he is compelling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he is compelling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is interesting, persuasive, or captivating in their manner or presence. Example: "During the debate, he is compelling, drawing the audience in with his passionate arguments."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Yet, he is compelled to keep building.

The New York Times

He is compelled to make meaning from whatever is there.

The New Yorker

Yet still he runs for re-election, still he is compelled by the calling of Galatasaray.

The New York Times - Sports

Even as he admires the generosity of Adelaide's embrace, he is compelled to spoil it.

The New Yorker

Al-Habsi dived, as he is compelled to do, but did not stand a chance.

Independent

He kills and then eats people because that's what he is compelled to do.

The Guardian

"Yeah," he is compelled to say, "we worked hard for this, and it paid off.

The New Yorker

But about once an episode on his new show, "Food Tech," he encounters something even he is compelled to spit out.

The New York Times - Arts

In recapping his time with Maccabi Tel Aviv, he is compelled to point out that those three Euroleague titles happened, too.

The New York Times - Sports

She fears anti-Isis forces might not even recognise him as a captive if he is compelled to fight.

The Guardian

This may be true when he is compelled to call members of the Sex Pistols "Mr. Rotten" and "Mr. Vicious".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he is compelling" when you want to convey that someone has a strong ability to capture attention and generate interest or agreement. It's suitable for describing speakers, performers, or arguments.

Common error

Avoid using "he is compelling" too casually in everyday conversation. While grammatically correct, it can sound overly formal or dramatic in informal settings. Simpler alternatives like "he's interesting" or "he's persuasive" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is compelling" functions as a descriptive statement, attributing a quality of being captivating or persuasive to a male subject. While Ludwig indicates that the phrase is correct, the lack of examples limits deeper functional analysis.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he is compelling" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe someone who is captivating or persuasive. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct; however, due to the absence of examples, the analysis is limited. While suitable for various contexts, including formal and neutral settings, simpler alternatives may be preferable in casual conversations. Consider related phrases such as "he is captivating" or "he is persuasive" to nuance your meaning. When writing, remember to avoid overuse and be mindful of the context to maintain clarity and appropriateness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is captivating

This alternative emphasizes the ability to hold attention and interest, similar to "he is compelling".

he is fascinating

This alternative highlights the quality of being extremely interesting and attractive.

he is intriguing

This phrase focuses on the aspect of arousing curiosity or interest.

he is persuasive

This alternative concentrates on the ability to convince someone of something.

he is convincing

Similar to "persuasive", this emphasizes the power to make someone believe something.

he is magnetic

This phrase suggests a powerful, irresistible attraction.

he is charismatic

This highlights the ability to inspire and attract others through personal charm.

he is riveting

Focuses on the ability to completely absorb someone's attention.

he is enthralling

Similar to "riveting", this emphasizes the captivating and spellbinding quality.

he is impressive

This alternative suggests that the person evokes admiration and respect, though less focused on attraction than "compelling".

FAQs

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

You can use "he is compelling" to describe someone or something that captures attention and generates interest. For example: "The actor gave such a passionate performance that "he is compelling" to watch".

What can I say instead of "he is compelling"?

You can use alternatives like "he is captivating", "he is fascinating", or "he is persuasive" depending on the context.

Is "he is compelling" formal or informal?

"He is compelling" leans towards a more formal register. In informal settings, simpler alternatives like "he's interesting" or "he's persuasive" may be more suitable.

What is the difference between "he is compelling" and "he is persuasive"?

While both suggest an ability to influence, "he is compelling" emphasizes the act of capturing attention and generating interest, while "he is persuasive" focuses on the ability to convince someone of something. A speaker can be compelling without necessarily being persuasive, and vice-versa.