he is handsome

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the sentence 'he is handsome' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's physical features. For example: "He is tall, with blue eyes and a handsome face."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

He is handsome.

The New York Times

He is handsome, lean and sensitive.

The New York Times

He is handsome, though not extraordinarily so.

The New Yorker

"But handsome, yes, he is handsome".

The New York Times

He is handsome and slim, extremely polite.

The New York Times - Magazine

He is handsome, relaxed, basking in the moment.

The Guardian - Film

He is handsome, charming and a superb communicator.

The Economist

He is handsome, clever, immensely strong, loyal, decent.

Independent

He is handsome, sleek, chiseled — like Bonds used to be.

The New York Times

He is handsome and smart and beautiful as you were.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

He is handsome, mild-mannered and hails from a conservative southern county.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he is handsome" when you want to describe a man who is pleasing to look at, often with well-defined and attractive features. It is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While the word "handsome" has been historically used to describe women, it is now primarily used to describe men. Using it for women can sound old-fashioned or awkward. Use words like "beautiful", "stunning", or "attractive" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is handsome" serves as a subject complement, linking the subject "he" to the adjective "handsome". It functions to ascribe a specific attribute or quality to the subject, describing his physical appearance in a positive manner. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Wiki

7%

Science

32%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "he is handsome" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a man's attractive physical appearance. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's readily usable in written English. The phrase enjoys frequent use in news and media, wikis, and other general contexts. When writing, be mindful that while historically "handsome" could describe women, it now primarily describes men. For women, terms like "beautiful" or "attractive" are more appropriate. Alternatives to "he is handsome" include "he is attractive" or "he is good-looking". The term carries a neutral register, making it suitable across varied communication styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is attractive

Synonymous, but with a slightly broader application than "handsome".

he is good-looking

A more general term for physical appeal.

he is appealing

Focuses more on the subjective experience of finding him attractive.

he is gorgeous

Indicates a higher degree of attractiveness.

he is stunning

Emphasizes the striking nature of his appearance.

he is beautiful

Although typically used for women, it can describe a man with delicate features.

he is charming

Focuses on his personality as being attractive in addition to looks.

he is striking

Describes someone who immediately captures attention with his looks.

he is prepossessing

A more formal and somewhat archaic way of saying attractive.

he has a captivating appearance

Emphasizes the ability to hold someone's attention and admiration.

FAQs

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

You can use "he is handsome" to describe a man's physical appearance. For example, "He is handsome, with a strong jawline and piercing eyes."

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

You can use alternatives like "he is attractive", "he is good-looking", or "he is appealing" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "handsome" to describe a woman?

While historically used, it's now more common to use terms like "beautiful", "stunning", or "attractive" to describe a woman. Using "handsome" for a woman can sound dated.

What is the difference between "he is handsome" and "he is cute"?

"He is handsome" typically implies a more mature and refined attractiveness, while "he is cute" suggests a more youthful or endearing appeal. The former usually describes well-defined, striking features, while the latter indicates a pleasing and charming appearance.