does what he pleases

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "does what he pleases" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who acts according to their own desires or preferences without regard for others. Example: "He is known for his carefree attitude; he does what he pleases, regardless of the consequences."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Nowadays, Tovar does what he pleases – but nothing illegal.

The Guardian - Music

How is it that a man can just leave his wife, does what he pleases with no social reprimand and she is left to manage the fields and do all the work in order to pay for his life with the new wife.

Ageing and Society

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

He is free to say and do what he pleases, affording himself the kind of freewheeling latitude others can only fantasize about.

The New Yorker

"God hasn't got aeroplanes", "God creates people", "Why doesn't God keep the old people?" "God is God and he can do what he pleases".

The Guardian - Film

Dodiddilidodo You come all flattarp he come Groovin' out slowly he got Ju ju eyeball he won Holy roller he got Here down to his knees Got to be a joker, he just do what he pleases.

The New Yorker

By "free" he meant that Trump can be seen as free from financial influence, free from the microtargeted pettiness of partisan politics, and most of all free to say and do what he pleases.

The New Yorker

In a recent interview, Col. Lewis F. Setliff, the head of the team rebuilding levees, said the corps was not like the man on the street who is free to do what he pleases and change his mind at will.

The New York Times

"If they won't let that next manager have free reign where he can do what he pleases, they will struggle to get a top-class manager at the club," Roberts told BBC Radio Norfolk.

BBC

I don't mind him looking at other girls (like on instagram)... it would be nice if I knew he was still looking at my picture but he can do what he pleases.

Huffington Post

If God is powerful and created everything, that means he can do what he pleases with his creation.

WikiHow

Having money does not make one "secure" from poverty because he can do what he pleases with the money, including not use it at all and stay poor.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To increase impact or clarity, precede the phrase with an explanation of why someone is behaving as he wishes.

Common error

Avoid using "does what he pleases" repeatedly in a single piece of writing, as it can become monotonous. Instead, vary your language by using synonyms like "acts according to his will" or "follows his own inclinations" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "does what he pleases" functions as a verbal phrase within a sentence, typically describing the actions of a subject. It indicates a state of autonomy or freedom in decision-making, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "does what he pleases" is grammatically sound and used to describe someone's autonomous actions. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides various examples. Its frequency is uncommon, appearing mainly in News & Media, Science, and Wiki contexts. While the phrase maintains a neutral register, its usage should be varied with synonyms like "acts according to his will" to avoid redundancy. Understanding its nuances helps writers use it effectively to convey independence or recklessness, depending on the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

answers to himself

Underscores independence and lack of external accountability.

is his own master

Emphasizes self-governance and autonomy.

acts according to his will

Emphasizes the alignment of actions with personal desires.

is a free agent

Implies autonomy and lack of constraints.

follows his own inclinations

Highlights the internal drive behind actions.

has free rein

Suggests unrestricted freedom of action.

obeys his impulses

Focuses on the spontaneous nature of actions.

calls the shots

Highlights decision-making power and control.

lives as he wishes

Broader in scope, encompassing a lifestyle perspective.

marches to the beat of his own drum

Idiomatic expression for nonconformity.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone "does what he pleases"?

It means the person acts according to their own desires, preferences, or impulses, without necessarily considering the needs or expectations of others.

How can I use "does what he pleases" in a sentence?

You might say, "Since he inherited a fortune, he now "is his own master" and "does what he pleases"", or "The spoiled child always gets his way and "does what he pleases"".

Is "does what he pleases" a formal or informal expression?

It's generally considered a neutral expression suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although more formal alternatives like "acts according to his will" may be preferred in academic or professional writing.

What are some other ways to say "does what he pleases"?

Alternatives include "lives as he wishes", "answers to himself", or "obeys his impulses", depending on the nuance you want to convey.