he sold it

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he sold it" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that a male subject has completed the action of selling a specific item or object. Example: "After weeks of negotiation, he sold it for a great price."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He sold it".

The New York Times

Eventually he sold it.

The New York Times

He sold it at the store.

The New York Times

He said he sold it almost immediately.

The New York Times

He sold it in 2001 to Wella.

The New York Times

A decade later he sold it for $21m.

The Economist

He sold it to New Line Cinema.

The New York Times

But he sold it to his party.

The Guardian

Then he sold it for $3,500.

The New York Times

Actually, he sold it to them.

The New York Times

Then he sold it to Bennett.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "he sold it", ensure the context clearly identifies what "it" refers to, avoiding ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "he sold it" if the object being sold hasn't been clearly established in the preceding sentences. Always make sure the pronoun "it" has a clear antecedent.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he sold it" functions as a declarative statement, expressing a completed action. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability. The subject "he" performs the action of "sold" on the object "it."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "he sold it" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to indicate a past transaction where a male subject completed the sale of something. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Its straightforward structure makes it suitable for various contexts, from news reports to casual conversations. When using the phrase, ensure that the referent of "it" is clear to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives exist, like "he liquidated it" or "he traded it", but the original phrase is versatile and common across many domains.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he divested himself of it

More formal and emphasizes the act of relinquishing something.

he transferred ownership

Focuses on the legal aspect of changing ownership.

he auctioned it off

Specifies that the item was sold via auction.

he traded it away

Suggests a trade or exchange rather than a direct sale.

he gave it up for sale

Emphasizes the act of offering the item for sale.

he liquidated it

Suggests selling assets, often in a business context.

he passed it on

Can imply selling, gifting, or bequeathing the item.

he dispensed with it

Focuses on getting rid of the item, not necessarily through sale.

he got rid of it

A more general term for disposing of something.

he offloaded it

Suggests quickly selling something, possibly at a loss.

FAQs

How can I use "he sold it" in a sentence?

You can use "he sold it" to indicate that a male person completed a sale. For example, "After owning the car for ten years, "he sold it" to a collector."

What are some alternatives to "he sold it"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "he traded it", "he auctioned it off", or "he liquidated it".

Is it correct to say "he sells it" instead of "he sold it"?

The phrases have different tenses. "He sold it" indicates a completed action in the past, while "he sells it" indicates a habitual or ongoing action in the present.

What does "he offloaded it" mean, and how does it differ from "he sold it"?

"He offloaded it" suggests that he sold it quickly, possibly because he needed the money fast. It can imply he was eager to get rid of it, possibly accepting a lower price. "He sold it" is more neutral.