was he good

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was he good" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when inquiring about someone's performance, behavior, or skills in a specific context, such as a game, event, or task. Example: "After the concert, I asked the audience, 'Was he good?' referring to the lead singer's performance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

Or was he good?

The New York Times

Was he good enough?

The New York Times - Magazine

Was he good?

The New York Times - Magazine

Was he good or bad?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Was he good at fighting?

The Guardian

What else was he good for?

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

And boy, was he good-looking.

The Washington Post

"Tell me, is he good?

The New Yorker

What is he good for?

TechCrunch

is, he's good".

The New York Times

When he's good, he's good.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was he good" when you want to inquire about someone's general quality, performance, or character in a specific situation or context.

Common error

Avoid using "was he good" when a more specific question about skills or qualifications is needed. For instance, instead of "was he good", ask "was he experienced in project management" if seeking details about specific expertise.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was he good" functions as an interrogative clause, primarily used to inquire about someone's competence, performance, or overall quality. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was he good" is a grammatically sound and commonly understood phrase used to inquire about someone's abilities, performance, or character. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. While versatile, it's best suited for contexts where a general assessment is needed, as it can be less precise than more specific inquiries. Primarily found in news and media sources, the phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for various communication settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

did he measure up

Focuses on whether someone met expectations or standards.

was he skilled

Emphasizes the person's proficiency or expertise.

did he perform well

Highlights the quality of someone's execution or actions.

was he competent

Refers to the person's ability to adequately handle a situation.

was he up to par

Indicates whether someone reached the required level.

was he qualified

Focuses on whether someone had the necessary credentials or training.

did he excel

Highlights exceptional performance or success.

was he adequate

Implies that the person was satisfactory, but not necessarily outstanding.

did he deliver

Emphasizes whether someone fulfilled a promise or expectation.

was he effective

Indicates whether someone achieved the desired outcome.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "was he good" to sound more formal?

In more formal contexts, you could use alternatives such as "did he perform adequately?", "did he meet expectations?", or "did he demonstrate sufficient competence?" These options offer a more professional tone while conveying a similar meaning.

What does it mean when someone asks "was he good"?

The question "was he good" generally inquires about someone's performance, skill, or quality in a particular context. It's a broad question that can refer to abilities, behavior, or overall character depending on the situation.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "was he good"?

It's appropriate to use "was he good" in informal settings or when seeking a general assessment of someone's performance or character. It works well when specific details aren't necessary or when you want a broad overview. Examples includes asking about a player's performance in a game or actor's in a play.

What are some alternative questions to "was he good" that provide more focus?

To be more specific, consider using questions such as "was he skilled in the particular task?", "did he perform well in that role?", or "was he effective in achieving the goal?"