he glides

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he glides" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone moving smoothly and effortlessly, often in a graceful manner. Example: "As the dancer took the stage, he glides across the floor, captivating the audience with his elegance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But he glides in, rather than thrashing it in the last 10m and misses the world record by 0.07.

The Guardian - Sport

He glides through.

The New York Times

Where he glides, we creak and moan.

The Guardian - Travel

Lithe and smooth, he glides up and down the court.

The New York Times

Tito used to say: 'Andrés doesn't run, he glides.

The Guardian - Sport

When the president walks, he glides -- it's slow and even.

The New York Times - Magazine

He glides, he coasts and he is too soft.

The New York Times - Sports

Yes, that's it, Andrés doesn't run, he glides".

The Guardian - Sport

In one fluid movement, he glides into the office and into a chair.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

"Wilson is real smooth, polished, with panache; he glides around the track.

The New York Times - Sports

He glides as big cats do: a little sulky and totally in charge.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he glides" to vividly describe a smooth, effortless movement, especially when highlighting grace or ease. For instance, "He glides across the dance floor" creates a more impactful image than "he walks".

Common error

Avoid using "he glides" when describing actions that are not inherently smooth or graceful. Using it for clumsy or forceful movements can create an incongruous and unintentionally humorous effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he glides" primarily functions as a verb phrase, where "he" is the subject pronoun and "glides" is the verb, describing an action performed by the subject. Ludwig provides many examples where the subject is performing a movement with smooth grace.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he glides" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that vividly describes smooth and effortless movement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. The phrase is predominantly found in news and media contexts, signifying its versatile application in describing various subjects and actions with a touch of elegance. While alternatives like "he slides" or "he cruises" offer similar meanings, "he glides" distinctly emphasizes the ease and grace of the movement, making it a powerful tool for descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he slides

Uses "slides" instead of "glides", implying a similar smooth movement, potentially with more contact or less control.

he cruises

Emphasizes a relaxed and steady pace, suggesting ease and control in the movement.

he flows

Conveys a seamless and continuous motion, highlighting the grace and fluidity of the movement.

he drifts

Suggests a passive and gentle movement, often implying a lack of direction or control.

he sails

Implies a smooth and controlled movement, often associated with grace and elegance.

he sweeps

Indicates a broad and fluid movement, often covering a large area with grace.

he skims

Suggests a light and rapid movement across a surface, often with minimal contact.

he floats

Implies a weightless and effortless movement, often associated with a gentle and serene quality.

he breezes

Emphasizes a light and carefree movement, suggesting ease and a lack of resistance.

he coasts along

Highlights a movement that requires minimal effort, suggesting a smooth and uninterrupted progression.

FAQs

How can I use "he glides" in a sentence?

The phrase "he glides" is used to describe a smooth and effortless movement, often suggesting grace or ease. For instance, you might say, "He glides across the ice with remarkable skill" or "He glides through the crowd, unnoticed".

What are some alternatives to "he glides"?

Depending on the specific nuance you want to convey, you can use alternatives like "he slides", "he cruises", or "he flows".

Is it appropriate to use "he glides" in formal writing?

Yes, "he glides" is appropriate in formal writing when describing smooth and graceful movements. It adds vividness to the description without being overly informal or colloquial.

What's the difference between "he glides" and "he walks"?

"He walks" is a general term for moving on foot, while "he glides" implies a smoother, more effortless, and often more graceful movement. Gliding suggests a lack of friction or resistance, making the movement appear almost effortless.