a handsome place

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a handsome place" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a location that is attractive or pleasing in appearance. Example: "The garden was a handsome place, filled with vibrant flowers and lush greenery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

The men were amazed that the rent for such a handsome place was only $2,400.

The New York Times

It is why Tashkent, a handsome place in many ways, has none of the slums that fringe many another big Asian city as rural folk seek urban work.

The Economist

Now it's a handsome place, with flower beds, pétanque games, a lending library, a carousel, thousands of portable chairs, theatrical performances, and many other inducements.

The New Yorker

Proto (Siroka 1, 020 323 234) is another smart restaurant, a handsome place with photographs on the walls and wooden chairs.

The Guardian - Travel

It's a handsome place, with a ground floor lounge and a second-floor banquet space under that terrace-like dining room on top.

The New York Times - Food

But those who could moved on, and over time a handsome place intended to be a decent haven for low-paid but clean-living workers became the haunt of drunks and drug-abusers.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

It's a sleekly handsome place with a long bar and open kitchen, very roomy coffee-colored booths, spanking white tilework and brick, and both excellent lighting and sound levels, which makes it an equally appealing venue to talk business, have a date, or just relax right after work.

HuffPost

"It was a handsome, handsome place," Mrs. Talbot said, "and my father was hoping I could go there".

The New York Times

In the afternoon, we drove over to Phillips's house — a big place, handsome and new, with a sweeping deck overhanging the Deschutes River.

The New Yorker

Fatty 'Cue is now a handsome little place, simply through the adroit placing of room dividers, booths and tables.

The New York Times - Food

SOSA BORELLA [phone]; 460 Greenwich Street (Watts Street); $$$$25$25 and Under: 5/16/97. This quiet, handsome place is a natural choice for a family brunch on Easter or anytime.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a location, use "a handsome place" to convey a sense of refined attractiveness and visual appeal. It is particularly suitable for settings with architectural merit or well-maintained aesthetics.

Common error

Avoid using "a handsome place" to describe locations that are primarily functional or industrial, as the phrase implies aesthetic appeal. Opt for more neutral or descriptive terms like "location" or "site" in such cases.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a handsome place" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase, where "handsome" modifies the noun "place". It's used to attribute a quality of refined attractiveness or visual appeal to a specific location, as evidenced by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a handsome place" is a descriptive phrase denoting a location with refined aesthetic qualities. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and commonly used. Primarily found in News & Media, the phrase effectively conveys approval of a site's visual appeal. While alternatives like "an attractive location" or "a lovely spot" exist, "a handsome place" carries a unique connotation of well-maintained or architecturally pleasing aesthetics. To ensure correct usage, consider the context; this phrase suits settings with deliberate design or beauty, rather than purely functional or industrial spaces.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

an attractive location

Replaces 'handsome' with 'attractive', focusing on general appeal.

a beautiful locale

Substitutes 'handsome' with 'beautiful' and 'place' with 'locale', emphasizing scenic beauty.

a lovely spot

Uses 'lovely' instead of 'handsome', suggesting a charming and pleasant atmosphere.

a scenic area

Focuses on the visual appeal of the area, highlighting its picturesque qualities.

a picturesque setting

Highlights the visual charm and suitability for artistic representation.

an elegant venue

Replaces 'place' with 'venue', implying sophistication and style.

a charming destination

Suggests the place is delightful and worth visiting.

a magnificent site

Emphasizes grandeur and impressiveness.

an exquisite location

Highlights the refined and delicate beauty of the place.

a prepossessing spot

Focuses on the place making a favorable first impression.

FAQs

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

You can use "a handsome place" to describe a location with refined attractiveness. For example, "The restaurant is "a handsome place" where a Chinese dinner can be a special occasion."

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

"A handsome place" suggests a refined and well-maintained aesthetic, often associated with architecture or design, while "a beautiful place" typically implies natural or scenic beauty.

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

You can use alternatives like "an attractive location", "a lovely spot", or "a scenic area" depending on the context.

Is "a handsome place" formal or informal?

"A handsome place" falls into a neutral register and is usable in a range of settings, from news articles to descriptive writing. It's more descriptive than overtly formal or casual.