he who

USAGE SUMMARY

"He who" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is often used to introduce a clause that describes an obligation, a warning, or an announcement. For example, "He who dares wins" is a popular phrase which suggests that those who take risks have a greater chance of success.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Its name derives from the Makonde language, meaning, "he, who walks bent up".

BMC Infectious Diseases

"He who is content.

The Economist

"It is he who defined funk music".

The New York Times - Arts

He who has eyes let him see.

The New Yorker

He who slumbers on a par.

The New Yorker

He who laughs last laughs best.

The New Yorker

Who was he? Who was he?

The New York Times

He who has ears, let him hear".

Encyclopedia Britannica

He who thinks to live again.

The New Yorker

He who cannot teaches".

The New York Times

He who can does.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he who" sparingly in modern writing to avoid sounding overly formal or archaic. Consider using alternatives like "whoever" or "the one who" for a more contemporary tone.

Common error

Avoid using "he who" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can come across as pretentious or out of touch. Opt for simpler and more direct phrasing such as "whoever" or "the person who" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he who" functions as a relative pronoun introducing a clause that typically describes a condition, characteristic, or action applicable to a person. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Encyclopedias

18%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Wiki

6%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he who" is a grammatically correct phrase predominantly used to introduce relative clauses and express general truths or conditions, especially in a formal context. While Ludwig AI validates its usability, it's important to consider the tone and register when using "he who" in modern writing. Alternatives like "whoever" or "the one who" may be more appropriate in contemporary settings to avoid sounding overly formal or archaic. Its frequency is considerable, making it a recognizable, although potentially dated, construction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

she who

Specifies the gender, unlike the traditionally masculine "he who".

the one who

Offers a more descriptive and slightly less formal alternative.

the person who

A more explicit and less archaic phrasing.

whoever

Replaces the entire "he who" construction with a single word, simplifying the sentence structure.

the individual who

Adds a layer of formality and precision.

anyone who

Emphasizes that the statement applies to any person meeting the condition.

a person who

Generalizes the statement to any single person.

those who

Shifts the focus to a group of people rather than an individual.

whoever it is that

Adds emphasis and can be used in situations of uncertainty.

whomever

More formal version of whoever, often used when the person is the object of a verb or preposition.

FAQs

How can I modernize the phrase "he who" in my writing?

To update the phrase "he who", consider alternatives like "whoever", "the one who", or simply restructure the sentence to avoid the need for a formal construction. The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is "he who" grammatically correct?

Yes, "he who" is grammatically correct, functioning as a relative pronoun introducing a clause. However, its formal and somewhat archaic tone may not be suitable for all writing contexts.

What's the difference between "he who" and "whoever"?

"He who" is a more formal and traditional way of saying "whoever". "Whoever" is generally more appropriate for modern writing and speech due to its less archaic tone.

Can "he who" be used to refer to a female?

While traditionally "he who" was used generically, it's now more inclusive to use gender-neutral alternatives like "whoever" or "the one who". You could also use "she who" to specifically refer to a female, though this is less common.