he devoted himself to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he devoted himself to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express someone's commitment or dedication to a particular task, cause, or activity. Example: "He devoted himself to studying the intricacies of quantum physics, spending countless hours in the lab."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Later he devoted himself to painting.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Independently wealthy, he devoted himself to painting.

Britannica

After 1943 he devoted himself to writing.

Britannica

So he devoted himself to a family tradition: handball.

The New York Times - Sports

Soon, he devoted himself to his new infatuation.

The New Yorker

In retirement he devoted himself to family matters.

Encyclopedia Britannica

From then on he devoted himself to writing and printing.

Britannica

Thereafter, he devoted himself to his archiepiscopal duties.

Britannica

After his marriage in 1888, he devoted himself to writing.

Britannica

He devoted himself to the study of English dialects.

Britannica

After leaving office, he devoted himself to writing.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Follow "he devoted himself to" with a specific and concrete noun or gerund phrase. For example, "he devoted himself to painting" is more impactful than "he devoted himself to things."

Common error

Avoid using overly general terms after "he devoted himself to". Instead of saying "he devoted himself to life", specify what aspects of life he dedicated his time and energy to, such as "he devoted himself to environmental conservation and community service."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he devoted himself to" functions as a verb phrase indicating a strong commitment or dedication to a specific activity, cause, or person. This is supported by the numerous examples Ludwig provides, showcasing its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he devoted himself to" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to convey a deep and committed focus on a particular activity or cause. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's appropriate for various contexts, ranging from formal to neutral, and is particularly common in news, encyclopedias and media. When using this phrase, it's essential to follow it with specific and concrete nouns or gerund phrases to create a stronger impact. Alternatives such as "he dedicated himself to" or "he committed himself to" can be used to achieve similar meaning, but they may carry slightly different connotations. Furthermore, it is crucial to avoid vague descriptions and instead provide clear details about what the subject dedicated their time and energy to.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he dedicated himself to

Uses "dedicated" instead of "devoted", conveying a similar sense of commitment.

he committed himself to

Replaces "devoted" with "committed", indicating a firm resolve to a cause or activity.

he dedicated his life to

Emphasizes a lifelong commitment, adding a dimension of time and profound dedication.

he dedicated his energies to

Focuses on the allocation of effort and resources towards a specific goal.

he dedicated his time to

Highlights the investment of time, implying a consistent and regular effort.

he focused his efforts on

Shifts the emphasis to the concentration of effort, suggesting a strategic approach.

he dedicated his attention to

Highlights the focus of attention, suggesting a careful and observant approach.

he channeled his energy into

Emphasizes directing energy, suggesting transformative effort.

he threw himself into

Implies enthusiastic and wholehearted involvement, adding a sense of passion.

he immersed himself in

Suggests a deep and comprehensive involvement, creating a sense of being absorbed.

FAQs

How can I use "he devoted himself to" in a sentence?

You can use "he devoted himself to" to describe someone's deep commitment to a specific activity or cause. For example, "After retiring, he devoted himself to "philanthropic activities"".

What are some alternatives to "he devoted himself to"?

Alternatives include "he dedicated himself to", "he committed himself to", or "he dedicated his life to". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "he devoted to" instead of "he devoted himself to"?

No, "he devoted to" is grammatically incorrect. The reflexive pronoun "himself" is necessary when the subject is both performing and receiving the action. Therefore, the correct phrase is "he devoted himself to".

What is the difference between "he devoted himself to" and "he dedicated himself to"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning of commitment, "he devoted himself to" often implies a deeper emotional connection or passion, whereas "he dedicated himself to" can suggest a more formal or purposeful commitment.