he is generous

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he is generous" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is willing to give more of their time, money, or resources than is strictly necessary or expected. Example: "In our community, he is generous, always donating to local charities and helping those in need."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

"Well, maybe he is generous.

The New York Times

He is generous and competent in the kitchen.

The New York Times

He is generous in all sorts of ways.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He is generous and intelligent, but he relishes a fight.

The Guardian - Books

He is generous with credit, but not with his golf cart.

The New York Times - Arts

He is generous about the research contribution of three accomplished cricket historians whose input is sometimes undisguised.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

He's generous to himself.

The New York Times

He was generous by nature.

The New Yorker

He was generous with it.

The New Yorker

He was generous, humble, upbeat, and optimistic.

The New Yorker

He's generous with his talent too.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "he is generous", be specific about the ways in which they demonstrate generosity. Providing examples makes the description more impactful and believable.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "he is generous" without providing context. Instead, show how his generosity manifests in his actions and interactions with others.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is generous" functions as a descriptive statement, attributing the quality of generosity to a male subject. Ludwig examples show this phrase used to characterize individuals in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

82%

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Academia

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "he is generous" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a male individual known for giving more than is expected. Ludwig examples, drawn from a variety of reliable sources, show the phrase being used in neutral contexts, often to praise or characterize someone positively. While alternatives like "he is charitable" or "he is benevolent" exist, "he is generous" remains a versatile and widely understood expression. The use of specific examples when describing someone as generous enhances the impact and credibility of the description.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is big-hearted

This alternative conveys the emotional aspect of generosity, emphasizing the person's kind and compassionate nature.

he is charitable

This alternative focuses on giving to those in need, often through donations or volunteering.

he is benevolent

This alternative suggests a desire to do good for others, often from a position of power or wealth.

he is open-handed

This alternative highlights the willingness to give freely and without hesitation.

he is munificent

This alternative implies a grand or lavish generosity.

he is bountiful

This alternative emphasizes abundance in giving.

he is altruistic

This alternative stresses selfless concern for others' well-being.

he is philanthropic

This alternative suggests giving to worthy causes and charitable organizations.

he is magnanimous

This alternative focuses on being generous, especially towards someone less powerful.

he is unselfish

This alternative describes someone who puts others' needs before their own.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says "he is generous"?

When someone says "he is generous", it means that he is willing to give more of something, like time, money, or help, than is strictly necessary or expected.

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

You can use "he is generous" to describe someone's character, for instance, "He is generous with his time and always available to help others".

What are some synonyms for "he is generous"?

Alternatives include phrases like "he is charitable", "he is benevolent", or "he is big-hearted", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "he is generous" or "he was generous"?

The choice depends on the context. Use "he is generous" to describe someone who currently exhibits generosity. Use "he was generous" to describe someone who displayed generosity in the past.