he was placed

USAGE SUMMARY

"he was placed" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is typically used in passive voice constructions, where the subject of the sentence is acted upon by the verb. It can also be used to describe someone being put in a certain position or location. Example: "After the accident, he was placed on bed rest for two weeks to allow his injuries to heal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was placed in care.

The Guardian

"He was placed gently.

The New York Times

He was placed in the N.Y.

The New Yorker

He was placed on six months' probation.

The New York Times

He was placed in solitary confinement.

The New Yorker

He was placed on the disabled list.

The New York Times

He was placed under arrest.

The New York Times - Magazine

He was placed on administrative leave.

The Guardian

He was placed on seven-day remand.

The Guardian

Then he was placed on leave.

The Washington Post

Instead, he was placed with Ms. Worrell.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "he was placed", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what performed the action of placing. For instance, 'He was placed in charge by the CEO'.

Common error

Avoid using "he was placed" without a clear understanding of the passive voice. Ensure the sentence clearly conveys who or what did the placing, even if it's implied. Otherwise, the sentence may lack clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he was placed" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject (he) underwent the action of being positioned or assigned by an external agent. This is supported by Ludwig's numerous examples showing varied contexts of placement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Academia

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he was placed" is a common and grammatically correct construction used in the passive voice to describe someone being positioned or assigned. As Ludwig highlights, it appears most frequently in news and media and scientific contexts, indicating a neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by implying or stating who or what performed the action of placing. Ludwig provides diverse examples demonstrating its usage, making it a versatile phrase for various writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he was positioned

Focuses on the action of putting someone in a specific position, potentially for a strategic reason.

he was assigned

Highlights the act of assigning someone to a role or location by an external authority.

he got positioned

Focuses on the act of positioning someone, rather than the result of being placed.

he was stationed

Implies a more formal or official positioning, often used in military or governmental contexts.

he got stationed

Suggests a formal assignment to a specific location, often in a military or professional context.

he was situated

Describes the location or condition in which someone finds themself, often without specific intent.

he ended up being situated

Emphasizes the final location or situation, often implying a lack of control over the outcome.

he was located

Simply states the location of someone or something, without implying any specific action or intent.

he found himself

Focuses on the experience of someone discovering their location or situation, often unexpectedly.

he landed

Implies a casual or unplanned arrival at a certain position or location.

FAQs

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

"He was placed" is used in the passive voice to indicate that someone has put him in a specific location, role, or situation. For example, "He was placed on administrative leave pending investigation."

What are some alternatives to "he was placed"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "he was assigned", "he was positioned", or "he was stationed".

Is it better to use "he was placed" or "he was put"?

"He was placed" often sounds more formal and deliberate than "he was put". The better choice depends on the specific context and the desired tone.

What does it mean when someone says "he was placed on leave"?

It means that he has been temporarily removed from his duties or position, often pending an investigation or some other formal process.