he has lapsed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he has lapsed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone has fallen into a previous state, often referring to a decline in behavior or a return to a former condition. Example: "After months of progress, he has lapsed into his old habits, neglecting his responsibilities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

In some of his speeches he has lapsed too easily into anti-state populism.

Independent

But no writer wants to hear that he has lapsed from greatness.

The New York Times

He doesn't know if he has lapsed into a coma, gone out of his mind or actually, against the odds, been redeposited in the '70s for some greater, paranormal purpose.

The New York Times - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

So far this year, he had lapsed just once.

The New York Times - Travel

By mid-January, he had lapsed into a semi-consciousness punctuated by bursts of delirium.

The New Yorker

He had lapsed in his Hindu faith and become obsessed with following the political turmoil in Nepal online.

The New York Times

On 3 November, he had lapsed into a gradually deepening coma.

Wikipedia

Because the statute of limitations has lapsed, he will not be criminally prosecuted, but will be barred from National Archives facilities.

The New York Times

Any sharing of information – by those within Canada and with foreign agencies – that doesn't result in a trial or charges should be disclosed to individuals once a particular time frame has lapsed, he said, allowing people to ensure their rights have not been violated in any way.

The Guardian

An unspecified amount of time later (and it would be useful to know exactly how much time has lapsed) he receives an email from a man (played by the aforementioned actor) asking him to pitch for a contract from a new charity called Push.

The Guardian

Just as Terry is about to begin negotiating, he learns that the corporate insurance covering Peter's ransom has lapsed, and he abruptly returns to London.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the specific context when using "he has lapsed". Ensure the implication of a decline or regression aligns with the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "he has lapsed" when simply describing a change or difference. This phrase carries a specific connotation of regression; ensure that is the intended meaning and not simply a description of a new status.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he has lapsed" functions as a statement indicating that a male individual has returned to a former state or behavior, often implying a decline or regression. Ludwig examples show this usage in contexts of morality, health, or general condition, confirmed also by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he has lapsed" is used to describe a male individual's return to a previous state, often implying a decline from a period of improvement or adherence to a standard. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for neutral registers, primarily appearing in news and media contexts. Related phrases include "he has regressed" and "he has relapsed", offering alternative ways to express a similar idea. When using the phrase, ensure that the connotation of regression aligns with the intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he has regressed

This alternative indicates a return to a former, less developed state.

he has backslid

Similar to regressed, implying a moral or behavioral decline.

he has relapsed

Specifically suggests a return to a previous illness or negative behavior.

he has deteriorated

Focuses on a decline in quality or condition.

he has declined

Indicates a general decrease in quality, health, or strength.

he has fallen back

Implies a return to a previous position or habit.

he has sunken

Describes a descent into a worse state or condition.

he has degraded

Emphasizes a loss of quality or integrity.

he has weakened

Suggests a loss of strength or effectiveness.

he has digressed

Implies deviating from the main subject or purpose.

FAQs

What does it mean when someone says, "he has lapsed"?

It means the person has returned to a previous state or behavior, often implying a decline from a period of improvement or adherence to a standard. This suggests a regression to old habits or a less desirable condition.

What are some alternatives to saying, "he has lapsed"?

You can use alternatives like "he has regressed", "he has relapsed", or "he has fallen back", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "he has lapsed"?

Yes, "he has lapsed" is grammatically correct and commonly used in English to describe a return to a previous state or condition, usually implying a decline.

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

You can use it to describe someone reverting to old habits: "After a period of sobriety, "he has relapsed"." Or to describe someone losing a skill or ability: "After his injury, "he has declined"."