he is small

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "He is small" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's physical size, height, or stature. For example, you might write in a book review, "The main character, John, was a small boy with a big heart."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

He is small, dependent and alone.

The New York Times

He is small and smiley.

The Guardian - Travel

He is small, but he's a terrier".

Independent

He is small in stature, large in ambition.

The New Yorker

He is small and wiry and fit-looking.

The New Yorker

"He is small," Heinel continued in the email.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

He is small-framed, with a long face, short, wiry gray-brown hair like Brillo, and a beard.

The New Yorker

He is small-framed — five feet nine and a hundred and sixty-five pounds — but he has a wide trunk, which he tends to draw up, like a cat fluffing for combat.

The New Yorker

He is smaller.

The Guardian - Books

He is smaller than life.

The New York Times

He is smaller than I expected.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "he is small", consider providing additional context, such as comparing their size to others or mentioning specific physical characteristics, to create a more vivid and precise image for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "he is small" without providing additional details, especially when describing a person. Simply stating someone is small can be vague. Instead, specify what they are small compared to or highlight other relevant features.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is small" serves as a descriptive statement, attributing the quality of being small to a male subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, the sentence is grammatically sound and commonly used to convey information about someone's physical size. The examples from Ludwig illustrate its usage in various contexts to provide detail about a person's appearance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

92%

Wiki

4%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he is small" is a grammatically correct and very common way to describe a male subject's size or height. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. Alternative expressions like "he is little" or "he is short" can offer similar meanings with slight nuances. When using this phrase, providing additional context can enhance clarity. Remember that while the phrase is generally neutral, sensitivity to potential implications is important. The phrase is frequently found in news and media sources, with a neutral formality level.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is little

Uses a different word to express small size.

he is short

Focuses specifically on height rather than overall size.

he is tiny

Indicates a significantly smaller size.

he is petite

Implies daintiness or slenderness in addition to small size; typically used for women.

he is slight

Suggests a thin or delicate build.

he is undersized

Suggests a size below what is expected or normal.

he is compact

Emphasizes a sturdy build within a small frame.

he is diminutive

A more formal way of saying someone is small.

he is miniature

Implies a very small, almost toy-like size.

he is undersized for his age

Specifically indicates smallness relative to expected growth.

FAQs

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

Saying "he is small" typically refers to someone's physical size or stature, indicating that they are below average in height or overall build. The specific implication can vary depending on the context.

What are some alternative ways to say "he is small"?

You can use alternatives like "he is little", "he is short", or "he is tiny" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to describe someone as "he is small"?

It can be appropriate depending on the context and your relationship with the person. However, be mindful that focusing on physical attributes could be sensitive. Consider also highlighting other qualities.

Which is correct, "he is small" or "he is smaller"?

"He is small" is a general statement of size, while "he is smaller" implies a comparison, for instance, to another person or a standard size.