I taught him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I taught him" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of imparting knowledge or skills to someone, typically in a past context. Example: "Last summer, I taught him how to play the guitar."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

I taught him crime reporting.

The New York Times

I taught him to dance.

The Guardian

I taught him jokes, Battleships, pig Latin.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I taught him to dance and mime.

The Guardian - Music

I taught him the Continental grip.

The New Yorker

"And I taught him some things as well".

The New York Times

I taught him something cool about his phone.

The New York Times - Tech

I said I taught him everything he knows".

The New Yorker

"I taught him some football, some boxing, some baseball.

The New Yorker

"I taught him his rights," says Anya Slaughter.

The Guardian

"I taught him how to play the game.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I taught him" when you want to emphasize your role in someone's learning or skill development. Be specific about what you taught to provide context and clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "I taught him" boastfully or to take undue credit for someone's success. Focus on the specific skills or knowledge you imparted rather than exaggerating your influence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I taught him" functions as a declarative statement expressing a past action of imparting knowledge or skills. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English, serving to highlight the speaker's role in another person's education or training. It demonstrates a direct, personal contribution to someone's learning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I taught him" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that you imparted knowledge or skills to someone. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in a variety of contexts, primarily within News & Media. While the phrase itself is neutral in tone, it's important to consider the context and avoid boastful or exaggerated claims. Alternatives like "I instructed him" or "I mentored him" can provide nuanced shades of meaning. Remember to be specific about what you taught to provide clarity and avoid misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I instructed him

Emphasizes a more formal or structured teaching approach.

I educated him

Implies a broader scope of knowledge transfer, possibly over a longer period.

I mentored him

Suggests a more personal and supportive guidance role.

I trained him

Focuses on practical skills and repetitive practice.

I showed him the ropes

An idiomatic expression for introducing someone to a new task or environment.

I guided him

Implies providing direction and support, often in a more general sense.

I coached him

Suggests focused training and advice, often in a specific skill or area.

I imparted knowledge to him

Highlights the act of sharing information and understanding.

I passed on my knowledge to him

Emphasizes the act of transferring expertise or understanding.

I helped him learn

Focuses on assisting someone in their learning process.

FAQs

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

You can use alternatives like "I instructed him", "I educated him", or "I mentored him" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "I taught him"?

Use "I taught him" when you want to highlight your direct involvement in someone's learning process, particularly when you imparted specific knowledge or skills.

Is "I taught him" formal or informal?

"I taught him" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the overall tone and style of your writing.

How can I make the phrase "I taught him" more specific?

To make the phrase more specific, add details about what you taught. For example, "I taught him how to code" or "I taught him the basics of accounting".