he was cited

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he was cited" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone being mentioned or referenced, often in the context of academic or legal documents. Example: "In the report, it was noted that he was cited for his contributions to the research."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He was cited twice for bravery.

The New York Times

He was cited for a hit-and-run.

The New York Times

He was cited for contempt, tried, & found guilty.

The New Yorker

He was cited for trespassing, and booked at the campus station.

The New Yorker

He was cited for a possession in Nashville just last month.

The New York Times

Two weeks later, he was cited for assault after a fight in a church parking lot.

The New York Times

In 1961 he was cited for contempt of Congress and sentenced to a year in jail.

The New York Times - Arts

He was cited for academic excellence, having graduated second in his class.

The New York Times

He was cited by judges for achieving "a gravity-defying feat".

The Guardian - Books

Around the same time, he was cited for using a fake ID to enter a bar.

The New York Times - Sports

He wears designer suits; he was cited in Vanity Fair's Best-Dressed List of 2004.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he was cited" when you want to indicate that someone was mentioned or referenced in a formal or official context, such as in a report, article, or legal document.

Common error

Avoid using "he was cited" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "he was mentioned" or "he was named" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he was cited" functions primarily as a passive construction, indicating that the subject received mention or recognition in a specific context. It's frequently used to denote someone being referenced in documents or discussions. Ludwig AI confirms this.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Encyclopedias

14%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Academia

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he was cited" is a commonly used phrase indicating that someone was mentioned or referenced, typically in a formal context. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and frequently used in news, encyclopedias and scientific publications. When writing, remember that "he was cited" is best suited for formal or official contexts; in casual settings, alternatives like "he was mentioned" may be more appropriate. Remember that you can also use variations of it such as "he was cited for" or "he was cited as" depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he was mentioned

Direct synonym, replacing 'cited' with 'mentioned' for simplicity.

he was referred to

Emphasizes the act of being referred to, often in a specific document or discussion.

he was referenced

Similar to 'cited', but emphasizes the act of referencing a source or person.

he was noted

Similar to 'mentioned', but can imply a more formal or official record.

he received mention

Replaces 'cited' with 'received mention', focusing on the act of being mentioned.

he was identified

Stresses the act of being specifically identified.

he was named

Focuses on the act of being specifically named or identified.

he was acknowledged

Highlights the act of being recognized or acknowledged for something.

he was pointed out

Focuses on drawing attention to the individual in question.

he was credited

Emphasizes being given credit for a contribution or achievement.

FAQs

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

Use "he was cited" to indicate that someone was mentioned or referenced in a specific context. For instance, "In the academic paper, "he was cited" as a key contributor to the field".

What are some alternatives to "he was cited"?

You can use alternatives like "he was mentioned", "he was referenced", or "he was named" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "he was cited" instead of "he was mentioned"?

"He was cited" is typically used in more formal or official contexts, such as academic papers or legal documents, while "he was mentioned" is suitable for general use.

Is there a difference between saying "he was cited for" and "he was cited as"?

"He was cited for" usually indicates the reason or accomplishment for which someone was mentioned, while "he was cited as" describes the role or characteristic attributed to the person. For example, "He was cited for his research" versus "He was cited as an expert in the field".