he is of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he is of" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate someone's origin, affiliation, or characteristic. Example: "He is of noble descent, tracing his lineage back to ancient royalty."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He is of Irish descent.

The New Yorker

He is of Armenian descent.

The New Yorker

He is, of course, right.

The New Yorker

He is of course absolutely correct.

Independent

He is of counsel to the firm.

The New York Times

He is, of course, Mr. Shannon.

The New York Times

He is, of course, being playful.

The New York Times - Books

(He is, of course, a practising Christian).

Independent

And he is, of course, superb.

Independent

He is, of course, quoting Emerson.

The New York Times

He is, of course, rehearsing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he is of" to clearly indicate someone's origin, descent, or affiliation. For example, "He is of Italian descent" specifies his heritage.

Common error

Avoid using "he is of" when a simple possessive or descriptive adjective is more appropriate. For example, instead of "He is of a high rank", say "He holds a high rank" or "He is a high-ranking official".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is of" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating origin, descent, or a characteristic quality. It is often used to specify someone's background, affiliation, or belonging, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Wiki

12%

Encyclopedias

1%

Less common in

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he is of" is a versatile construction used to denote someone's origin, descent, or characteristic. As noted by Ludwig, it's grammatically sound and frequently used in diverse contexts, predominantly in News & Media and Wiki. While "he is of" is generally correct, it should not replace simpler possessive forms. Related phrases include "he comes from" and "he belongs to". This expression serves to provide relevant background information, making it a valuable tool in descriptive writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he comes from

Emphasizes origin or birthplace.

he hails from

A more formal way to indicate someone's place of origin.

he belongs to

Focuses on affiliation or membership rather than origin or characteristic.

his origins are in

Focuses on the place or background from which someone originates.

he derives from

Implies lineage or descent.

he is related to

Suggests a family connection or ancestry.

he is a member of

Highlights membership in a group or organization.

he is associated with

Highlights a connection or affiliation with a group or idea.

he is a part of

Suggests inclusion or involvement in something larger.

he identifies as

Focuses on self-identification, particularly regarding cultural or social identity.

FAQs

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

Use "he is of" to indicate someone's origin, descent, or affiliation. For instance, "He is of noble birth" or "He is of Irish descent".

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

You can use alternatives like "he comes from", "he belongs to", or "he is from" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "he is of noble birth" or "he is from noble birth"?

"He is of noble birth" is the correct and more idiomatic way to express someone's noble origin. "He is from" is typically used to indicate a place of origin.

What's the difference between "he is of" and "he is a"?

"He is of" indicates origin, descent, or a characteristic related to background, while "he is a" is used to define someone's profession, role, or identity. For example, "He is of Italian descent" versus "He is a doctor".