very handsome

USAGE SUMMARY

'very handsome' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use this phrase to describe someone who is good-looking, for example: "He was tall, with dark hair and a strong jawline - a very handsome man."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Very handsome".

The New York Times

Mica looked very handsome.

The New Yorker

"He's very handsome".

The New York Times

You look very handsome.

The New York Times

So very, very handsome".

The New York Times

"Very handsome," she answered.

The New York Times

Very handsome man.

The Guardian - Music

All very handsome.

The New York Times - Arts

He look very handsome.

The Guardian - Travel

Very handsome, very elegant.

The New York Times

Plus he was very handsome.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

For formal writing, it may be more appropriate to use synonyms such as striking or exceptionally attractive, depending on the context.

Common error

While "very handsome" is a perfectly acceptable phrase, relying on it too frequently can make your writing repetitive. Vary your descriptions by using synonyms or more detailed observations about the person's features.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "very handsome" is to act as a compound adjective modifying a noun. It enhances the description of a person, emphasizing their attractiveness. Ludwig confirms that it is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "very handsome" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe someone's attractive appearance. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a usable phrase in written English, frequently appearing in news and media contexts. While versatile, varying your descriptive language can enhance your writing. Consider alternatives like "extremely attractive" or "strikingly good-looking" to avoid repetition. Remember to use "very handsome" judiciously to maintain its impact and consider the formality of your writing when choosing descriptive terms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extremely attractive

Emphasizes a higher degree of attractiveness.

strikingly good-looking

Highlights a particularly noticeable and appealing appearance.

exceptionally handsome

Indicates a level of handsomeness above the ordinary.

remarkably attractive

Suggests that the person's attractiveness is noteworthy.

incredibly appealing

Focuses on the person's overall charm and attractiveness.

unusually attractive

Implies that the person's attractiveness is out of the ordinary.

decidedly handsome

Indicates a clear and undeniable attractiveness.

quite attractive

A milder but still positive way to describe someone's appearance.

noticeably handsome

Highlights that the person's handsomeness is easily observed.

classically handsome

Implies a timeless and traditional form of male beauty.

FAQs

How can I use "very handsome" in a sentence?

You can use "very handsome" to describe a person's attractive appearance, for example: "He was a "very handsome" man with a charming smile".

What are some alternatives to saying "very handsome"?

Alternatives include "extremely attractive", "strikingly good-looking", or "exceptionally handsome", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "very handsome" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "very handsome" might be considered informal in some formal contexts. Consider using alternatives like "exceptionally handsome" or "remarkably attractive" for a more sophisticated tone.

What's the difference between "handsome" and "very handsome"?

"Handsome" simply means good-looking, whereas "very handsome" intensifies the degree of attractiveness. The addition of "very" emphasizes a stronger level of admiration.