he is short

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he is short" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's height in a straightforward manner. Example: "In the basketball team, he is short compared to the other players."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

He is short of breath.

The New Yorker

He is short, stocky, balding, and friendly.

The New Yorker

So far, he is short on detail.

The Economist

He is short and vigorous.

The Guardian - Books

He is short, grey and worried.

The Guardian - Books

He is short and broad-shouldered.

The New York Times

He is short the stock of both.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

He was short.

The New York Times - Sports

I mean, he was short.

The Guardian - Books

He was short, around 5'5".

The New Yorker

But he was short of money.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's height, consider the context and audience. "He is short" is generally acceptable, but more formal situations might benefit from phrases like "He is of short stature."

Common error

While "he is short" is generally neutral, avoid using derogatory or overly informal terms like "midget" or "vertically challenged" in professional or sensitive contexts. Choose respectful and objective language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is short" primarily functions as a descriptive adjective phrase. It's used to provide information about a person's physical characteristic, specifically their height, as evidenced by numerous examples Ludwig provides.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he is short" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to describe someone's height. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is acceptable in written English and widely used across various News & Media sources. While generally neutral, it's crucial to be mindful of the context and avoid insensitive language. Alternative phrases like "he is of short stature" offer more formal options. Overall, "he is short" is a straightforward way to convey information about a person's height.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

He is a short man

Adds the noun "man" for specificity.

He is of short stature

More formal way of saying someone is short.

He is on the shorter side

Implies relative shortness, less direct.

He is small in stature

Similar to 'short stature' but uses 'small'.

He is not tall

Uses negation to imply shortness.

His height is below average

More technical and objective.

He is diminutive

Uses a less common, more sophisticated word.

He doesn't measure very high

Indirect and somewhat playful.

He is vertically challenged

Humorous and euphemistic.

He is pint-sized

Informal and emphasizes smallness.

FAQs

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

You can use alternatives like "he is of short stature", "he is not tall", or "he is on the shorter side" depending on the context.

Is it rude to say "he is short"?

Generally, saying "he is short" is not considered rude, but it depends on the context and tone. It's best to be mindful and avoid making it a point of mockery or negativity. Using a more neutral phrase like "he is of short stature" can be a safer option in formal settings.

What's the difference between "he is short" and "he is small"?

While both describe size, "he is short" specifically refers to height, while "he is small" can refer to overall size or build. Therefore, "he is short" is more precise when describing someone's height.

How to use "he is short" in a sentence?

You can use "he is short" in a sentence like: "Despite being incredibly talented, he is short for a basketball player." or "He is short, but he makes up for it with his strong personality."