he responds that

USAGE SUMMARY

"he responds that" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that someone is answering or reacting to something that has been said. Example: When I asked him why he was late, he responds that he got stuck in traffic.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

P.S. There's a bit of quiet repartee, between Laura and Walt Bishop ("We're all they have," she tells him; "That's not enough," he responds), that resounds painfully to anyone who has ever lain awake in bed and wondered why bother.

The New Yorker

When I ask whether he could have done more to repair a working relationship that broke down irrevocably over a period of six months and more, he responds: "That is not a question for me to answer.

BBC

Maybe something is in the air in Central Park because next we hear some guy yell at Jerell, "I'll strip for you, big man!" He responds, "That won't be necessary today, homeboy!" Then, Anthony asks a different guy for his jean shorts and he promptly strips down to his teeny tiny briefs.

Huffington Post

"No," he responds, "that's it".

Huffington Post

He responds that the big problem would be to ensure the safety of witnesses.

The Economist

He responds that he is struggling to uphold his religious and moral values.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

24 human-written examples

Challenged on that, he responded: "That's what you said.

The New York Times

The next time he was heckled, he responded, "That guy's right.

The New Yorker

Asked about the Perlmutter amendment, he responded, "That's a terrible idea".

The New York Times

"Good," he responded, that's how it should be.

Forbes

He responded, "That's next year.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Maintain consistency in verb tense when using "he responds that". If the question was in the past tense, ensure the response also reflects the past tense to avoid confusion.

Common error

Avoid shifting tenses mid-sentence. Ensure the tense of "responds" aligns with the context of the conversation. For instance, if the conversation is in the past, use "he responded that" instead of "he responds that".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he responds that" serves as a reporting verb, used to introduce a statement or answer given by a male subject. It indicates a direct response or reaction to a question, comment, or situation. This aligns with Ludwig's confirmation that it is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he responds that" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase for indicating a male individual's response to a question or statement. Ludwig confirms its correctness, highlighting its function as a reporting verb. While its frequency is uncommon, it's versatile enough for both formal and informal contexts, particularly in news reporting, encyclopedias, and business communication. Remember to maintain consistent verb tense when using this phrase to avoid confusion. Alternatives like "he answers that" or "he states that" can be used for variety, as well.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he answers that

Replaces "responds" with "answers", indicating a direct reply to a question.

he replies that

Replaces "responds" with "replies", offering a synonym with a similar level of formality.

he states that

Replaces "responds" with "states", suggesting a more formal and declarative response.

he indicates that

Emphasizes that the response implies or suggests something, rather than stating it directly.

he explains that

Replaces "responds" with "explains", highlighting that the reaction gives reason or justification.

he points out that

Highlights that the response draws attention to a specific fact or detail.

he notes that

Indicates a more subtle or observational response.

he acknowledges that

Replaces "responds" with "acknowledges", suggesting that the answer recognizes something as true or valid.

he claims that

Suggests that the response is an assertion that may or may not be true.

he argues that

Indicates the response is part of a debate or disagreement.

FAQs

How can I use "he responds that" in a sentence?

Use "he responds that" to report someone's answer or reaction to a question or statement. For example, "When asked about the new policy, "he responds that" it will improve efficiency."

What are some alternatives to "he responds that"?

You can use alternatives like "he answers that", "he replies that", or "he states that" depending on the context and level of formality.

What's the difference between "he responds that" and "he responded that"?

"He responds that" is present tense, used for ongoing or habitual actions, or when reporting in real-time. "He responded that" is past tense, used when the response occurred in the past.

Is "he responds that" formal or informal?

"He responds that" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, making it a versatile phrase for reporting speech or reactions. Other related phrases, such as "he declares that", or "he confides that" can be used to alter the register.