he looted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he looted" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts involving theft or robbery, particularly in situations of civil unrest or disaster. Example: "During the chaos, he looted several stores in the area." Alternative expressions include "he stole" and "he plundered."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

With a band of young friends, he looted the local shops in Berlin.

The Economist

He looted the company of more than $10 million, according to prosecutors.

The Washington Post

According to lawsuits by the crippled BTA Bank in Kazakhstan, he looted them of £4bn.

The Guardian

He faces charges that he looted the company and investors of $600 million.

The New York Times

"He looted the estates of others who entrusted him with their family legacies".

The New York Times

After the invasion of Kuwait he was appointed governor of Iraq's new 19th province, where he looted anything that could be stolen.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

When he loots a bounty hunter's corpse, he says, "This ain't nice, I know".

The New Yorker

Instantly he is transformed from drifting dosser into respectable somebody and, followed by unswervingly loyal soldiers, marches on Köpenick town hall where, in his quest for the needed paperwork, he loots the safe and exposes civic corruption.

The Guardian

His aide Justin Cooper left the store with his arms so full he looked as if he had looted it.

The New Yorker

He said, "They looted my house.

The New Yorker

"They killed six Pashtuns and took one girl and they looted," he said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he looted" to specifically describe instances of stealing during a conflict, riot, or disaster where the context implies widespread disorder and opportunism. This phrase is particularly effective when emphasizing the chaotic nature of the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "he looted" when describing a simple act of theft without the context of widespread disorder. "He stole" is more appropriate for individual acts of theft, while "he looted" implies a broader breakdown of law and order.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he looted" functions as a declarative statement indicating an action performed by a subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct. Examples show its use in describing theft during situations of unrest or abuse of position.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "he looted" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression to describe acts of theft, particularly within contexts of widespread disorder or chaos. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, and examples predominantly appear in news and media sources. While grammatically correct, it's important to distinguish between simple theft ("he stole") and looting, which implies a breakdown of law and order. When writing, consider the context to ensure the accuracy and appropriateness of using the phrase "he looted".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he plundered

Replaces "looted" with a synonym emphasizing the forceful taking of goods, often in a time of war or unrest.

he pillaged

Similar to "plundered" but often suggests a more systematic and destructive form of looting.

he ransacked

Focuses on the thoroughness of the search and the resulting disorder from the act of looting.

he raided

Suggests a sudden and forceful attack to seize goods.

he burglarized

Implies illegal entry and theft from a building.

he despoiled

Highlights the act of stripping something of its value or beauty.

he stole

A simpler, more general term for taking something without permission.

he appropriated

Indicates the taking of something for one's own use, often without permission.

he embezzled

Refers specifically to the misappropriation of funds or assets by someone in a position of trust.

he defrauded

Involves obtaining money or property by deception.

FAQs

How is "he looted" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "he looted" is generally used to describe someone who stole goods during a period of chaos or unrest. For instance, "During the riots, he looted several stores."

What are some alternatives to saying "he looted"?

You can use alternatives like "he plundered", "he ransacked", or "he stole" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "he looted" in any situation involving theft?

No, "he looted" is most accurate when describing theft within a context of widespread disorder, such as riots or natural disasters. Otherwise, using "he stole" is more appropriate for individual acts of theft.

What's the difference between "he looted" and "he embezzled"?

"He looted" refers to stealing during a chaotic event, while "he embezzled" specifically means misappropriating funds or assets from a position of trust. The former is about opportunity in disorder; the latter, abuse of authority.