he assigns

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he assigns" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe someone giving a task to someone else. Example: The teacher assigns the class a new project to complete before the end of the semester.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He paces himself more between the jobs he assigns himself.

The New York Times - Arts

He assigns value to foods that are normally underrated.

Independent

No -- he assigns that job to a dog.

The New York Times - Books

In the New Jersey Rep production, it's not clear to whom he assigns the blame.

The New York Times

He assigns and dismisses the other leaders of the German Labor Front.

Yale University

To keep track of his clients, he assigns three-letter rubrics, like airport codes.

The New Yorker

At first, he assigns the Africans his blatantly romantic classical nicknames (Apollo, Tristan, Hermes).

The New Yorker

"If you're under his protection in the community, he assigns this or that teacher.

The New York Times - Magazine

"He assigns all his time and all his effort to serving that mission".

The Guardian - Film

Bypassing the newspaper fiefdoms, he assigns the story to a cub reporter, Vera Hastings.

The Guardian - Books

The president picks the issues, he assigns them priority and nobody can interrupt except to clap or be a jackass.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the level of formality when choosing synonyms for "assigns"; for example, "delegates" might be more appropriate in a business setting, while "gives" could be suitable for informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid assuming that when "he assigns" a task, the responsibility is fully transferred. Clarify the level of oversight or support the assignee will receive to prevent confusion or failure.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he assigns" functions as a third-person singular present tense verb phrase. It indicates that a male subject is performing the action of giving a task, duty, or role to someone. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Academia

23%

Science

20%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he assigns" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase for describing the act of delegating or allocating tasks. As confirmed by Ludwig, its function is straightforward, serving to clearly indicate who is giving an assignment. While versatile, writers should be mindful of the context and consider more precise synonyms like "he delegates" or "he allocates" for nuanced communication. Ensure clarity by explicitly stating who is assigning to whom, and keep in mind the level of support provided alongside the assigned task. With a neutral register and frequent presence in various sources, this phrase remains a reliable tool in formal and informal writing alike.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he allocates

This alternative focuses on distributing a resource or task among several recipients.

he allots

Similar to allocates, but can also mean to divide and distribute shares or portions.

he tasks

This is a more direct and forceful way of saying he gives someone a job.

he delegates

This implies giving responsibility or authority to another person.

he designates

This indicates officially giving someone a specific role or purpose.

he entrusts

This suggests giving someone something with a degree of trust and confidence.

he consigns

Suggests handing over something to someone's care or control.

he attributes

This suggests assigning a cause, origin or responsibility to something.

he credits

Acknowledges someone's contribution or assigns a quality.

he apportions

This implies dividing and assigning in proportion.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "he assigns"?

You can use alternatives like "he allocates", "he delegates", or "he tasks" depending on the specific context.

How do I use "he assigns" in a sentence?

Use "he assigns" to indicate that a male person gives a task, duty, or role to someone. For example, "He assigns the new employee to the marketing department."

Is "he assigns" formal or informal?

"He assigns" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in various contexts, including formal and informal settings. The formality depends more on the surrounding vocabulary.

What is the difference between "he assigns" and "he delegates"?

"He assigns" simply means giving a task or duty, whereas "he delegates" implies giving both the task and the authority needed to complete it. Delegation also suggests a higher level of trust and autonomy.