he is entertaining

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he is entertaining" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who provides amusement or enjoyment, often in the context of performance or social interaction. Example: "At the party, he is entertaining the guests with his jokes and stories."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

He is entertaining, teasing company.

The New Yorker

Retirement can stop Favre's starting streak, and he has said that he is entertaining the thought.

The New York Times - Sports

He added: "He was ineffectual as governor but he is entertaining".

The Guardian

He is entertaining several hypotheses, including that the needle used to deliver the cells may have had some effect.

Nature

He wants the crowd to recognize that he is doing something unique and different and, in the end, perhaps more important than winning: he is entertaining.

The New Yorker

He says he does not eat at a restaurant unless he is entertaining a client and has no plans to give himself a bonus.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Martin said he is entertained by the fans' antics.

The New York Times - Sports

He also says he is "entertained" by them.

TechCrunch

He is entertained there by Polyxenus and receives a mixing bowl as a gift; the story of Trophonius and Agamedes and Augeas then follows.

University of Chicago

He's entertaining.

The New Yorker

Sure, he's entertaining.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he is entertaining" when you want to highlight someone's ability to amuse, engage, or provide enjoyment to others. Ensure the context aligns with the intention of conveying pleasantness or amusement.

Common error

Avoid using "he is entertaining" in formal or somber contexts where amusement is inappropriate. For example, describing a surgeon as "entertaining" during a critical operation would be highly unsuitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is entertaining" functions primarily as a descriptive statement. It attributes the quality of being amusing or enjoyable to a male subject. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

11%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "he is entertaining" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a male subject who provides amusement or enjoyment. According to Ludwig, the expression is correct and suitable for various contexts. While versatile, it's important to consider the context and audience to ensure the phrase aligns with the intended tone. It is most commonly found in news and media sources. Alternatives like "he is amusing" or "he is captivating" can offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is amusing

Replaces "entertaining" with a direct synonym, focusing on the act of causing laughter or providing mild enjoyment.

he provides amusement

Rephrases the sentence to focus on the act of providing entertainment rather than the inherent quality.

he is captivating

Shifts the focus to the ability to hold someone's attention in a more engaging or fascinating manner.

he is engaging

Highlights the ability to draw people in and create a connection through conversation or interaction.

he offers entertainment

Similar to "he provides amusement", this emphasizes the act of giving entertainment.

he is delightful

Emphasizes the pleasant and charming qualities that make someone enjoyable to be around.

he keeps people entertained

Highlights the continuous nature of providing amusement and maintaining interest.

he is charming

Focuses on the person's attractive and pleasing personality, making them likeable and enjoyable.

he is a joy to watch

Specifically refers to the pleasure derived from observing someone's actions or performance.

he is a pleasure to be around

Highlights the positive experience of spending time in someone's company.

FAQs

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

You can use "he is entertaining" to describe someone who provides amusement or enjoyment. For example, "The comedian "he is entertaining" the audience with his jokes".

What are some alternatives to saying "he is entertaining"?

Alternatives include "he is amusing", "he is captivating", or "he is delightful", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "he is entertaining" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "he is entertaining" might be more suitable for informal or neutral contexts. In formal writing, consider alternatives that convey a similar meaning with a more sophisticated tone.

What's the difference between "he is entertaining" and "he is being entertaining"?

"He is entertaining" describes a general quality or characteristic. "He is being entertaining" implies that he is currently engaged in the act of entertaining at this moment.