he exhorted us

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he exhorted us" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing someone who strongly encourages or urges a group to take action or adopt a certain attitude. Example: "During the meeting, he exhorted us to work harder and stay focused on our goals."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

"This kind of selective humanism – blind to the everyday violence of one's own side, and denying full humanity to its victims – is probably not what Martin Amis had in mind when he exhorted us to feel superior to the Taliban," wrote Mishra.

The Guardian - Books

Go shopping, he exhorted us.

Vice

"This is our fucking city!" he exhorted us, to rapturous applause, and more than a few FCC complaints.

Vice

He exhorted us to "imagine what you could do in 10 years, and then do it in five" and in so doing lessen the burden of cancer for patients, their families and the generations to come.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Above all, he exhorts us to do our duty.

The New Yorker

"This is a dish to fall in love to, or in love with," he exhorts us.

The New York Times

"See me there, the haunted one," he exhorts us on the very first page, "assailed suddenly, in the midst of the world".

The New York Times - Books

He exhorts us to look backwards, showing how actions have unintended and far-reaching consequences – wars or terrorist attacks emerge from specific chains of events stretching back decades.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"Or is he exhorting us to revile it -- that is, to do what has come naturally to every sensitive person in this country for years?

The New York Times - Arts

Where he fails, he exhorts us to try for ourselves to look up from our daily lives and broaden our vision, and he does so in confident and muscular prose, rich with metaphor.

The New Yorker

He has little sympathy for the pathetic king; he claims that the men who attacked his palace and slaughtered his Swiss Guards were patriots, not a rabble; and he exhorts us "to maintain a sense of proportion" when considering the quantity of victims of the Terror.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he exhorted us" when you want to convey a strong sense of urging or encouragement from a specific person towards a group, often in a formal or persuasive context. It suggests more than a simple request; it implies a call to action or a change in mindset.

Common error

Avoid using "he exhorted us" in casual conversations or informal writing. The phrase carries a certain weight and formality, so using it inappropriately can sound overly dramatic or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "he urged us" or "he encouraged us" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he exhorted us" functions as a narrative device to describe a situation where someone in a position of authority or influence strongly urged a group to take a particular action or adopt a certain viewpoint. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he exhorted us" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase to express a strong urging or encouragement from an individual to a group. As noted by Ludwig AI, its primary use is in narrative or descriptive contexts where emphasizing the intensity and direction of influence is key. While the register is typically neutral, care should be taken to avoid overuse in informal settings, as it may come across as too formal. Common alternatives include phrases like "he urged us" or "he encouraged us", allowing for nuanced expression based on the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

He urged us

Replaces "exhorted" with a more common synonym, maintaining a similar level of formality.

He encouraged us

Uses a gentler term for motivation, suitable for less intense situations.

He implored us

Conveys a sense of earnest or desperate request, adding a layer of intensity.

He entreated us

Similar to "implored", suggesting a deeply felt and persuasive request.

He advised us strongly

Focuses on providing guidance with emphasis, rather than a direct command.

He passionately appealed to us

Highlights the emotional investment and persuasive intent behind the urging.

He called upon us

Emphasizes a formal request or expectation for action or support.

He strongly recommended that we

Frames the exhortation as a suggestion, though with considerable force.

He tried to persuade us

Indicates an attempt to convince, without necessarily implying success.

He inspired us to

Highlights the positive and motivational effect of his urging.

FAQs

What does "he exhorted us" mean?

The phrase "he exhorted us" means someone strongly urged or encouraged a group of people to do something. It implies a forceful and persuasive appeal.

What can I say instead of "he exhorted us"?

You can use alternatives like "he urged us", "he encouraged us", or "he implored us" depending on the context and intensity you want to convey.

Is "he exhorted us" formal or informal?

The phrase "he exhorted us" is generally considered more formal. It's suitable for writing or speaking where a degree of eloquence or persuasiveness is desired.

How do I use "he exhorted us" in a sentence?

You can use "he exhorted us" in a sentence like, "During the rally, he exhorted us to fight for our rights", or "The coach exhorted us to give our best effort in the final game".