he blacked out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he blacked out" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a temporary loss of consciousness or memory, often due to extreme stress, alcohol consumption, or medical conditions. Example: "After the accident, he blacked out and couldn't remember anything until he woke up in the hospital."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He blacked out momentarily and was helped to the sideline.

The New York Times - Sports

Once, he blacked out while crossing an intersection.

The New Yorker

He believed he blacked out for a couple of minutes after the second stroke.

The New York Times

Next, he blacked out words over which a particular stuttering reader had stumbled.

The New York Times - Magazine

But then, he said, he blacked out and couldn't remember what happened next.

The Washington Post

Somehow - he still does not know how - he blacked out on his walk home and fell into the snow.

Independent

He blacked out and regained consciousness only after his reserve parachute opened automatically about a mile above the ground.

The New York Times - Science

Sometimes since, she says, he has suggested that he blacked out and can't remember exactly what happened.

The New York Times

O'Brien was doubtful only hours before the match when he blacked out at the team hotel.

The New York Times - Sports

The boy was so frightened he blacked out and woke up in hospital.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

He blacked out; he later learned that neighbors had called the police to report the shooting.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "he blacked out", consider the context. It can imply a medical condition, substance use, or a traumatic event. Choose the phrase that best fits the situation.

Common error

Be precise in differentiating between a complete loss of consciousness and a memory lapse. If someone only forgot what happened, use "he had a blackout" instead of "he blacked out" to clarify that they didn't necessarily lose consciousness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he blacked out" functions as a verb phrase, where "blacked out" is a phrasal verb. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. The phrase indicates a state change, specifically a temporary loss of consciousness or memory.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he blacked out" is a commonly used and grammatically sound way to describe a temporary loss of consciousness or memory, as validated by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it serves to report or narrate such events. While generally neutral in register, more formal alternatives like "he lost consciousness" may be preferable in specific settings. When writing, clarify whether the phrase refers to a loss of consciousness or only a memory lapse. Consider using "he had a blackout" for memory loss alone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he lost consciousness

More formal and direct way of saying someone lost consciousness.

he passed out

A more informal and common way to describe a brief loss of consciousness.

he fainted

Suggests a sudden loss of consciousness, often due to a drop in blood pressure.

he became unconscious

A more clinical and formal way of stating the loss of consciousness.

he had a blackout

Refers specifically to a period of memory loss.

he blanked out

Indicates a temporary inability to recall information or events.

he was knocked unconscious

Indicates that the loss of consciousness was caused by a blow to the head.

he had a syncopal episode

A medical term for fainting, suggesting a cardiovascular cause.

he went blank

Implies a temporary mental lapse or inability to think clearly.

he suffered a transient loss of consciousness

A detailed medical description of a brief loss of consciousness.

FAQs

What does "he blacked out" mean?

The phrase "he blacked out" typically means he experienced a temporary loss of consciousness or memory. This can be due to various reasons, such as a medical condition, trauma, or substance use.

What can I say instead of "he blacked out"?

You can use alternatives like "he lost consciousness", "he passed out", or "he fainted" depending on the specific context.

Is "he blacked out" a formal or informal expression?

"He blacked out" is generally considered an informal expression. In more formal or medical contexts, "he lost consciousness" or "he experienced syncope" might be more appropriate.

Can "he blacked out" refer only to memory loss?

While "he blacked out" can sometimes imply memory loss, it primarily refers to a loss of consciousness. If you specifically want to indicate memory loss without loss of consciousness, you could say "he had a blackout".