he was appointed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he was appointed" is correct and usable in written English.
For example, you could use it in a sentence like this: "He was appointed the new head of the department last week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was appointed by Pres.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He was appointed anyway.

The Guardian - Books

In 2000, he was appointed state climatologist.

The New York Times

In 1993 he was appointed OBE.

Independent

He was appointed brigadier general in 1800.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He was appointed Finance Minister in 1952.

The New Yorker

Later he was appointed painter to Napoleon.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Then he was appointed sales manager.

The New Yorker

He was appointed OBE in 1999.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He was appointed controller five years later.

Independent

He was appointed royal historiographer in 1771.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Provide additional context to provide context of what was his profile before he was assigned to his new role. For example, "After several years in a managerial position, he was appointed director of marketing."

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by specifying the position or role directly after the phrase. Saying only "He was appointed" leaves the reader wondering to what he was appointed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he was appointed" functions as a passive construction indicating that someone received an official designation or assignment to a particular role or position. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Encyclopedias

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

14%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he was appointed" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that someone has been officially assigned a role or position. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news media, encyclopedias, and academic publications. To enhance clarity, always specify the position being assumed. Alternatives like "he was selected" or "he assumed the position" can be used to subtly alter the meaning. This phrase carries a neutral tone, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he received an appointment

Focuses on the act of receiving the appointment rather than the action of being appointed.

he was designated

Emphasizes the act of being officially chosen or marked for a specific purpose or role.

he assumed the position

Highlights the act of taking on the responsibilities and duties of a role.

he took office

Specifically refers to assuming a public or official role.

he was selected

Stresses the act of being chosen from a group.

he was named

Highlights the act of publicly announcing someone's appointment.

he was chosen

Similar to "he was selected" but can imply a more personal or deliberate choice.

he secured the role

Emphasizes the effort or competition involved in obtaining the position.

he was installed

Suggests a formal or ceremonial induction into a position.

he entered upon his duties

Focuses on starting the work associated with the new role.

FAQs

How can I use "he was appointed" in a sentence?

Use "he was appointed" to indicate that someone has been officially assigned a role or position. For instance, "He was appointed CEO of the company".

What are some alternatives to "he was appointed"?

Alternatives include "he was selected", "he was named", or "he assumed the position" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "he has been appointed" instead of "he was appointed"?

Yes, "he has been appointed" is also correct. It implies that the appointment happened recently and is still relevant, while "he was appointed" simply states a past event.

What's the difference between "he was appointed" and "he was elected"?

"He was appointed" means someone was assigned to a position, usually by an authority. "He was elected" implies that someone won a position through a voting process.