handsome couple

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "handsome couple" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a pair of people who are both physically attractive. Example: "At the gala, all eyes were on the handsome couple as they entered the room, turning heads with their impeccable style and charming smiles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

They were a handsome couple.

The New York Times - Sports

What a handsome couple they were.

The New York Times - Health

They are the most handsome couple in the world.

The New York Times - Sports

What a handsome couple: Jennifer Lawrence and Chris Pratt.

The Guardian - Film

To show a young, handsome couple singing the lullaby together sentimentalizes the music and the moment.

The New York Times

"We were a nice, handsome couple who should have been brother and sister".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

The rooms filled as the night went on, with handsome couples waiting for their tables, more party girls and the occasional New York Ranger, with puck bunnies in tow.

The New York Times

Tarantino's two-handedness lends itself well to the scene at the DBA Theater, where, on the night I attended, handsome couples and over-40 Grouponers alike drank in the ambience, and the 14-dollar cocktails.

Vice

But for Italian audiences 1949 was the year of "Catene" ("Chains"), a densely plotted melodrama, starring the Hollywood-handsome couple Amedeo Nazzari and Yvonne Sanson, that became postwar Italy's first megahit.

The New York Times

James and Chelsea Brian Palermo and Andrea Savagee), a handsome young couple who have been married for three months (the time served by each couple is shown on the screen), are in bed; she wants to have sex, but he won't coöperate because she hasn't brushed her teeth yet.

The New Yorker

A handsome, smiling couple in late middle age answered.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a couple, consider using "handsome couple" when you want to emphasize their striking and attractive appearance together. It's often used in descriptive writing to set a scene or introduce characters in a visually appealing way.

Common error

While "handsome couple" is fine for narration, avoid having characters frequently use this exact phrase in conversation, as it can sound unnatural. Opt for character-specific observations or other expressions of admiration.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "handsome couple" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. It serves to characterize a pair of people (usually in a romantic relationship) as being physically attractive and pleasing to the eye. Ludwig AI confirms that is a common phrase.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "handsome couple" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe a physically attractive pair, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It's most frequently found in News & Media contexts with a neutral register. While alternatives such as "attractive duo" or "striking couple" exist, the original phrase effectively conveys admiration for the couple's combined appearance. When using this phrase, remember to consider your audience and ensure the tone aligns with the context. The phrase is considered reliable, achieving an expert rating of 4.5/5.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stunning couple

Highlights a very high degree of attractiveness, more emphatic than simply "handsome".

gorgeous duo

Similar to "stunning couple" but employs the synonym "gorgeous" and the word "duo".

attractive duo

Replaces "handsome" with "attractive" and "couple" with "duo", focusing on physical appeal and partnership.

good-looking pair

Uses more casual synonyms for both adjectives and nouns, maintaining the core meaning.

striking couple

Emphasizes the visual impact and memorability of the pair, rather than just their attractiveness.

beautiful twosome

Replaces "handsome" with "beautiful", generally used when both individuals possess a pleasing appearance.

charming pair

Shifts the focus from physical attractiveness to an appealing personality and demeanor.

lovely couple

Uses a gentler and more affectionate term to describe the pair.

elegant duo

Highlights the sophistication and refined appearance of the couple.

well-matched pair

Emphasizes the compatibility and suitability of the couple, rather than just their looks.

FAQs

What does it mean to call someone a "handsome couple"?

Calling someone a "handsome couple" means that the pair are seen as physically attractive and aesthetically pleasing as a unit. It's a compliment on their appearance and often implies they look good together.

What are some alternative ways to describe a "handsome couple"?

You can use alternatives like "attractive duo", "striking couple", or "beautiful twosome" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "handsome couple" in formal writing?

Yes, "handsome couple" is appropriate in formal writing when the context calls for a description of a couple's attractive appearance. However, consider the tone of your writing and whether a more descriptive or nuanced phrase might be more suitable.

Can "handsome couple" be used to describe same-sex couples?

Yes, "handsome couple" can be used to describe any couple, regardless of gender. The adjective "handsome" refers to an attractive appearance, and its usage is not limited to heterosexual relationships.