a handsome one

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a handsome one" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is attractive or good-looking, often in reference to a person. Example: "Among all the candidates, he was certainly a handsome one, catching everyone's attention with his charm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

This is an authoritative volume, and a handsome one too, laid out with spare elegance by Green Dragon Office of Los Angeles and printed on caress-inviting matte stock.

The New York Times - Arts

And a handsome one long-established in Mexico and North America.

University of California, Berkeley

Everyone loves a good a jewel thief, don't they, especially a handsome one (which Milan is)?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Oxo makes a handsome one with a round dial attached to a suction cup that can be installed easily on either interior side wall ($12.99 at oxo.com).

The New York Times

It was the end of the 90s and Brydon was making a living in radio, but not what you'd call a handsome one.

The Guardian

It's a handsome one, too: an engrossing if not especially innovative study of renowned oceanographer Sylvia Earle and her tireless work in the area of marine conservation.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

The first three of Highsmith's five Ripley novels have just been published by Knopf's Everyman's Library in a handsome one-volume edition... Highsmith found her style early on, and stuck to it.

The New Yorker

In Colorado she met a handsome one-eyed outlaw, "Mountain Jim Nugentt, sparking speculation about an affair.

The Guardian

A month or so later, Dr. Austin, surfing the Internet for apartment listings, spotted a handsome one-bedroom near Lincoln Center, "but it was over $1 million," Ms. Lipman said.

The New York Times

As the clock struck 10, steam began to emerge from behind the black gates at the far end of the catwalk, a false floor was pulled back to reveal train tracks, and the Louis Vuitton express – a handsome one-carriage train liveried in navy and gold, built especially for the show – pulled into the "station".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Did you ever see a handsomer one?" challenged the visitor.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a handsome one" when you want to subtly imply both attractiveness and a sense of distinction or quality, without being overly descriptive. For example, "He wasn't just any candidate; he was a handsome one."

Common error

Avoid using "a handsome one" in highly formal or academic writing, as it can sound too informal or subjective. Opt for more precise and objective language to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a handsome one" functions as an adjectival phrase acting as a noun substitute. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it describes someone or something that is attractive or good-looking. This phrase can modify a noun, providing descriptive detail.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a handsome one" is used to describe something or someone visually attractive or of high quality. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly employed in diverse contexts, predominantly in News & Media. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral and slightly informal situations. To maintain professionalism in formal writing, consider alternatives like "an attractive person" or "a good-looking individual" to ensure clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an attractive person

Replaces "handsome" with a more general term for attractiveness and specifies a person.

a good-looking individual

Similar to "attractive person" but uses the term "good-looking" as synonym for "handsome".

a striking figure

Emphasizes impressiveness and visual impact rather than just physical appeal.

a visually appealing option

Focuses on the visual aspect and suitability of a choice.

a fine specimen

Suggests high quality and excellence, applicable to both people and objects.

an elegant choice

Highlights refinement and good taste.

a beautiful example

Emphasizes the aesthetic qualities and representative nature of something.

a polished version

Implies sophistication and refinement through careful improvement.

a remarkable instance

Focuses on the exceptional nature and noteworthiness.

a superior model

Highlights the better quality compared to others of the same kind.

FAQs

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

You can use "a handsome one" to describe a person or thing that is attractive or of good quality. For example, "Of all the apartments, this is "a handsome one"."

What are some alternatives to "a handsome one"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "an attractive person", "a good-looking individual", or "a striking figure".

Is it appropriate to use "a handsome one" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a handsome one" might be too informal for highly formal or academic contexts. Consider using more precise and objective language instead.

What does "a handsome one" imply beyond just physical appearance?

"A handsome one" can also imply a sense of quality, distinction, or desirability, depending on the context. It suggests that something or someone is not only attractive but also possesses other positive attributes.