he has devolved

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he has devolved" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone has regressed or declined in their abilities, behavior, or status over time. Example: "After years of hard work, it seems he has devolved into a shadow of his former self."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Since then, he has devolved into something different, not necessarily a villain, but a figure many fans now find repellent.

The New York Times - Sports

He is known to be a fan of the Beatles, an enthusiasm once frowned upon by the regime.Whereas Fidel liked to surround himself with young acolytes, Raúl has long shown that he values the practical experience of provincial party officials, to whom he has devolved some powers.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

But his mind seems to be dominated by the current state of Indonesia – a country he believes has devolved into an economic "basketcase" and global laughing stock – and he says he feels compelled to run.

The Guardian

As he has for months in prospective campaign stops in the early voting states, and throughout his political career, the former mayor of Burlington, Vermont, on Wednesday assailed an economic system that he said has devolved over the past 40 years and eradicated the nation's middle class.

The Guardian

The America he wakes up to has devolved radically: inarticulate citizens stare slack-jawed at the base entertainments of the Violence Channel, the president is a former wrestler who presides over monster-truck gladiator spectacles in a rundown arena and the crops are dying because they are being irrigated with a sports drink called Brawndo, "the Thirst Mutilator".

The New York Times - Magazine

The dispute has devolved into he-said, she-said chaos.

Vice

Maybe he used it all up in 2008".Yes, we can!" has devolved into "Hey, we might".

The New York Times

Similarly, public dialogue has devolved.

The New York Times - Magazine

The world has devolved into apocalypse.

The New Yorker

Kaiser Permanente has devolved more and more decision-making to doctors.

The Economist

Just as Britain has devolved ever-greater powers to Scotland, so Spain has devolved power to Catalans and Basques.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he has devolved" to describe a noticeable decline or regression in someone's character, abilities, or status, especially when the change is viewed negatively. Be mindful of the context to ensure the tone is appropriate.

Common error

While "he has devolved" is acceptable, consider more formal alternatives like "he has deteriorated" or "he has declined" in professional or academic settings to maintain a serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he has devolved" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating a process of decline or regression in a subject. As shown by Ludwig, its use implies a negative transformation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he has devolved" describes a negative change or regression in a person's character, abilities, or state. Ludwig AI indicates that it's grammatically correct and primarily used in News & Media contexts. While "he has devolved" is understood and valid, writers should consider context and may choose alternatives like "he has deteriorated" or "he has declined" for greater formality. The phrase carries a neutral tone, making it suitable for diverse communication purposes.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he has deteriorated

This alternative suggests a decline in quality or condition, often physical or moral.

he has regressed

This term implies a return to a former, less developed state.

he has declined

This suggests a gradual worsening or loss of status, power, or health.

he has fallen

This implies a drop from a higher position or state.

he has sunk

This suggests a descent into a lower state, often morally or emotionally.

he has degenerated

This term implies a decline in moral or physical qualities.

he has worsened

This indicates a general negative change or decline in condition.

he has decayed

This suggests a gradual decline, often associated with physical decomposition or moral corruption.

he has backslid

This term implies a relapse into bad habits or a less desirable state.

he has gone downhill

This idiom suggests a decline in quality, health, or fortune.

FAQs

What does "he has devolved" mean?

The phrase "he has devolved" means that someone has declined, deteriorated, or regressed to a lower state or condition, often in terms of behavior, skills, or moral character.

What are some synonyms for "he has devolved"?

Similar phrases include "he has deteriorated", "he has declined", "he has regressed", or "he has fallen", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "he has devolved" a formal or informal expression?

The expression "he has devolved" is generally considered neutral, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in very formal or academic writing, you might prefer alternatives like "he has deteriorated" to maintain a more serious tone.

How can I use "he has devolved" in a sentence?

You can use "he has devolved" to describe a negative change or decline in someone's condition or behavior. For example: "Since the scandal, he has devolved into a bitter and isolated figure."