he is engaged

USAGE SUMMARY

"he is engaged" is a correct and usable sentence in written English.
This phrase typically means that the person mentioned is in a committed romantic relationship and has agreed to marry their partner. You can use this phrase to describe someone's relationship status, either in a conversation or in writing. For example: - "I heard that John is engaged to his longtime girlfriend." - "Sarah is excited to announce that she and her partner are now engaged." - "When I asked him about his plans for the future, he mentioned that he is engaged and will be getting married next year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Campbell is usually engaging when he is engaged.

The Guardian - Books

He is engaged but disengaged.

The New Yorker

He is engaged to be married.

The New Yorker

and he is engaged to be married.

The New York Times - Sports

He is engaged to Gloria Bongi Ngema of Durban.

The New York Times

And he is engaged in another fight.

The New York Times - Science

He is engaged to Kyla Weber, a Canadian estate agent.

Independent

He is engaged to Julia Carey, a former TV producer.

Independent

He is engaged to the actress Bridgette Wilson.

The New York Times - Sports

He is engaged, and says Washington will be invited to his wedding.

The New York Times - Sports

"He will not learn unless he is engaged, seduced rationally, to change his thinking".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "he is engaged" to mean 'betrothed', ensure the context clearly indicates the intention to marry to avoid ambiguity. Otherwise, specify with 'engaged to be married'.

Common error

Avoid using "he is engaged" when you mean he is simply interested or captivated. "Engaged" implies a commitment, particularly to marriage or a serious project, not just a fleeting interest.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is engaged" primarily functions as a stative verb phrase, describing a state of being. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase typically indicates that someone is in a committed relationship with plans to marry. Examples show it describing relationship status or involvement in activities.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "he is engaged" is a common and grammatically sound expression used primarily to indicate that a man is betrothed or actively involved in something. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts. While primarily used in news and media, academic papers, and encyclopedias, its register is considered neutral. To avoid ambiguity, especially regarding romantic engagements, clarity is key. Consider alternatives like "he is betrothed" or "he is involved" depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is betrothed

This alternative is a more formal and archaic term for being engaged.

he is affianced

Similar to betrothed, this is a formal term for being engaged, implying a promise of marriage.

he is involved

This alternative widens the scope to suggest participation in a project or situation.

he is participating

This alternative suggests active involvement, especially in a group or event.

he is occupied

This alternative shifts the focus to the person's current activity or busyness.

he is working on

This alternative focuses on current projects or tasks being performed.

he is committed

This alternative emphasizes dedication and obligation, not necessarily romantic.

he is tied up

This alternative implies being busy and unavailable.

he is engrossed

This alternative expresses a deeper level of absorption or fascination.

he is undertaking

This alternative refers to taking on a task or responsibility.

FAQs

What does "he is engaged" mean?

The phrase "he is engaged" primarily means that he is in a committed relationship with the intention of getting married. It can also mean he is actively involved or participating in something, like a project.

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

You can use "he is engaged" to describe someone's relationship status (e.g., "He is engaged to be married next spring"). You can also use it to describe someone's involvement in an activity (e.g., "He is engaged in a research project").

What's the difference between "he is engaged" and "he is interested"?

"He is engaged" implies a formal commitment or active participation, whereas "he is interested" suggests a curiosity or preliminary consideration. The former is more concrete and binding.

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

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "he is occupied", "he is involved", or, specifically for marriage, "he is betrothed".