he is sober

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he is sober" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is not under the influence of alcohol or drugs, indicating clarity of mind or absence of intoxication. Example: "After months of struggling with addiction, he is sober and ready to start anew."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

But he knows now how to calm himself, he said, he no longer owns guns, and he is sober and sobered by what he has done.

The New York Times

Now he is sober.

The New York Times - Books

He is sober without being self-serious.

The New York Times - Arts

He is sober, suited and courteous.

The Guardian

He is sober, not flamboyant — and comes across as honest.

The New York Times

He is sober and deliberative, a Democrat but a Southern conservative one.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

When he's sober.

The New York Times

He was sober.

The New York Times - Health

He was sober, serious.

The New Yorker

(He was sober, playing a part).

The New York Times - Arts

Good manners, courtesy – when he's sober.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about someone's sobriety, use "he is sober" to clearly and respectfully indicate their current state of abstinence from alcohol or drugs. This phrase avoids judgment and focuses on the positive aspect of their journey.

Common error

Avoid dwelling excessively on past addiction or struggles when stating "he is sober". While context can be helpful, the focus should remain on the present positive state and future potential.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is sober" primarily functions as a declarative statement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. It describes someone's current state of being free from the influence of alcohol or drugs, as demonstrated in the provided examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "he is sober" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to describe someone's current state of abstinence from alcohol or drugs. As Ludwig AI confirms, it often serves to highlight a positive transformation or a commitment to a healthier lifestyle. The phrase appears predominantly in news and media contexts, indicating a neutral and informative register. While alternative phrases like "he is clean" or "he is abstinent" can be used, "he is sober" remains a clear and widely understood way to communicate this state.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is abstinent

Focuses specifically on refraining from alcohol or drugs.

he is clean

Implies freedom from drugs, often in the context of recovery.

he maintains sobriety

Highlights the ongoing effort to remain sober.

he is teetotal

Indicates a lifestyle choice of abstaining from alcohol.

he is on the wagon

An informal expression for being sober, usually after a period of drinking.

he has turned his life around

Describes a significant positive change, including overcoming addiction.

he is reformed

Suggests a change in behavior and character, often after a negative period.

he is now responsible

Emphasizes a change towards greater accountability and maturity.

he is in recovery

Focuses on the process of overcoming addiction.

he is drug-free

Specifically indicates absence of drug use.

FAQs

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

Saying "he is sober" means that someone is not currently under the influence of alcohol or drugs. It indicates a state of abstinence and clarity.

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

You can use alternatives like "he is clean", "he is abstinent", or "he is in recovery", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to ask someone if "he is sober"?

It's generally best to avoid directly asking someone about their sobriety unless you have a close relationship with them and the context is appropriate. It can be a sensitive topic.

How does saying "he is sober" differ from saying "he was sober"?

"He is sober" implies a current state of abstinence, while "he was sober" refers to a past state. The past tense does not necessarily indicate a continued state of sobriety.