his demeanor

USAGE SUMMARY

"his demeanor" is correct and usable in written English.
It is a noun that refers to someone's behavior or general outward appearance. For example: "Norman's cheerful demeanor made everyone in the room feel welcome."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What was his demeanor?

The New York Times

"I like his demeanor.

The New York Times

His demeanor radiated irritation.

The New Yorker

His demeanor: surly.

The New York Times - Sports

His demeanor also impressed.

The New York Times

His demeanor brightened.

The New Yorker

His demeanor was calm.

The New York Times

His demeanor is genuine".

The New York Times

His mannerisms, his demeanor.

The New York Times - Sports

His demeanor was quiet and inquisitive.

The New York Times

Her objection: his demeanor in the debates.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone's "demeanor", provide specific examples or details to support your observation for a more vivid and impactful description.

Common error

Avoid using "his demeanor" when you intend to describe someone's underlying personality traits. Demeanor is about outward behavior in a particular context, whereas personality is a more enduring and intrinsic aspect of a person.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "his demeanor" functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a person's outward behavior or appearance, as seen in Ludwig's examples where it modifies actions or impressions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Science

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "his demeanor" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a person's outward behavior or appearance. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media, as well as in academic settings. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects the specific context you're describing and avoid confusing it with inherent personality traits. Alternative phrases like "his manner" or "his attitude" can provide slightly different nuances. Overall, "his demeanor" is a valuable and versatile tool for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

his manner

Focuses more on the way someone behaves or conducts themselves, particularly in social settings.

his attitude

Refers more specifically to his settled way of thinking or feeling about something, often reflected in his behavior.

his bearing

Highlights the way he carries himself physically and the impression he conveys.

his behavior

A broader term encompassing all of his actions and reactions.

his disposition

Focuses on his inherent qualities of mind and character.

his comportment

A more formal synonym for behavior or demeanor.

his conduct

Implies a moral or ethical dimension to his actions.

his deportment

Implies a more formal or controlled way of behaving.

his outward appearance

Emphasizes how he presents himself visually, rather than his behavior.

his expression

Refers to the way he conveys his thoughts or feelings through his face or voice.

FAQs

How can I use "his demeanor" in a sentence?

You can use "his demeanor" to describe someone's behavior or outward appearance in a specific context. For example, "His demeanor was calm during the difficult negotiation."

What's the difference between "his demeanor" and "his behavior"?

"His demeanor" refers to his outward manner or appearance, while "his behavior" encompasses all of his actions. Demeanor is a subset of behavior, focusing on how he presents himself.

Are there synonyms for "his demeanor"?

Yes, you can use alternatives such as "his manner", "his attitude", or "his bearing" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "his demeanor" in formal writing?

Yes, "his demeanor" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. It's a neutral and widely understood term, as confirmed by Ludwig.