He retracted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "He retracted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when someone withdraws or takes back a statement, opinion, or action they previously made. Example: "After realizing the mistake, he retracted his earlier statement about the company's financial status."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He retracted himself and closed the window.

The New Yorker

He retracted nothing he had said.

The Economist

He retracted that confession on the first day of the trial.

The New York Times

He retracted his assertion the following day, and apologised to the Cucchi family.

The Guardian - Opinion

He retracted his allegations the next day in a hastily convened news conference, and then disappeared, along with his wife and three children.

The New York Times

He retracted his remark, saying that actually he would prefer to see Dudu's owner subjected to vivisection.

BBC

He retracted his earlier claim that perception is a transparent process and accepted both that it involves unconscious inference from what is given in sensation and that sensation itself may contain more than it is at first perceived to contain.

SEP

He retracted his statement when it became clear he was to be executed.

Wikipedia

He retracted his fangs, fixed his eyes on mine, and one by one, began to suck my fingers.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

"I don't know," he retracts.

The Guardian - Film

Many in Ahmadinejad's base of support demanded that he retract the order.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the audience and the context. While "He retracted" is generally appropriate, alternatives like "He withdrew" or "He took back" might be more suitable in informal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "He retracted" in casual conversations or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "He took it back" or "He backed down" are often more appropriate and natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "He retracted" typically functions as a statement indicating that a person has withdrawn or taken back something previously said or asserted. As Ludwig AI suggests, this phrase is widely used and grammatically sound. Examples include cases where someone retracted a confession, an offer, or an allegation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "He retracted" is a grammatically sound and common way to indicate that someone has withdrawn a previous statement or claim. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It finds its primary use in News & Media, Science, and Wiki contexts. While appropriate in various settings, it's best suited for neutral to formal registers. Consider alternatives such as "he withdrew" or "he took back" for more informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

He withdrew

Focuses on the act of taking something back, similar to retracting.

He took back

Emphasizes the act of reclaiming something previously said or offered.

He disavowed

Suggests a formal denial or rejection of a previous statement or belief.

He recanted

Implies a formal and often public withdrawal of a previously held belief.

He reversed his position

Highlights a change in stance or opinion.

He backed down

Indicates a retreat from a previous assertion or demand.

He reneged

Suggests a failure to honor a commitment or promise.

He backed off

Implies a reduction in intensity or involvement in a situation.

He nullified

Focuses on the act of making something invalid or ineffective.

He invalidated

Emphasizes the act of proving something to be without legal or factual basis.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone retracts something?

When someone retracts something, it means they withdraw or take back a statement, claim, or offer they previously made. This can be due to realizing it was incorrect, misleading, or no longer valid.

What can I say instead of "He retracted"?

You can use alternatives like "He withdrew", "He took back", or "He disavowed" depending on the context.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "He retracted"?

The phrase "He retracted" is appropriate in formal contexts such as news reports, legal documents, and academic writing where a formal withdrawal of a statement needs to be conveyed.

Is there a difference between "He retracted" and "He denied"?

Yes, "He retracted" implies that he initially affirmed something but later withdrew it. "He denied", on the other hand, means he stated that something was not true from the beginning. The focus is different.