he accumulated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he accumulated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the process of gathering or amassing something over time, such as knowledge, wealth, or resources. Example: "Over the years, he accumulated a vast collection of rare books."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

At bedtime he accumulated marks if he pulled delay tactics.

The New York Times

In three seasons with Vancouver, he accumulated only 52.

The New York Times - Sports

Throughout his professional life, he accumulated countless friends and admirers.

The New York Times

Over the decades he accumulated 18, in different sections.

The New York Times - Sports

He accumulated 93 penalty minutes last season in 18 games.

The New York Times - Sports

Eventually he accumulated hundreds of hours of material.

The New York Times

Like a savage Christ he accumulated wild disciples.

The Guardian - Arts

He accumulated his songbag from a wide range of experiences.

The New York Times

The wealth he accumulated gave him the opportunity to build powerful political relationships.

The Guardian - Opinion

He accumulated paintings by Dubuffet, Tapiès, Alexander Calder and contemporary American artists.

The New York Times - Arts

He paid about £6m to acquire the stake, which he accumulated between 2003 and 2009.

The Guardian - Business

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "he accumulated", consider the specific context to ensure it accurately reflects the type and manner of accumulation. Is it a gradual process, a deliberate collection, or a financial accrual?

Common error

While "he accumulated" is generally acceptable, avoid overuse in formal writing. Alternatives like "he acquired" or "he amassed" might offer a more sophisticated tone depending on the subject matter.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he accumulated" functions as a verb phrase within a sentence, indicating the action of gathering or amassing something over a period. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing its use in describing the accumulation of wealth, possessions, knowledge, or even abstract concepts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Encyclopedias

13%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he accumulated" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe the process of gathering or amassing something over time. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Its usage spans various contexts, from News & Media to Encyclopedias, with a generally neutral register. While versatile, careful consideration should be given to the specific context to ensure the most appropriate tone and nuance. Alternatives like "he amassed" or "he acquired" may sometimes be more suitable. Ludwig provides a wealth of examples demonstrating the diverse applications of this phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he amassed

Focuses on gathering a large quantity, often suggesting wealth or power. Stronger emphasis on scale.

he gathered

Implies collecting things, often in a more deliberate or less formal way.

he acquired

Suggests obtaining something, often through effort or purchase. Broader than just quantity.

he collected

Implies a systematic gathering, often for a specific purpose or hobby.

he built up

Suggests a gradual increase or growth over time, often in abstract terms like knowledge or reputation.

he piled up

Emphasizes the increasing quantity, sometimes implying a disorganized accumulation.

he accrued

Often used in financial contexts, referring to the accumulation of interest or benefits.

he gained

Broader term, implying obtaining something, not necessarily in large quantities.

he obtained

Similar to "acquired" but may imply a more passive process of receiving something.

he racked up

Often implies accumulating something negative, like debts or penalties.

FAQs

How can I use "he accumulated" in a sentence?

You can use "he accumulated" to describe the process of gathering something over time. For example, "Over the years, "he accumulated" a vast collection of rare books".

What are some alternatives to "he accumulated"?

Alternatives include "he amassed", "he gathered", "he acquired", or "he collected", depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it always appropriate to use "he accumulated" in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "he accumulated" can sometimes sound less sophisticated in formal contexts. Consider alternatives like "he acquired" or "he accrued" when a more refined tone is desired.

What's the difference between "he accumulated" and "he amassed"?

"He amassed" often implies a larger quantity or a greater degree of effort in gathering something compared to "he accumulated". "Amassed" often suggests wealth, power, or a large collection of something significant.