he gained entry

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he gained entry" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone successfully accesses a place or situation, often implying that it was not straightforward to do so. Example: "After several attempts, he gained entry to the exclusive event and was able to network with industry leaders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

He gained entry at 5 to the Armitage High School, a competitive government-run Islamic boarding school on his island.

The New York Times

Hired, he gained entry to many of Nashville's finest houses and began his career as an expert on high residential style.

The New York Times

With those literary credits, plus his father's contacts, he gained entry to Naples's Angevin court, whose refinements seeped into his work.

The New Yorker

In 2013, he gained entry to the United States Senate and was heard quoting incoherently from a children's book before he was finally subdued.

The New Yorker

After many difficulties, he gained entry to Kiev theological seminary, which had recently reopened, although he was expelled for refusing to sing Soviet patriotic songs during Holy Week.

The Guardian

I said I didn't want everyone else in the country to have it". In 2013, he gained entry to the United States Senate and was heard quoting incoherently from a children's book before he was finally subdued.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

Only after he agrees to stop singing does he gain entry to the inner sanctum.

The New York Times

Eventually he gains entry to pre-medical studies at Columbia University and medical studies at Duke.

The Guardian

Should he gain entry, I'd counsel a strict no-tongues policy.

The Guardian

Finally, by dint of running errands for them, he gains entry into their house.

The New Yorker

When he gains entry he calmly shoots Susan in the head and repeatedly stabs Fariba in the throat with a broken bottle: it's a bloody murder that he has waited three decades to commit.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing how someone entered a place or group, consider the level of formality required. Use "he gained entry" when a neutral to formal tone is appropriate. For more informal contexts, consider "he got in."

Common error

Avoid using "he gained entry" in very casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or stilted in contexts where a simpler phrase like "he got in" would be more natural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he gained entry" functions as a verbal phrase indicating the successful achievement of entering a specific location or situation. The Ludwig examples illustrate its use in news reports and factual accounts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "he gained entry" is a grammatically correct and usable expression in English, typically employed in neutral to formal contexts to denote successful access to a location or situation. Ludwig confirms its correct usage. While not exceedingly common, it appears primarily in news and media sources. Alternatives include "he gained access" and "he was admitted", offering similar meanings. When using this phrase, consider the context and adjust the tone accordingly. It is a versatile phrase for expressing successful entrance, but appropriateness varies depending on the specific setting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he gained access

Replaces "entry" with "access", a direct synonym.

he was admitted

Focuses on the act of being allowed to enter.

he was granted entry

Emphasizes that permission was given for entry.

he obtained entrance

Uses a more formal term, "entrance", for "entry".

he secured admission

Highlights the effort involved in obtaining entry.

he got in

A more informal way of expressing entry.

he made his way in

Implies some difficulty or effort in entering.

he managed to enter

Suggests overcoming an obstacle to enter.

he infiltrated

Implies secretive or unauthorized entry.

he passed through

Focuses on the act of moving through an entrance.

FAQs

What does "he gained entry" mean?

The phrase "he gained entry" means that someone successfully entered a place or situation. It often implies that there was some effort or difficulty involved in entering.

What can I say instead of "he gained entry"?

You can use alternatives like "he gained access", "he was admitted", or "he got in" depending on the context.

Is "he gained entry" formal or informal?

The phrase "he gained entry" is generally considered neutral to formal. It's suitable for news reports, formal writing, and professional communication.

How to use "he gained entry" in a sentence?

Example: "After several attempts, "he gained entry" to the exclusive event and was able to network with industry leaders."