he was elected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he was elected" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone who has been chosen for a position or role, typically through a voting process. Example: "After a long campaign, he was elected as the new mayor of the city."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nevertheless, he was elected.

The New Yorker

Well, he was elected.

The New York Times

He was elected class President.

The New York Times

He was elected unopposed.

The Guardian

Still, he was elected.

The New York Times

He was elected President in 2008.

The New York Times

He was elected deputy in 1891.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He was elected three times in Gujarat.

The Economist

He was elected district attorney in 1959.

The New York Times

He was elected assembly speaker in 1998.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He was elected to Congress in 2002.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he was elected" when you want to state a fact about someone's victory in an election or selection process. Be clear about the office or role they were elected to.

Common error

Avoid using passive voice excessively. While "he was elected" is already passive, ensure the surrounding sentences provide context and agency to avoid vagueness. For example, instead of saying "He was elected and changes were expected", specify "He was elected, and voters expected changes."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he was elected" primarily functions as a statement of fact, indicating that an individual has successfully won an election and assumed a position. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Encyclopedias

25%

Academia

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he was elected" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to denote that an individual has won an election and assumed a specific role. Ludwig confirms its correctness and applicability across various contexts. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media, encyclopedias, and academic sources. While several alternative phrases exist, such as "he won the election" or "he was chosen as", "he was elected" remains a clear and concise way to convey this information. Its register is generally neutral, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he won the election

Focuses specifically on winning an election, implying a competitive process.

he was chosen as

Highlights the act of choosing, which may or may not involve a formal election.

he was selected for

Emphasizes the selection process, often implying a more curated or deliberate decision.

he secured the position of

Indicates gaining a position, often through effort or competition.

he acceded to the role of

Suggests formally assuming a role, often with a sense of tradition or protocol.

he was appointed to

Implies being assigned to a position, often by someone in authority.

he triumphed in the vote

Emphasizes the victory aspect of an election.

he emerged victorious

Highlights the successful outcome of a competitive situation, like an election.

he took office as

Focuses on the commencement of duties in a new role, following an election or appointment.

he was designated as

Suggests an official assignment or naming to a particular role.

FAQs

What does "he was elected" mean?

The phrase "he was elected" means that someone has been chosen for a position, typically through a voting process. It indicates that they won an election and are now entitled to hold that office.

What can I say instead of "he was elected"?

You can use alternatives like "he won the election", "he was chosen as", or "he was selected for" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "he was elect"?

No, "he was elect" is grammatically incorrect. The correct phrasing is "he was elected", using the past participle of the verb 'to elect'.

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

"He was elected" implies a democratic process where people voted for him. "He was appointed" suggests he was chosen by an authority, not necessarily through a vote.