he is poor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he is poor" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone's financial situation or lack of wealth. Example: "Despite his talent and hard work, he is poor and struggles to make ends meet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

Pretends he is poor, since no distinction to….

The New Yorker

Jones's main crime was that he is poor.

The New York Times

He is poor and uneducated, but he is also frustrated.

The New Yorker

Pretends he is poor, since no distinction to be wealthy in Purila.

The New Yorker

He is poor, too, and that is why I want to see him win".

The New York Times

"If he is poor the man might be arrested; if he is important, he won't be.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

He was poor.

The New York Times - Sports

But he was poor.

The Guardian - Books

How right he was, poor fellow.

The New Yorker

He was poor and seedy-looking.

The New Yorker

"I thought he was poor," claimed Lennon.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about poverty, be specific about the ways in which an individual's lack of resources impacts their life and opportunities. Avoid generalizations and stereotypes.

Common error

Do not use the phrase "he is poor" as a shorthand for moral failings or lack of intelligence. Poverty is a complex issue with systemic causes, and attributing negative qualities to individuals based on their economic status is harmful and inaccurate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is poor" functions as a declarative statement that describes someone's financial condition. It states a fact about the subject's economic status, indicating a lack of wealth or resources. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "he is poor" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe someone's lack of financial resources. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While the phrase is straightforward, it's essential to use it with sensitivity and awareness of the systemic factors contributing to poverty. When writing about poverty, be specific about the ways in which an individual's lack of resources impacts their life and opportunities, and avoid generalizations and stereotypes. Alternative phrases like "he is impoverished" or "he is financially struggling" can provide more nuance depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is impoverished

Emphasizes the state of being made poor, often suggesting a long-term condition of lacking resources.

he is destitute

Highlights the extreme lack of resources, implying a state of utter poverty and deprivation.

he is penniless

Focuses on the lack of money specifically, suggesting a complete absence of financial resources.

he is impecunious

A more formal and less common way to say someone lacks money; implies a temporary state of being without funds.

he is short of funds

Suggests a temporary lack of money or resources, rather than a chronic state of poverty.

he is struggling financially

Emphasizes the difficulties and efforts involved in managing limited financial resources.

he is on the breadline

Indicates a life very close to the poverty level, with little room for unexpected expenses.

he is badly off

A more general and less precise way of saying someone is not doing well financially.

he lacks wealth

Directly states the absence of riches or substantial assets.

he lives in poverty

Highlights the lived experience of being poor, emphasizing the conditions and circumstances of his life.

FAQs

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

You can use alternatives like "he is impoverished", "he is destitute", or "he is penniless" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use the phrase "he is poor" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "he is poor" can sound somewhat blunt. In formal writing, consider using more nuanced alternatives such as "he is financially struggling" or "he lacks significant financial resources".

How does "he is poor" differ from "he is broke"?

"He is broke" typically implies a temporary lack of funds, while "he is poor" suggests a more long-term or chronic state of financial hardship. "He is broke" indicates a current situation; "he is poor" indicates a condition.

What are the systemic factors that contribute to why "he is poor"?

Systemic factors contributing to poverty can include lack of access to education, healthcare, and job opportunities, as well as discriminatory practices and policies that perpetuate economic inequality.