he was hurt

USAGE SUMMARY

"he was hurt" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use this phrase when you wish to indicate that someone has experienced physical or emotional pain. For example: "John fell off his bike yesterday and he was hurt."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Then he was hurt.

The New York Times - Sports

He was hurt".

The New York Times

And he was hurt.

The New York Times - Sports

"He was hurt pretty bad".

The New York Times

He was 26 when he was hurt.

The New York Times

He was hurt by the ABN takeover.

Independent

I could see he was hurt.

Independent

If the guy can't play to his potential, and he was hurt, then he was hurt.

The New York Times - Sports

I could tell he was hurt".

The New York Times - Sports

"He was hurt by it," Rabia said.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He was hurt but not dead.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he was hurt" to clearly and directly communicate that someone experienced physical or emotional pain or damage. The simplicity of the phrase makes it universally understandable.

Common error

While "he was hurt" is perfectly acceptable, consider more precise language in formal writing. For example, use "he sustained injuries" for physical harm or "he was emotionally affected" for emotional distress to convey a more nuanced meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he was hurt" primarily functions as a statement indicating that an individual has experienced some form of harm, whether physical or emotional. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct and usable phrase. Examples throughout Ludwig show the phrase in diverse contexts, reflecting its broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he was hurt" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that someone has experienced physical or emotional harm. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability. It is versatile enough for many contexts, as demonstrated by the various examples provided, although more formal settings might benefit from more specific language. The phrase is frequently found in news media and carries a neutral tone. To enhance your writing, remember that directness is key with this phrase. When more precision is needed, consider alternatives like "he sustained injuries" or "he experienced emotional distress".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he was injured

A direct synonym, emphasizing the state of being physically harmed.

he sustained injuries

Focuses on the physical aspect of being hurt, emphasizing the act of receiving injuries.

he suffered an injury

Highlights the experience of enduring an injury, suggesting a more passive role.

he experienced trauma

Emphasizes the psychological impact of the hurt, suggesting a deeper emotional wound.

he felt wounded

Focuses on the emotional feeling of being hurt, often used metaphorically.

he was emotionally scarred

Highlights the long-lasting emotional damage caused by a hurtful experience.

he became a casualty

Implies that the person was hurt as a result of an incident or conflict.

he was damaged

Implies a lasting negative impact, either physically or emotionally.

he took a beating

Suggests a severe physical or metaphorical attack, implying significant harm.

he bore the brunt

Highlights that he was the one who suffered the most from a negative event.

FAQs

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

You can use "he was hurt" to describe physical or emotional pain, as in "He was hurt in the accident" or "He was hurt by her words".

What's a formal alternative to "he was hurt"?

In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "he sustained injuries" or "he experienced emotional distress" for a more precise and professional tone.

Is it correct to say "he got hurt" instead of "he was hurt"?

Yes, "he got hurt" is a common and acceptable alternative to "he was hurt", particularly in informal contexts. They both convey the same meaning of experiencing physical or emotional harm.

How does "he was injured" differ from "he was hurt"?

While similar, "he was injured" often implies a more specific and potentially serious physical harm, whereas "he was hurt" can encompass both physical and emotional pain.