more handsome than

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "more handsome than" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to compare two people, such as: "My brother is more handsome than my cousin."

✓ Grammatically correct

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Duke University

Learning English

Wikipedia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

Fortunately, he was much more handsome than his photograph".

The Guardian

He looked happier and more handsome than I had ever seen him.

The New York Times

More handsome than George Clooney, and with a kind, gentle manner, Mohamed steadied the ship.

The Guardian

He was much younger and more handsome than the narrator expected.

The New Yorker

"I made him much more handsome than he is," Ms. Bermúdez, 66, said.

The New York Times

There are actors more handsome than John Malkovich, more alluring, more dissolute.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

The Swedish financial industry realized that fee-inclusive transaction technologies could turn a more handsome profit than cash handovers.

The New Yorker

And while Mincy the Lion might look like he's dancing to Thriller by Michael Jackson, it's a far more handsome logo than the last one, which looked like it was designed by a high school kid experimenting on Microsoft Paint.

The Guardian - Sport

The Huawei Watch, which runs on the Android Wear software, is a rather more handsome device than any so far produced by Samsung.

BBC

Lincoln's portrait by George Peter Alexander is a warmer, more handsome Lincoln than we sometimes see in his photographic portraits and speaks to Lincoln's legendary charisma and personal charm.

Forbes

Saitō's design initially received negative feedback from Shinsengumi fans who believed that Saitō had a more handsome face than the face Watsuki used.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When comparing physical attributes, ensure the comparison is relevant to the context. Saying someone is "more handsome than" another person is most appropriate when discussing appearance directly or indirectly in contexts like casting choices, personal preferences, or character descriptions.

Common error

Avoid using "more handsome than" to describe qualities that are not directly related to physical appearance. For example, don't say "He has more handsome intelligence than his brother"; instead, use a different adjective like 'greater' or 'superior'.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "more handsome than" functions as a comparative adjective phrase. It is used to describe someone who possesses a greater degree of attractiveness, specifically in a traditionally masculine way, when compared to another person or standard.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Lifestyle

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Film

5%

Food

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "more handsome than" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to compare the attractiveness of individuals, predominantly men. Ludwig AI indicates its prevalence across diverse sources, from news and media to lifestyle and academia. While seemingly straightforward, it's important to consider the context in which it’s used, opting for more neutral language in formal settings. Common alternatives include "more attractive than" or "better looking than", and it's vital to avoid misapplying the comparison to intangible qualities. In conclusion, "more handsome than" is a versatile phrase for expressing subjective opinions on appearance, with its usage varying depending on the specific context and desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

more attractive than

Focuses on general appeal rather than specifically on traditionally masculine beauty.

more good-looking than

A more casual and general term for attractiveness.

better looking than

A common and straightforward way to express superior physical appearance.

finer looking than

An older-fashioned, slightly more formal way to describe someone's appearance.

more dashing than

Suggests a charismatic and stylish attractiveness.

more stunning than

Emphasizes a striking and impressive appearance.

more prepossessing than

A more formal and less common way to describe an attractive or impressive appearance.

more appealing than

Focuses on overall attractiveness and charm.

more gorgeous than

Implies a very beautiful or attractive appearance, often used hyperbolically.

more beautiful than

While typically used for women, it can sometimes be used for men to denote refined or delicate features.

FAQs

How can I use "more handsome than" in a sentence?

Use "more handsome than" to compare the physical attractiveness of two individuals, for example, "The actor playing the lead role is "more handsome than" the actor who played the role in the previous movie".

What is an alternative to saying "more handsome than"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "more attractive than", "better looking than", or "finer looking than" to describe someone's appearance.

Is it appropriate to use "more handsome than" in formal writing?

While "more handsome than" is grammatically correct, it is generally more suitable for informal or creative writing. In formal writing, consider using more neutral or objective language depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "more handsome than" and "more beautiful than"?

"More handsome than" is typically used to describe men and focuses on traditionally masculine features. "More beautiful than" is usually used for women but can sometimes be used for men to describe delicate or refined features.