he is merry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he is merry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is cheerful or in a good mood, often during festive occasions. Example: "During the holiday season, he is merry, spreading joy and laughter wherever he goes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

He is merry, as befits the old and wise.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The tone is merry.

The New York Times - Arts

His tone in "Tabloid" is merry.

The New Yorker

The night is moonstruck, the night is merry.

The New Yorker

She is merry & vigorous and hinted that she is not 83 as the obit said.

The New Yorker

The mood is merry and defiant, a mixture of Epicurean and stoic.

The Guardian - Books

The season is merry and bright, and your skin should be too!

Forbes

May they be merry and, yes, gay!

Huffington Post

Attractively cast and mounted, "Little Footsteps" is merriest in Act II.

The New York Times

Yet were you to have scrutinized Sir Gravulet at that moment, as Samsor the Great could not help but do, the last thing you would have seen was a hint of merriment, for there was none, no merriment, he was not merry, nay, not merry at all, neither the handsome nephew of the King nor the secret, hateful ogre that dwelt in his innards.

Vice

I wasn't interested in hearing about one comfortable white guy telling another comfortable white guy to eat, drink and be merry before he kicks the bucket.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he is merry" to describe someone in a particularly cheerful or festive mood, especially during holidays or celebrations. It adds a touch of traditional or literary flair to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "he is merry" in overly casual or modern contexts where it might sound out of place or affected. Opt for more contemporary alternatives like "he is happy" or "he is cheerful" in everyday conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is merry" functions primarily as a descriptive statement, characterizing an individual's current emotional state as joyful or cheerful. Ludwig AI confirms this usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he is merry" is a grammatically sound and usable expression to describe someone who is cheerful or in a good mood, particularly during festive times. Ludwig AI validates this interpretation. While not as common in contemporary language as simpler alternatives like "he is happy" or "he is cheerful", it adds a touch of formality and traditional charm. It's predominantly found in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, be mindful of the overall tone and audience, ensuring it aligns with the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is joyful

Replaces "merry" with "joyful", indicating a feeling of great happiness.

he is cheerful

Uses "cheerful" instead of "merry", suggesting a state of being noticeably happy and optimistic.

he is in good spirits

Employs a more idiomatic expression to convey a positive mood.

he is jovial

Substitutes "merry" with "jovial", indicating a hearty and good-humored mood.

he is gleeful

Replaces "merry" with "gleeful", implying a feeling of triumphant joy.

he is lighthearted

Uses "lighthearted" instead of "merry", suggesting a carefree and cheerful disposition.

he is festive

Implies that his happiness is related to a celebration or special occasion.

he is mirthful

Substitutes "merry" with "mirthful", suggesting full of gaiety.

he is happy

A more general term for feeling positive and content.

he is upbeat

Indicates an optimistic and positive attitude.

FAQs

What does "he is merry" mean?

The phrase "he is merry" means he is cheerful, happy, or in a good mood. It often implies a festive or joyous disposition.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "he is merry"?

It is appropriate to use "he is merry" when you want to describe someone as being cheerful or joyous, especially in contexts like holiday celebrations or festive occasions.

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

You can use alternatives like "he is joyful", "he is cheerful", or "he is happy" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "he is merry" formal or informal?

"He is merry" leans toward the formal side. More informal options include "he is happy" or "he is in a good mood".