typical of him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "typical of him" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe behavior or actions that are characteristic or representative of a particular person. Example: "He forgot my birthday again; that's just typical of him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

(The gesture, "typical of him", says his friend the writer and critic Geoff Dyer, "annoyed the right because he gave them half the money, and it annoyed the left because he only gave them half the money").

The Guardian

Typically, The York Realist was not typical of him: its structure was linear, its setting naturalistic, its narrative unusually explicit.

The Guardian - Books

It sounds typical of him.

The Guardian - Books

That is typical of him.

The New York Times - Sports

Quite typical of him, in a sense.

The Guardian - Film

Mr. Mansfield's response was typical of him.

The New York Times

This stunt was typical of him.

The Guardian

Sion's response was typical of him: he walked even more.

The Guardian

It was typical of him not to let on.

The New Yorker

"It was so typical of him," Ms. Becker said.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It was typical of him as a bloke".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "typical of him" to succinctly convey that someone's behavior aligns with their established character or habits. This phrase adds a layer of understanding, suggesting that the action wasn't an isolated incident, but rather a reflection of their personality.

Common error

Avoid using "typical of him" when describing a one-time event that doesn't reflect the person's overall character. The phrase is most effective when highlighting a pattern or recurring behavior.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "typical of him" functions as an adjective phrase, specifically a descriptive modifier. It qualifies a situation or action by attributing it to someone's established characteristics or predictable behavior. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is commonly used to describe behavior or actions that are characteristic or representative of a particular person.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Science

6%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "typical of him" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe actions that align with someone's known characteristics. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used to express that a behavior is representative of a particular person. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts. To use it effectively, ensure that the described action is indeed consistent with the person's established behavior. Alternatives include "characteristic of him" or "in character for him". Avoid using it for isolated incidents that don't reflect a pattern.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

characteristic of him

Replaces "typical" with a direct synonym, maintaining the same structure and meaning.

in character for him

Uses the idiom "in character" to indicate that the action aligns with his established personality.

consistent with his nature

Emphasizes that the action is in line with his inherent disposition.

what you'd expect from him

Focuses on the predictability of the action, given what is known about him.

just like him

Simplifies the expression, highlighting the close association between the action and his identity.

runs true to form for him

Uses the idiom "true to form" emphasizing that an action is consistent with past behavior.

that's his style

Indicates that the action is representative of his habitual manner or approach.

par for the course with him

Employs the idiom "par for the course" to suggest that such behavior is normal and expected.

emblematic of his behavior

Emphasizes the symbolic nature of the action, representing a broader pattern of his conduct.

demonstrative of his personality

Highlights the action's role in showcasing facets of his personality.

FAQs

How can I use "typical of him" in a sentence?

You can use "typical of him" to describe an action or behavior that aligns with someone's known characteristics. For example: "He arrived late, which is "typical of him"."

What does "typical of him" mean?

"Typical of him" means that a particular behavior or action is consistent with someone's established character or habits, as also expressed by alternatives like "characteristic of him".

What are some alternatives to "typical of him"?

Alternatives to "typical of him" include "in character for him", "consistent with his nature", or "just like him", each conveying a similar sentiment about someone's predictable behavior.

Is "typical of him" formal or informal?

"Typical of him" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding language and the specific situation. Some alternatives, like "runs true to form for him", may lean toward informality.