he is

USAGE SUMMARY

"he is" is a perfectly normal and acceptable phrase in written English.
It is used as a form of the verb "to be" when speaking about someone's present state. For example: "He is a very successful businessman."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He is.

The New York Times

He is what he is.

The New York Times - Sports

He is who he is.

The New York Times - Sports

He is remembered; he is missed.

The New Yorker

He is asked if he is scared.

The New Yorker

When he is on, he is overpowering.

The New York Times

"Well, he is — he is," he said.

The New York Times

He is troubled/annoyed.

Lingua Sinica

He is not smart.

Lingua Sinica

He is suffering".

Annals of Intensive Care

He is IEEE member.

Journal of Cloud Computing

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he is" to clearly and directly state a fact or characteristic about a male subject. Ensure the context supports a formal or neutral tone, as the contraction "he's" is often preferred in informal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "he is" excessively in casual conversation or informal writing. The contracted form "he's" typically sounds more natural and fluid in these contexts. For instance, instead of writing "He is going to the store", consider using "He's going to the store" for a more relaxed tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is" serves as a copula, linking a subject (he) to a subject complement (a noun, adjective, or equivalent). It's a fundamental structure for expressing identity, qualities, or states of being. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

37%

News & Media

31%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he is" is a grammatically correct and ubiquitous construction in English, serving as a crucial link between a male subject and their attributes or states. As Ludwig AI points out, it's a standard form suitable for both formal and informal communication, though the contracted form "he's" is often favored in casual settings. Its usage spans across various domains, including science and news, highlighting its versatility and importance in expressing essential information. When writing, remember to choose "he is" for clarity or emphasis, and reserve "he's" for a more conversational tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he's

Contraction of "he is", differing in formality and length.

he can be described as

Offers a more descriptive and elaborate way to portray a person's attributes.

it is he who

Places emphasis on the subject, creating a more formal and emphatic tone.

he happens to be

Introduces an element of chance or surprise about the person's state or identity.

he will be

Shifts the context to the future, indicating a future state of being.

he was

Shifts the context to the past, indicating a past state of being.

he appears to be

Indicates an observation or perception about the person's state, rather than a definitive statement.

he may be

Expresses possibility or uncertainty about the person's state.

he seems to be

Similar to "he appears to be", but can also imply a more subjective judgment.

he identifies as

Indicates the person's self-identified state or identity, often used in contexts of gender or social identity.

FAQs

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

Use "he is" to state a characteristic, profession, or state of being about a male subject. For example, "He is a doctor", "He is happy", or "He is working on a new project".

When is it appropriate to use "he is" instead of "he's"?

Use "he is" in more formal writing or when emphasis is needed. "He's" is suitable for informal contexts. For instance, a formal report might use "he is", while a casual conversation would likely use "he's".

What phrases are similar to "he is" but provide a different nuance?

Alternatives include "he seems to be" (suggesting observation), "he may be" (indicating possibility), and "he happens to be" (introducing an element of chance).

Is "he is" always grammatically correct?

"He is" is grammatically correct when used with a predicate nominative, predicate adjective, or as part of a continuous verb tense. Ensure that the sentence structure is complete and follows standard English grammar rules.