he was implicated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he was implicated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing someone's involvement in a situation, often in a negative context, such as a crime or wrongdoing. Example: "During the investigation, it was revealed that he was implicated in the fraudulent activities of the company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Two years later, however, his fortunes changed as he was implicated in an insider trading scandal.

The New York Times

"He was implicated in fascism... like almost everyone at that time".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In 1995, he was implicated with senior army officials in a plot to overthrow the prime minister, Benazir Bhutto.

The New York Times

He was implicated in the 1940s, as the radio operator in a Stuka divebomber that crashed over the Crimea.

The Guardian - Arts

But the president has been pressing him to resign since he was implicated in a financial scandal.

The New York Times

He was implicated in a forged-check scheme, and detectives suspected that he was taking meth again.

The New York Times - Magazine

Mr. Salinas was convicted after he was implicated by a man who was accused of hiring the gunman.

The New York Times

In 1988, Casey's promising college coaching career was derailed when he was implicated in a recruiting scandal.

The New York Times - Sports

He was implicated in propping up violent right-wing regimes in South America as well as bombing Cambodia.

Independent

There are also reports he was implicated in the attack on a high-speed train bound for Paris in August.

Independent

Garnett insisted that he was not involved and that he was implicated because of his size and celebrity.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "he was implicated", ensure the context clearly specifies the nature of the implication and the evidence, if any, supporting it. Avoid vague or unsubstantiated claims.

Common error

Avoid using "he was implicated" if the evidence is purely circumstantial or weak. Instead, opt for milder terms like "he was connected to" or "he was associated with" to accurately reflect the level of involvement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he was implicated" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject (he) was involved or connected to something, typically a crime, scandal, or negative situation. As Ludwig AI suggests, it points to an indirect involvement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Science

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "he was implicated" is a common and grammatically correct passive construction used to indicate someone's involvement in a situation, typically a negative one such as a crime or scandal. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely used and generally implies indirect involvement. While it is suitable for neutral to formal contexts, its use should be carefully considered to ensure accuracy and avoid overstating the level of involvement. Alternatives like "he was involved" or "he was connected to" may be more appropriate when the evidence is weak or circumstantial. The phrase is frequently found in news media and encyclopedic entries.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he was incriminated

Suggests that evidence points to his guilt or involvement in a crime.

he was involved

A more general term indicating participation without specifying the nature or degree of involvement.

he was connected

Indicates an association or link, which could be direct or indirect.

he was linked to

Implies a connection, often used in the context of investigations or scandals.

he was associated with

Suggests a formal or informal relationship, often without implying wrongdoing.

he was tied to

Indicates a strong connection or dependence, possibly implying obligation.

he was accused of

Directly states that he is charged or suspected of wrongdoing.

he was embroiled in

Suggests deep and complicated involvement in a difficult situation.

he was suspected of

Suggests that there is reason to believe he might be guilty or involved.

he faced allegations of

Indicates that claims of wrongdoing have been made against him.

FAQs

What does "he was implicated" mean?

The phrase "he was implicated" means that someone was shown to be involved in a crime or wrongdoing, often without direct proof or conviction. It suggests a connection to an event or situation, usually negative.

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

You can use alternatives like "he was involved", "he was connected to", or "he was linked to" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "he was implicated in" or "he was implicated with"?

Both "he was implicated in" and "he was implicated with" are grammatically correct, but "he was implicated in" is the more common and idiomatic choice. Use "he was implicated in" when referring to a situation or event.

What is the difference between "he was implicated" and "he was indicted"?

"He was implicated" suggests involvement in wrongdoing, possibly without formal charges. "He was indicted" means that a grand jury has formally accused him of a crime, leading to a trial.