality (handsomeness) to a male individual. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples where the phrase serves to describe a person's physical appearance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a handsome guy" is a common and acceptable way to describe an attractive male. As supported by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and frequently used in informal contexts, particularly in news, media and Wiki sources. While universally understood, remember that more descriptive and nuanced language is always preferred in formal writing. Consider context and audience when choosing to use this phrase, opting for alternative vocabulary depending on the situation. While this phrase is widely used, take care not to overuse it.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an attractive man

Replaces "handsome" with a more general term for attractiveness, and "guy" with a more formal term.

a good-looking man

Uses a different adjective with similar meaning and "man" instead of "guy".

a striking man

Emphasizes the visual impact and impressiveness of the man's appearance.

a stunning man

Emphasizes the high degree of attractiveness.

a dashing fellow

Uses a more old-fashioned and flamboyant term for attractiveness.

a fine-looking gentleman

Uses a more formal and sophisticated term for an attractive man.

a knockout guy

An informal phrase emphasizing impressiveness and attractiveness.

a physically appealing man

More clinical and less subjective than "handsome".

a dreamboat

An informal phrase suggesting the person is extremely attractive and desirable.

an Adonis

Referring to a man of exceptional beauty.

FAQs

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

You can use "a handsome guy" to describe someone you find physically attractive. For example, "I saw "a handsome guy" at the coffee shop today".

What's a more formal alternative to "a handsome guy"?

A more formal alternative to "a handsome guy" could be "an attractive man" or "a fine-looking gentleman".

What are some other ways to describe a man's appearance?

Besides "a handsome guy", you could say "an attractive man", "a good-looking man", or "a striking man".

Is it acceptable to use "a handsome guy" in professional writing?

While grammatically correct, "a handsome guy" is generally considered informal. In professional writing, opting for more formal language such as "an attractive man" is advisable.