he is malicious

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he is malicious" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who has the intention to cause harm or is characterized by malice. Example: "Despite his charming demeanor, he is malicious and often plots against his colleagues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Opinion

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

I do not think he is malicious or in a deliberate way destructive.

The Guardian - Sport

The television evidence meant he was given a three-match suspension, but anything can be said about Chiellini, apart from that he is malicious.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

But he was malicious in every other way.

The Guardian - Opinion

But I never really thought he was malicious.

The New Yorker

And, however odd and standoffish Father Leon might be, she didn't think he was malicious.

The New Yorker

If he were malicious, he could do extensive damage uncork a virus, plant a logic bomb, joyride through their servers and trash their data.

Forbes

"I do not believe they're malicious," he said of the group advocating for inclusion.

Vice

"From the scale of the attack it is clear it is malicious," he said.

The Guardian

I realise when something is malicious".

The Guardian - Sport

None of them were malicious.

BBC

I don't think he was being malicious.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "he is malicious", ensure you have concrete examples or evidence to support your claim, as it is a strong and negative assertion.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that someone is "he is malicious" without providing context or examples. This can weaken your argument and make your writing less convincing. Instead, illustrate their malice with specific actions or words.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is malicious" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the subject's inherent quality or disposition. It asserts that the subject possesses the characteristic of malice. Ludwig confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Sport

25%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Opinion

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "he is malicious" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe someone who intends to cause harm. Ludwig confirms its validity. Although "he is malicious" is relatively uncommon in general use, it appears in reputable sources such as The Guardian, The New Yorker, and The New York Times, making it a reliable and appropriate choice when you need to describe someone’s ill intentions. While semantically related options like "he is malevolent" or "he is spiteful" can provide similar meaning, it is important to use "he is malicious" with appropriate context and support as it conveys a strong negative judgement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is malevolent

Focuses on a deep-seated ill will and desire to cause harm.

he is spiteful

Highlights a tendency to act with petty malice and resentment.

he is wicked

Implies a morally corrupt and evil nature.

he is evil-minded

Emphasizes the presence of wicked thoughts and intentions.

he is vindictive

Stresses a strong desire for revenge.

he is destructive

Focuses on the harm he causes, whether intentional or not.

he is cruel

Highlights a lack of empathy and enjoyment of inflicting pain.

he is nefarious

Suggests extreme wickedness and villainy.

he is venomous

Implies a poisonous and harmful nature, like a snake.

he is pernicious

Highlights a subtle but ultimately destructive influence.

FAQs

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

Use "he is malicious" to describe someone who intends to cause harm or displays malice. For example, "Despite his friendly demeanor, he is malicious and plots against his colleagues."

What's the difference between "he is malicious" and "he is evil"?

"He is malicious" suggests intent to harm, while "he is evil" implies a fundamentally immoral or wicked nature. Malice is a specific intention, while evil is a broader moral judgment.

Are there situations where using "he is malicious" might be inappropriate?

Using "he is malicious" might be inappropriate in contexts where a milder term like "he is mischievous" or "he is nasty" would suffice, or when you lack sufficient evidence to support such a strong claim.

What are some synonyms for "he is malicious"?

Some synonyms include "he is malevolent", "he is spiteful", and "he is vindictive". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.