he is neat

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he is neat" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is tidy, organized, or well-groomed. Example: "In our group project, he is neat, always keeping his notes and materials in order."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

He is neat and lean, and has shown self-discipline and tactical sense.

The New York Times

He is neat, controlled and a bit of a worrier; his mind is filled with probability ratios.

The New York Times

(It is not difficult to imagine him doing this - he is neat to a degree in all things except his sense of time. He has never been known not to arrive late).

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"He was neat and nimble.

The Guardian - Sport

Ruben: He thinks he's neat but he's not.

The New York Times

He's neat and tidy too.

The Guardian - Sport

He's neat, casual, clearly driven, friendly yet slightly diffident.

The New York Times - Style

He's neat and clean, as you can see, and doesn't have any terrible diseases.

The New Yorker

He's neat, hard-working, and when the US are on song he's the metronome of the team.

The Guardian - Sport

He's neat as a Marine; he looks like the last man out of a mine collapse.

The New York Times

It's one of those "she's messy, he's neat" relationships made workable by built-ins, closets and tolerance.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "he is neat", consider the context. It works best when describing someone's physical tidiness, organizational skills, or general competence. Ensure it aligns with the qualities you want to emphasize.

Common error

Avoid using "he is neat" in highly formal or professional settings where more sophisticated vocabulary might be expected. Alternatives like "he is meticulous" or "he is highly organized" may be more suitable.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is neat" functions as a descriptive statement, attributing the quality of neatness to a male subject. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase is usable and correct in English. The examples show its application in describing someone's appearance, habits, or approach to tasks.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he is neat" is a grammatically sound and understandable expression used to describe someone's tidiness, organization, or competence. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and usable in English, although more formal alternatives may be preferable in certain contexts. While not overly common, with examples mostly found in News & Media, "he is neat" serves effectively to convey a positive assessment of someone's character, particularly concerning their approach to order and efficiency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is tidy

Focuses more directly on orderliness and cleanliness.

he is organized

Emphasizes structure and planning rather than just physical appearance.

he is meticulous

Suggests extreme attention to detail and precision.

he is orderly

Similar to tidy, but can also imply a systemic arrangement.

he is well-groomed

Specifically refers to his personal appearance being tidy and presentable.

he is efficient

Highlights competence and skill in managing tasks and resources.

he is competent

Emphasizes ability and skill in a general sense.

he is precise

Highlights accuracy and exactness in his actions or work.

he is disciplined

Indicates self-control and adherence to rules and routines.

he is skilled

Focuses on his proficiency and expertise in a particular area.

FAQs

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

Saying "he is neat" typically means the person is tidy, organized, and orderly in their habits or appearance. It can also imply that they are efficient and competent.

What can I say instead of "he is neat"?

You can use alternatives like "he is tidy", "he is organized", or "he is meticulous" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "he is neat" in professional settings?

While generally acceptable, "he is neat" might be perceived as too informal in some professional contexts. Consider using more formal alternatives like "he is highly organized" or "he is detail-oriented".

How does "he is neat" differ from "he is clean"?

"He is neat" emphasizes orderliness and organization, while "he is clean" focuses on the absence of dirt or mess. A person can be neat without necessarily being clean, and vice versa.