I mentioned to him

USAGE SUMMARY

"I mentioned to him" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is often used to indicate that the speaker has previously made an observation, statement, or general reference to the person they are speaking with. For example, "I mentioned to him earlier that he should be careful driving in the rain."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

40 human-written examples

I mentioned to him that I was applying to law school.

Columbia University

After the auction, I mentioned to him that I found the frame garish.

The New York Times - Arts

The issue of call centres in India for British companies is an interesting one in Britain, I mentioned to him.

Independent

I mentioned to him on Twitter that we could be illegitimate cousins, and he liked the idea of it".

The New Yorker

I mentioned to him that we've both still got the same haircuts, which for our age isn't doing too bad.

The Guardian - Music

"We want them to leave — we don't want their help," he said when I mentioned to him that the reconstruction team intended to build a well.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

I mention to him that I'm going to be a dad soon.

The Guardian - Film

I mention to him Fox Butterfield's classic examination of African-American violence, All God's Children, which traces the legacy back to the brutality of slavery.

The Guardian

The long beard gives him the appearance of a Hamas sheik, which I mention to him with some trepidation, since he and Hamas are fighting a cold war at the moment.

The New York Times - Magazine

"There are some commentators whose views he's interested in, and he'll read blog items". "Periodically, I mention to him articles that I have found particularly interesting, and that he might find interesting, and a very high fraction of the time he has already read them and has some kind of reaction," economic adviser Lawrence H. Summers said.

The Washington Post

"I had mentioned to him that I had this new camera, could I bring it?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I mentioned to him" when you want to subtly indicate you've previously brought up a topic without making it a major declaration. It's useful for casual conversation and setting context.

Common error

Avoid using "I mentioned to him" when you actually want to emphasize a strong warning or command. "Mentioned" implies a casual sharing, not a forceful directive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I mentioned to him" serves as a narrative device, indicating that the speaker previously made a statement or observation to someone. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a common and grammatically correct construction used to provide context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Academia

21%

Science

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I mentioned to him" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to subtly indicate a prior communication, primarily functioning to provide context or background information. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is suitable for news, academic writing, and general conversation, maintaining a neutral tone. It's more casual than saying "I informed him" but more direct than saying "He might have heard". Therefore, understanding its nuances helps ensure clear and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I told him

A more direct and simple way of saying you informed him of something.

I let him know

An informal way of saying you made him aware.

I informed him

A more formal way of stating you communicated something to him.

I pointed out to him

Highlights something specific to him.

I brought to his attention

A more elaborate way of saying you made him aware of something.

I advised him

Suggests giving a recommendation or guidance.

I made him aware

Focuses on the result of making him conscious of something.

I communicated to him

Emphasizes the act of conveying information.

I shared with him

Implies a more personal or confidential sharing of information.

I related to him

Indicates sharing a story or experience.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "I mentioned to him" for formal writing?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "I informed him" or "I brought it to his attention" for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "I mentioned to him" and "I told him"?

"I told him" suggests a direct and clear communication, while "I mentioned to him" implies a more casual or indirect reference. The latter is often used to set context rather than to emphasize the information itself.

Is "I had mentioned to him" grammatically correct?

Yes, "I had mentioned to him" is grammatically correct. It uses the past perfect tense, indicating that the act of mentioning occurred before another point in the past.

When is it appropriate to use "I mentioned to him"?

Use "I mentioned to him" when you want to lightly refer to something you previously brought up in conversation, without making it the primary focus. It's good for providing background or context.