he is special

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he is special" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that someone has unique qualities or characteristics that set them apart from others. Example: "In a world full of ordinary people, he is special because of his kindness and creativity."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

He is special.

The New York Times

The Rockies have long known he is special.

The New York Times

"Of course, they have (Lionel) Messi - he is special - and they have more than him.

Independent

In short, the trouble with "KP" is that he is well aware that he is special.

The Economist

"The mayor believes he is special," Mr. Rendell said in an interview in his Philadelphia office.

The New York Times

He is Special Advisor to United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

Columbia University

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

He was special".

The New York Times

But he's special".

The New York Times - Sports

He's special.

The New York Times - Sports

"But he was special.

The New York Times - Sports

He was special, magnetic".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he is special" to convey that someone possesses unique qualities, talents, or a significant role, distinguishing them from others. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "he is special" is a useful phrase, avoid overusing it, especially when describing multiple people. Employ synonyms like "unique", "exceptional", or "remarkable" to diversify your language and provide a more nuanced description.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is special" functions primarily as a subject complement. The verb "is" links the subject "he" to the adjective "special", which describes a quality or characteristic of the subject. Ludwig's analysis confirms its common use as a descriptive phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Academia

15%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he is special" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to denote someone's unique qualities or importance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's versatile enough for various contexts, from news reports to academic discussions. While alternatives like "he is unique" or "he is exceptional" exist, "he is special" distinctly conveys both uniqueness and a sense of value. Remember to use it judiciously, diversifying your language to avoid redundancy and maintain the impact of your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is one of a kind

This alternative emphasizes uniqueness and individuality.

he is exceptional

This suggests a higher level of skill or talent than others.

he is remarkable

This highlights how noteworthy or extraordinary someone is.

he is extraordinary

This emphasizes that someone is beyond the ordinary.

he is gifted

This implies that someone possesses natural talent.

he is talented

This focuses on someone's skill or aptitude.

he is unique

This highlights the distinct and unparalleled nature of someone.

he is distinctive

This suggests a clear and recognizable difference from others.

he is singular

This underlines the rarity and exceptionality of someone.

he is unparalleled

This emphasizes that someone is unmatched or unrivaled.

FAQs

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

You can use "he is special" to describe someone's unique qualities or importance, as in "Because of his dedication, "he is special" to the team".

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

You can use alternatives like "he is unique", "he is exceptional", or "he is remarkable" depending on the context.

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

It is appropriate to use "he is special" when you want to emphasize someone's unique qualities, talents, or their significant role in a particular context. It is suitable in both formal and informal settings.

What's the difference between "he is special" and "he is unique"?

While both phrases convey that someone is different from others, "he is special" implies a sense of importance or value, while "he is unique" simply highlights their distinctiveness. The choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.