he is something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he is something" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to imply that someone possesses a notable quality or characteristic, often in a vague or ambiguous manner. Example: "When it comes to sports, he is something; his skills are unmatched."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He is something supernatural.

The New York Times

He is something of an unknown quantity.

The New York Times - Arts

But he is something else to Seiler.

The New York Times - Sports

He is something of a workaholic.

The New York Times

He is something he is falling into:.

The New Yorker

But he is something of an exception.

The Guardian - Books

He is something special,' " McKillop said Thursday.

The New York Times - Sports

He is something of a comfort blanket.

The Guardian - Sport

As for Thomas, he is something more.

The New York Times - Books

But it's also because he is something of an iconoclast.

The New Yorker

He is something of a face-off specialist.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he is something" when you want to vaguely suggest a notable quality without being overly specific. This works well when the specific quality is understood from context or will be revealed later.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on phrases like "he is something" without providing concrete details. While vagueness can be useful, overuse can make your writing unclear and unconvincing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is something" functions as a descriptive phrase, attributing an unstated quality or characteristic to a male subject. It often serves as a way to introduce or emphasize a notable aspect of the person, as supported by Ludwig and its examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he is something" is a versatile and frequently used expression to suggest a notable quality or characteristic of an individual. As indicated by Ludwig, its grammatical correctness and widespread presence in news and media underscore its acceptability. The phrase functions to create intrigue or emphasize a specific aspect of the person, and its neutral register allows for flexible use across different contexts. While very common, it's important to provide concrete details to avoid vagueness in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is remarkable

Emphasizes the person's exceptional qualities.

he is special

Highlights the person's unique or distinctive nature.

he is extraordinary

Suggests the person is beyond the ordinary, possessing rare traits.

he is exceptional

Indicates the person's abilities or qualities are above average.

he is quite a character

Implies the person has a distinctive and interesting personality.

he is one of a kind

Stresses the person's uniqueness and individuality.

he is a force to be reckoned with

Suggests the person has power, influence, or talent that demands respect.

he is truly gifted

Highlights the person's natural talent or ability.

he is a notable figure

Suggests the person has a high profile or is worthy of attention.

he is worth paying attention to

Implies the person has something important or interesting to offer.

FAQs

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

The phrase "he is something" is used to imply that someone possesses a notable quality or characteristic. For instance, you could say, "He is not just a musician; "he is something" more."

What's a good alternative to "he is something"?

Depending on the context, alternatives to "he is something" include phrases like "he is remarkable", "he is special", or "he is extraordinary".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "he is something"?

It is suitable when you want to hint at a notable quality or characteristic without explicitly stating it. It's useful when the context provides enough information for the listener or reader to infer the quality.

Is "he is something" formal or informal?

The phrase "he is something" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal settings, although more formal contexts might benefit from a more precise description.