he is droll

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he is droll" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is amusing in an odd or whimsical way. Example: "At the party, his droll remarks kept everyone entertained and laughing."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

In person, he is droll, handsome, tough and self-contained.

The Guardian - Film

He is droll - "I just thought I'd check you guys are okay," he says, as the left side of the stadium erupts as he ventures near.

The Guardian - Music

With him, Jonathan Veira as Leporello bobs along cheerfully while keeping his guard up: he is droll, engaging and unsavory all at once.

The New York Times - Arts

He is droll on the subject of egg freezing and casts himself as a 20-year-old woman: "So, I am a young woman, I collect my eggs – I haven't the foggiest idea yet whether I want children, I have not yet met the man with whom I would like to have children, I do not know yet whether I want to be a single mother, I have not made up my mind yet but I have it in the bank.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The Yorkshire poet is talking to his astute and desirable mistress, not, of course, to a political opponent, but, to some degree, he is drolling.

The Guardian - Books

He was droll ("America, I come in peace"), playfully evasive about changing the team's name and confident of a championship in five years "maximum".

The New York Times - Sports

The script wasn't vintage noir – there was a martial arts scene – and Garner was not exactly Chandler's Philip Marlowe, but he was droll and melancholy.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I don't remember the details of his riffs, so you'll just have to take my word for it: he was droll, witty, sharp, and at once self-deprecating and merciless to his fellow politicians.

The New Yorker

All is droll and smart.

The New Yorker

The text is droll, the story charming, the pictures marvelous.

The New York Times - Books

At his best, Leveridge is droll and effortless.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he is droll" when you want to describe someone whose humor is understated, quirky, and often delivered with a deadpan expression. This phrase adds a touch of sophistication and nuance to your description.

Common error

Avoid using "he is droll" if you intend to describe someone with boisterous or overtly silly humor. "Droll" implies a more subtle and dry wit, not slapstick or obvious jokes.

Linguistic Context

He is droll functions as a descriptive phrase, specifically a subject-linking verb-adjective construction. It characterizes an individual by attributing to them the quality of being amusing or having a peculiar sense of humor. Ludwig confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he is droll" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes someone with a dry, understated, and often whimsical sense of humor. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability. While not overly common, it appears primarily in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, it's essential to consider the subtle connotation of "droll", which implies a sophisticated appreciation for humor rather than boisterous laughter. Alternatives such as "he is witty" or "he is amusing" may be more appropriate depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is amusing

Focuses on the subject's ability to provoke amusement.

he is wry

Focuses on a dry and ironic sense of humor.

he is witty

Emphasizes cleverness and quick-mindedness in humor.

he is humorous

A more general term for being funny.

he is comical

Suggests a sense of absurdity or lightheartedness.

he is jocular

Implies a fondness for joking.

he is waggish

Highlights a playful and mischievous sense of humor.

he is sardonic

Implies a cynical or mocking humor.

he is facetious

Suggests a lighthearted and sometimes inappropriate sense of humor.

he is jesting

Highlights the act of making jokes or telling humorous stories.

FAQs

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

You can use "he is droll" to describe someone who possesses an amusing, dry, or whimsical sense of humor. For example, "Despite the serious situation, "he is droll" and manages to lighten the mood with his understated jokes."

What are some alternatives to "he is droll"?

Alternatives include "he is witty", "he is amusing", "he is humorous", or "he is wry", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What is the difference between "he is droll" and "he is funny"?

"He is funny" is a general term, while ""he is droll"" suggests a particular type of humor that is dry, understated, and often intellectual. Someone who is droll might not always elicit loud laughter, but rather a quiet appreciation for their wit.

Is "he is droll" a formal or informal expression?

"He is droll" is considered a somewhat formal expression, suitable for both written and spoken English. It's more refined than saying "he is funny" and suggests a more sophisticated appreciation of humor.