he is sought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he is sought" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is desired or in demand, often in a formal or literary sense. Example: "In the world of art, he is sought for his unique perspective and innovative techniques."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

These days, he is sought out for films he might be able to do during his short 24 hiatus.

Independent

But that does not undermine or deny the stated purpose, that his presence in Sweden is that he is sought for the purpose of prosecution.

Independent

He is sought out by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yit zhak Mordechai when they reach out to settlers.

The New York Times

Wherever he goes, he is sought after by mainstream politicians and the mainstream press, and when he speaks it is to audiences of thousands, sometimes tens of thousands.

The New Yorker

Indeed, he is sought out to represent clients in cases that many in the legal community deem "impossible". Illustratively, Professor Sullivan secured an acquittal in the double murder case of former New England Patriot Aaron Hernandez.

Harvard University

Assange has been unable to leave the Ecuadoran Embassy because Britain has refused to provide him safe passage while he is sought by Sweden for questioning about sexual-assault allegations.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

He is seeking unspecified damages.

The New York Times - Sports

Now he is seeking vengeance.

Independent

He is seeking allies too.

The Economist

Now he is seeking respectability.

The Economist

He is seeking expert advice.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To add emphasis on the reason the person is "sought", consider using "he is sought after" or a similar variation.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "he is sought" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. In such contexts, consider using more conversational alternatives like "people are looking for him" or "he's in demand".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he is sought" primarily functions as a passive construction indicating that the subject is the recipient of an action (being sought). According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Academia

21%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he is sought" is a grammatically sound passive construction indicating that someone is desired or in demand. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability. While versatile, it is most suited for formal contexts, as evidenced by its frequent appearance in news, academic, and business sources. For casual conversation, consider alternatives such as "he is in demand" or "people are looking for him".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is sought after

Adds emphasis to the desire for his skills or services.

he is in demand

Uses a more common idiom to convey the same meaning.

people are looking for him

Emphasizes the active search for the individual.

he is wanted

Implies a strong desire or need for the person, sometimes in a legal context.

he is pursued

Suggests an active effort to find or engage with him.

he is requested

Indicates a formal or official need for his presence or services.

he is highly regarded

Focuses on his reputation and esteem.

he is well-regarded

Similar to 'highly regarded', but with a slightly different tone.

he is petitioned

Suggests a formal request, often from a group.

he is admired

Highlights the positive feelings others have towards him.

FAQs

What does it mean when it is said that someone "he is sought"?

It means that person is desired or needed by others, typically for a specific reason or quality. It often implies that the person is valuable or has expertise that others are looking for.

What are some alternatives to saying "he is sought"?

You can use alternatives such as "he is in demand", "people are looking for him", or "he is wanted" depending on the context.

In what kind of writing is it appropriate to use the phrase "he is sought"?

The phrase "he is sought" is most appropriate in formal writing, professional contexts, or when aiming for a literary or sophisticated tone. It may sound overly formal in casual conversation.

How does "he is sought" differ from "he is seeking"?

"He is sought" means others are looking for him, while "he is seeking" means he is the one doing the looking or searching. They have opposite meanings.