a handsome man

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a handsome man" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when describing an attractive male. For example, "When the door opened, I saw a handsome man standing in the doorway."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Am I a handsome man?

The New Yorker

A handsome man.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He really was a handsome man.

The New York Times - Magazine

Mr. Sosin was not a handsome man.

The New York Times

"A beautiful name for a handsome man".

The New Yorker

He was such a handsome man.

The New York Times - Science

Bill Morrill is not a handsome man.

The New York Times - Magazine

"You're such a handsome man," Marco added.

The New Yorker

Ernst was a handsome man and a notable philanderer.

The New Yorker

He is a handsome man and comes across as likable.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

with the authors picture before them (shewing him to have been an handsome man) and an Epistle written by Dr. Tho.

University of Chicago

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add depth, follow "a handsome man" with specific details about his features or style, like "a handsome man with piercing blue eyes" or "a handsome man in a tailored suit".

Common error

While acceptable in general use, avoid using "a handsome man" in highly formal or academic papers. Opt for more objective or descriptive language to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a handsome man" primarily functions as a descriptive noun phrase. It modifies an unspecified man by attributing to him the quality of being handsome. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatically correct use as an adjective describing a man, demonstrated by numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Encyclopedias

7%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a handsome man" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe a man's attractive appearance. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and appropriate for use in written English. It's frequently found in news and media, encyclopedias, and academic contexts, indicating a neutral register. While versatile, it's best to avoid overusing it in highly formal writing. Consider related phrases such as "an attractive man" or "a good-looking man" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an attractive man

Replaces "handsome" with a more general term for physical appeal.

a good-looking man

Similar in meaning but uses a more casual expression.

a fine-looking man

Another straightforward synonym for handsome.

a dashing man

Suggests a more refined and stylish attractiveness.

a striking man

Emphasizes an immediately noticeable and impressive appearance.

a prepossessing man

Highlights the ability to create a favorable first impression.

a well-favored man

An older, somewhat archaic term for handsome.

a comely man

A less common, somewhat old-fashioned term for attractive.

an Adonis

Refers to a man of exceptional beauty, like the Greek god.

a hunky man

Suggests a muscular and physically robust attractiveness.

FAQs

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

You can use alternatives like "an attractive man", "a good-looking man", or "a striking man" depending on the context.

How do I use "a handsome man" in a sentence?

You can use the phrase to describe someone's appearance, for example, "He was introduced as a handsome man with a charming smile" or "She described her date as a handsome man with a great sense of humor".

Is it appropriate to describe someone as "a handsome man" in professional settings?

While generally acceptable, consider the context and your relationship with the person. In some professional settings, focusing on appearance may be inappropriate. In such cases, describing skills or accomplishments is preferable.

What's the difference between "a handsome man" and "a beautiful man"?

"Handsome" is typically used to describe men, while "beautiful" is more often used for women. While you could technically use "beautiful" for a man, it's less common and might imply a softer, more refined beauty rather than rugged attractiveness.