answered him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "answered him" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone responded to another person's question or statement. Example: "When asked about the project, she paused for a moment before she answered him."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

No one answered him.

The New York Times

My mother answered him.

The New Yorker

So I answered him.

The Guardian

My husband answered him.

The New Yorker

A voice answered him.

The New York Times - Books

A reporter answered him.

The New York Times

Once Sahib answered him.

The New Yorker

I answered him, 'I'm not surprised.

The New Yorker

"Are you kidding?" Johnny answered him.

The Economist

I answered him and he didn't respond.

The New Yorker

"I answered him honestly at the time," Ms. Keaney said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "answered him" when you want to clearly indicate that someone provided a direct response to a question or statement. Ensure the context makes it clear who 'him' refers to, avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "answered him" if the referent of 'him' is unclear or has not been previously established in the text. This can lead to confusion for the reader. Clarify the pronoun reference or use the person's name for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "answered him" functions as a verb phrase, specifically a transitive verb with a direct object. It indicates that someone has provided a response to a question or statement made by another person. As Ludwig AI shows, it's widely used in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

3%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "answered him" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb phrase that denotes a direct response to someone. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness and common usage across various contexts. While generally neutral in register, it's most prevalent in news and media. For alternatives, consider "replied to him" or "responded to him" for more formal situations. Remember to ensure clarity in pronoun reference to avoid ambiguity. By understanding these nuances, you can confidently and accurately incorporate "answered him" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Replied to him

A more formal synonym, suitable for written communication or situations requiring a higher degree of respect.

Responded to him

A general synonym that can be used in most contexts where "answered him" is appropriate.

Got back to him

Indicates a response after some delay, implying a follow-up.

Addressed him

Suggests a formal or direct response, often in a public setting or to a specific point.

Rejoined to him

Emphasizes the act of responding or retorting in a conversational way.

Spoke back to him

Highlights a potentially confrontational or defensive response.

Came back at him

Suggests an immediate and possibly sharp response.

Countered him

Suggests a response that opposes or argues against the original statement.

Retorted to him

Implies a sharp, witty, or angry response.

Offered a response to him

A more descriptive and less direct way of saying "answered him".

FAQs

What does "answered him" mean?

The phrase "answered him" means that someone provided a response to a question, statement, or inquiry directed at them by another person. It indicates a direct reply.

How can I use "answered him" in a sentence?

You can use "answered him" in a sentence like this: "He asked her a question, and she "answered him" with a smile."

What are some alternatives to "answered him"?

Some alternatives to "answered him" include "replied to him", "responded to him", or "got back to him" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "answered to him" instead of "answered him"?

The phrase "answered him" is generally used to indicate a direct response. The phrase "answered to him" implies accountability or being subordinate to someone, as in "He answered to his boss". Therefore, they have different meanings and are not interchangeable.