he sustained

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he sustained" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone experiencing or enduring something, often in the context of injuries or damages. Example: "During the game, he sustained an injury that required immediate medical attention."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It represents the wounds he sustained himself".

The New York Times

He sustained minor injuries, the police said.

The New York Times

He didn't remake ballet; he sustained it.

The New York Times - Books

He sustained narrative like Maugham or Hemingway.

The Guardian

He sustained a knee injury that weekend.

The New York Times - Sports

He sustained a fracture of the fibula.

The New York Times - Sports

He sustained a concussion against the 49ers.

The New York Times

He sustained a head injury and remains hospitalized.

The New York Times - Sports

He sustained severe injuries and died eight days later.

The Economist

Now he figures he sustained numerous subclinical concussions.

The New York Times - Sports

He sustained a concussion and facial and dental injuries.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he sustained" when you want to convey that someone has experienced harm, loss, or damage, particularly in formal or neutral contexts. For instance, use it when reporting on injuries in news articles or describing research results in scientific papers.

Common error

Avoid using "he sustained" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "he got" or "he had" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he sustained" functions as a verbal phrase where 'sustained' acts as a transitive verb. This means that it requires a direct object to complete its meaning, indicating what was endured or experienced. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is usable in written English and refers to experiencing something, often injuries or damages.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Science

27%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he sustained" is a versatile expression predominantly used to describe the act of experiencing or enduring something, typically negative such as injuries or losses. As Ludwig AI accurately states, the expression is correct and usable in written English. The analysis shows that it's frequently found in contexts related to News & Media, Science, and to a lesser extent, Academic writing, indicating a neutral to somewhat formal register. When aiming for more casual communication, simpler alternatives might be more suitable. The expression is a helpful tool in formal communication where accurately describing the kind of injury is crucial.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he suffered

Emphasizes the negative impact or hardship endured, highlighting the adverse effects of the experience.

he endured

Similar to "he sustained", but with a stronger emphasis on prolonged suffering or hardship.

he experienced

Focuses on the personal encounter with an event or condition, differing slightly in its broader application beyond injury or loss.

he was subjected to

Emphasizes that someone was made to experience something, often against their will or without their control.

he underwent

Highlights a process or procedure that someone was subjected to, often medical or transformative.

he faced

Highlights confronting a situation or challenge, focusing on the act of dealing with it directly.

he incurred

Implies acquiring something, usually negative, such as a debt or penalty, adding a sense of responsibility or consequence.

he withstood

Focuses on resisting or enduring something challenging or forceful, highlighting resilience and strength.

he bore

Suggests carrying a burden or enduring something difficult over time, emphasizing the act of bearing the weight.

he received

Focuses on the act of getting or being given something, which could be positive or negative, differing in its neutrality.

FAQs

What's a more formal alternative to "he sustained"?

More formal alternatives include "he underwent" or "he incurred", depending on the specific context. For instance, "he underwent surgery" or "he incurred significant losses".

Is it correct to use "he sustained" for emotional distress?

While primarily used for physical injuries or material losses, "he sustained" can be used for emotional distress, especially in formal writing. Consider alternatives like "he suffered" or "he endured" for a stronger emphasis on emotional impact.

What can I say instead of "he sustained an injury"?

Alternatives include "he suffered an injury", "he incurred an injury", or simply "he was injured", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Can "he sustained" be used in a positive context?

Rarely. "He sustained" typically implies a negative experience. A more appropriate phrase for maintaining something positive would be "he maintained" or "he preserved".