he has appropriated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he has appropriated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone has taken something for their own use, often without permission or acknowledgment. Example: "In his latest work, he has appropriated elements from various cultures to create a unique blend of styles."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

And he has appropriated much of the visuals and dialogue straight from the comics, down to Rorschach's mumbled catchphrase, "hurm".

The New York Times

Over time, the so-called "civic alternative" has become, in the public mind, thanks to Trump's drumbeating, his proposal; he has appropriated conceptual ownership.

The New Yorker

So far, he has appropriated the tone of the mayor's last campaign: Senator Rice frequently refers to Mr. Booker as a tool of white, conservative outsiders.

The New York Times

She said, for example, he has appropriated her theory of "compassionate conservatism" -- it's a theme he has pounded on the campaign trail -- and that positively rankles her.

The New York Times

He has not just stepped into his father's shoes; he has appropriated Melvin Van Peebles's body, his demeanor, his actions, and his treatment of his family (i.e., himself).

The New Yorker

He has appropriated not only that film's narrative structure but also its visual technique, sending his hand-held camera hurtling down one apartment hallway after another.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

38 human-written examples

He or she has appropriated the expensive tokens and ways of life that are quaint, special snowflake-y and individualized in all its nonchalance.

Huffington Post

In an e-mail, Novick did not dispute that he had appropriated professional material without attribution.

The New York Times - Sports

That selective myopia led to suggestions that he had "appropriated" the theory of effective demand from James Meade.

The Guardian - Books

Before that he had appropriated some of his estate for setting free his black slaves and for educating them.

Encyclopedia Britannica

And he had appropriated black culture as his area of expertise, to the point where one historian anointed him "the undisputed downtown authority on uptown night life".

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context carefully: The phrase can carry a negative connotation, suggesting unauthorized or unethical taking. Use it when this implication is intended.

Common error

Avoid using “he has appropriated” when a more neutral term like “adopted” or “used” would be more appropriate. Overusing the term can create an unnecessary accusatory tone if the context doesn't warrant it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he has appropriated" functions as a verb phrase in the perfect tense, indicating a completed action in the past with present relevance. Ludwig AI examples show its usage in describing the adoption of ideas, styles, or materials from various sources.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "he has appropriated" is a common expression used to describe someone taking something for their own use, potentially without permission or acknowledgment. As Ludwig AI suggests, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently appears in news and media contexts. While alternatives like "he has adopted" or "he has claimed" exist, "he has appropriated" carries a nuanced implication of questionable ethics. When writing, be aware of the potential negative connotation and choose the most appropriate term to accurately convey your intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

He has adopted

Focuses on voluntary acceptance and use, rather than potential unauthorized taking.

He has seized

Emphasizes a forceful or sudden taking of something.

He has assumed

Implies taking on a role, responsibility, or characteristic.

He has claimed

Highlights asserting ownership or rights to something.

He has commandeered

Suggests taking control of something, often temporarily, for a specific purpose.

He has co-opted

Indicates integrating or assimilating something into a larger or dominant group.

He has expropriated

Refers to the government taking private property for public use, often with compensation.

He has usurped

Highlights seizing power or position illegally or by force.

He has arrogated

Suggests claiming or seizing something without justification.

He has requisitioned

Implies formally demanding or seizing something for official use.

FAQs

What does "he has appropriated" mean?

The phrase "he has appropriated" means that someone has taken something, often an idea, style, or element from another culture, and used it for their own purposes. It can imply that this was done without proper permission or acknowledgment.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "he has appropriated"?

Use "he has appropriated" when you want to suggest that someone has taken something and made it their own, especially when there's a question of whether it was ethically or legally permissible. If you want to emphasize voluntary acceptance and use, you may consider "he has adopted".

What are some alternatives to "he has appropriated"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "he has adopted", "he has claimed", or "he has assumed". The best choice will depend on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a negative connotation when using "he has appropriated"?

Yes, "he has appropriated" often carries a negative connotation, suggesting that the act of taking something was done improperly or without permission. This is especially true when referring to cultural elements or intellectual property.