I summoned him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I summoned him" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of calling someone to come to you, often in a formal or authoritative context. Example: "During the meeting, I summoned him to discuss the urgent matter at hand."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

In 1563 the Unitarian king John Sigismund I summoned him to Transylvania as court physician.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

It had been much the same story the previous times I had summoned him that night, and on the previous three nights.

The Guardian

I could summon him when I wanted to talk, but I never knew him in any light other than the one from his bedside lamp.

The New York Times

"He was actually quite lucky that King George I heard about him, and summoned him to court, even though there he was treated like a performing dog rather than a damaged little boy".

The Guardian - Arts

This time, "I thought they might just have summoned him for a chat," she said.

The Guardian

Mr. Rogers said that the teenager who summoned him shouted "Come on upstairs, I got something to show you," indicating to him that the teenager was the killer.

The New York Times

I sat back down on the couch and summoned him over by waving my remaining Hunk Bucks over my head.

Vice

Though she had no English I didn't doubt that had there been a policeman close to hand she'd have summoned him.

Independent

I had even lost the peace I had, the man was beating me regardless of day or night … now this lady summoned him and we sat, even my brother was there.

Global Health Action

Senate committees have summoned him to testify.

The New York Times

Then the Giants summoned him for a tryout.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I summoned him", ensure the context makes clear who "I" and "him" refer to, especially if the narrative involves multiple characters.

Common error

Avoid using "I summoned him" in casual or informal situations. It can sound overly dramatic or pretentious if a simpler phrase like "I called him" or "I asked him to come over" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I summoned him" functions as a declarative statement, where the subject ("I") performs the action of summoning someone. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. The phrase directly asserts that the speaker called or requested someone's presence, often implying a degree of authority or formality.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I summoned him" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate that the speaker called or requested someone's presence, often with a sense of authority or formality. As Ludwig AI underlines, this phrase is usable in written English across various contexts, though it's particularly prevalent in news and media. While there are many alternatives, such as "I called for him" or "I asked him to come", the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using this expression, it's best to ensure clarity regarding who "I" and "him" refer to and to avoid overuse in excessively casual settings. The primary function is declarative, serving to inform about a deliberate action. Therefore, it is crucial to choose the most effective expression for your precise intention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I called for him

Replaces "summoned" with a more common and less formal verb, "called".

I requested his presence

More formal and emphasizes the act of asking for his attendance.

I asked him to come

Simplifies the phrase to a direct request.

I beckoned him

Implies a gesture or signal was used to call him.

I ordered him to appear

More authoritative, implying a command.

I invited him over

Suggests a more casual and friendly request.

I hailed him

Implies calling someone from a distance.

I signaled for him

Suggests using a non-verbal cue to get his attention.

I sent for him

Suggests sending someone else to bring him.

I directed him to come

Similar to "ordered", but slightly less forceful.

FAQs

What does "I summoned him" mean?

The phrase "I summoned him" means that I called or requested someone to come to me, often implying a sense of authority or formality. It indicates a deliberate act of calling someone to one's presence.

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

You can use alternatives like "I called for him", "I asked him to come", or "I requested his presence" depending on the context.

Is "I summoned him" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "I summoned him" is suitable for formal writing, especially when conveying a sense of authority or a deliberate action. However, consider the overall tone of your piece to ensure it fits appropriately.

How is "I summoned him" different from "I called him"?

"I summoned him" implies a more formal or authoritative request for someone's presence, while "I called him" is a more general and informal way of saying you contacted someone. The former suggests a deliberate act of calling someone to you, while the latter simply means you made a phone call or otherwise contacted them.