I challenged him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I challenged him" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation where you confronted someone or posed a difficult question or task to them. Example: "During the debate, I challenged him on his stance regarding climate change."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I challenged him again.

The New York Times - Sports

So I challenged him".

The Guardian

Nah, I challenged him.

The Guardian - Music

I challenged him about it.

The Guardian

"I challenged him to race.

The New York Times - Sports

I challenged him to write a chapter.

The Guardian - Books

"When I challenged him, he blocked my profile".

Independent

The first time I met Wynton Marsalis, I challenged him.

The New York Times

"So I challenged him to a ride-off at the Commonwealths".

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

The foreign correspondent who wrote a vivid portrayal of an Asian dog meat restaurant, complete with descriptions of brutal dog-killing, callous chefs and hungry punters, without actually visiting the country in question, and who when I challenged him--told me "oh that, it was a bit of imagineering".

The Economist

He can handle it if I challenge Him.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I challenged him" when you want to convey that you questioned, confronted, or dared someone, prompting them to defend their position or undertake a task. Consider the context to ensure the intensity of the challenge matches the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "I challenged him" in situations where you simply asked a question or made a suggestion. The phrase implies a degree of confrontation or skepticism. Use milder terms like "I asked him" or "I suggested to him" if the situation wasn't a direct challenge.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I challenged him" functions as a declarative statement where the speaker asserts that they confronted or questioned another person. Ludwig examples confirm its role in narrating direct interactions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I challenged him" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to indicate that the speaker has confronted, questioned, or dared another person. According to Ludwig, this expression is mostly used in news and media contexts and carries a neutral tone, indicating a broad range of applications. While the act of challenging implies a degree of confrontation, ensure that the intensity of the phrase matches the context, avoiding its use in situations where a simple question or suggestion was made. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase is correct and commonly used.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I confronted him

Directly faces someone about an issue, implying a more serious or intense interaction.

I questioned him

Implies asking detailed questions, often to scrutinize or investigate.

I dared him

Suggests provoking someone to do something risky or bold.

I pressed him

Indicates persistent questioning or urging for a response.

I argued with him

Implies a disagreement or debate.

I debated him

Suggests a more formal or structured discussion of differing viewpoints.

I provoked him

Implies intentionally causing a reaction, often negative.

I contested his claim

Specifically refers to challenging the validity of a statement or assertion.

I took issue with him

Indicates disagreement or objection to something someone has said or done.

I called him out

Publicly challenges or criticizes someone's actions or statements.

FAQs

What does "I challenged him" mean?

The phrase "I challenged him" means that you questioned, confronted, or dared someone to do something, defend their position, or prove themselves. It implies a sense of testing or pushing back against someone.

What can I say instead of "I challenged him"?

You can use alternatives like "I confronted him", "I questioned him", or "I dared him", depending on the specific context and the intensity of the situation.

Is "I challenged him on that" grammatically correct?

Yes, "I challenged him on that" is grammatically correct. It means you questioned or confronted him specifically about a particular topic or issue.

How does "I challenged him" differ from "I asked him"?

"I challenged him" suggests a more confrontational or skeptical approach, implying that you doubted or questioned his stance. "I asked him" is a neutral inquiry without any inherent challenge.