he is himself

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "He is himself" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it to emphasize that someone is being true to themselves. For example, "Even though Sarah had a lot of pressure to conform, she stayed true to herself and was herself."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

On the contrary, he is himself softened.

Independent

He is himself again.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr Erdogan's critics retort that he is himself to blame.

The Economist

Now he is himself, facing eternity.

The Guardian - Books

He is himself separated, and is considering getting divorced abroad.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

He is himself again, filled out once more.

The New Yorker

Fabricio's claims have excited the opposition, but he is himself a tarnished figure.

The Economist

But the more a prelate is homophobic, the more likely it is that he is himself gay.

Stanford University

The requirement that a party seeking review must allege facts showing that he is himself adversely affected..

Cornell University

He is himself feeling the heat from his superior officer: a nice cameo from Tom Courtenay.

The Guardian - Film

As a second-time prime minister after a disastrous first term, he is himself a comeback kid.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he is himself" to highlight a moment of authenticity or genuine expression, especially when contrasting it with a previous state or expectation.

Common error

Avoid using "he is himself" excessively in formal or academic writing where a more precise or descriptive term might be appropriate. Consider whether the phrase adds significant value or if it can be replaced with a more specific attribute.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is himself" functions as an intensifier, emphasizing the subject's authentic state. Ludwig AI indicates that this expression is grammatically sound and widely recognized. It underscores the subject's genuineness, often contrasting with previous behavior or expectations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Academia

18%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "he is himself" serves as a powerful tool to emphasize a person's authenticity, highlighting moments when someone acts in true accordance with their character. Grammatically sound and frequently used, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, this expression appears across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, be mindful of its application in highly formal settings where more precise language may be preferred. By using alternatives like "he is being himself" or "he is truly himself", writers can nuance their expression. This phrase is a strong indicator of genuine behavior, offering insight into an individual's true nature.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is being himself

Focuses on the act of self-expression in the present moment.

he is truly himself

Adds emphasis to the genuineness of his character.

he is just himself

Implies a lack of pretense or affectation.

he is authentically himself

Highlights the authenticity and lack of artificiality.

he remains himself

Suggests a consistent adherence to his true nature over time.

he is reverting to himself

Describes a return to a former, more genuine state.

he is rediscovering himself

Focuses on a process of self-discovery and authenticity.

he is acting like himself

Emphasizes the observable behavior that reflects his true self.

he presents himself

Describes how someone showcases themselves.

he conducts himself

Focuses on behavior and personal conduct.

FAQs

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

Use "he is himself" to emphasize that someone is being authentic and genuine. For example, "After years of trying to please others, he finally realized he needed to be himself."

What are some alternatives to "he is himself"?

You can use alternatives such as "he is being himself", "he is truly himself", or "he is authentically himself" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "he is himself"?

It's appropriate to use "he is himself" when you want to highlight someone's genuine nature or when they are acting in a way that is true to their character. It's often used to contrast with a time when they were not being authentic.

Is "he is himself" formal or informal?

The phrase "he is himself" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, although it tends to be more common in narrative or descriptive writing rather than highly formal academic or professional contexts.