he was found

USAGE SUMMARY

"he was found" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which someone has been found after being lost or missing. For example: "Bob had been missing for a week when he was found wandering in the woods."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(He was found guilty).

The New York Times

He was found not guilty.

The New York Times - Sports

Unfortunately he was found.

The Guardian

He was found innocent.

The Guardian - Film

He was found to have pulmonary tuberculosis.

The New York Times - Sports

"This is how he was found.

The New Yorker

He was found guilty, and fined heavily.

The Economist

He was found dead Oct. 30.

The New York Times

He was found out and sent down.

Independent

He was found to be "tough".

The New Yorker

He was found hanging at his home.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he was found" to clearly and directly state that someone or something has been located or discovered. Ensure the context provides sufficient detail about the circumstances of the finding.

Common error

Avoid using "he was found" when an active voice would be more direct and informative. For example, instead of "he was found by the police", consider "the police found him" if the actor is important to the sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he was found" primarily functions as part of a passive construction. It indicates that the subject (he) was the recipient of the action (being found). As confirmed by Ludwig, this construction is common and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

18%

Wiki

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he was found" is a grammatically correct and versatile phrase used to describe the act of locating or discovering someone. Ludwig confirms its widespread acceptance and usability in various contexts, particularly in news and media, and scientific reporting. While generally neutral in register, it's important to consider whether an active voice might be more impactful in certain situations. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively use "he was found" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he was discovered

Focuses more on the act of uncovering something previously unknown about him.

he turned up

Implies that he reappeared, often after being lost or missing.

he was located

Emphasizes the act of finding his specific location.

he was determined to be

Highlights a judgment or assessment about his condition or identity.

he was identified

Focuses on confirming his identity.

he was detected

Suggests that his presence was noticed through some means, perhaps technological.

he proved to be

Implies that, over time, something about him became evident.

he emerged

Suggests a coming out or surfacing from a hidden place or situation.

he surfaced

Similar to 'he emerged', but often implies coming from underwater or a hidden location.

his whereabouts were established

Focuses on confirming his location, typically after a period of uncertainty.

FAQs

How do I use "he was found" in a sentence?

"He was found" is used to indicate that someone has been located or discovered. For example, "He was found safe and sound" suggests he was found unharmed, while "He was found guilty" indicates a verdict in a legal setting.

What's the difference between "he was found" and "he was discovered"?

While both indicate discovery, "he was found" generally refers to locating someone physically. "He was discovered" often implies uncovering something new or previously unknown about the person, not just their location.

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

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "he was located", "he turned up", or "he was discovered". The best choice depends on whether you're emphasizing physical location, reappearance, or the unveiling of new information.

Is it correct to say "he was found" in formal writing?

Yes, "he was found" is perfectly acceptable in formal writing. As Ludwig shows, it is used in news articles, scientific papers, and other authoritative sources, making it suitable for a wide range of contexts.