he was recalled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he was recalled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is brought back to a previous position or location, often in a professional or military setting. Example: "After a thorough evaluation of his performance, he was recalled to serve in the leadership role once again."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was recalled for Korea.

The New York Times

In 1943 he was recalled.

The Guardian - Books

He was recalled to custody.

The Guardian

He was recalled after federation talks collapsed in August 1880.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He was recalled as relatively quiet in class.

The New York Times

He was recalled to active duty in Korea.

The New York Times

After his service he was recalled by the Hon.

The New York Times

For this and other transgressions he was recalled in 1682.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He was recalled by Domenech's successor as coach, Laurent Blanc.

The New York Times - Sports

He was recalled to Strathclyde after Rydderch had regained power.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He was recalled for the Korean war & served 17 mos.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he was recalled" when referring to a formal return to a previous position, duty, or location, especially in professional, military, or governmental contexts. For example, "After a period of leave, "he was recalled" to active duty."

Common error

Avoid using "he was recalled" when a simpler term like "he returned" or "he was asked back" suffices. Overusing the formal phrasing can make writing sound unnecessarily stiff or bureaucratic.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "he was recalled" is a passive voice construction. It indicates that the subject, 'he', is the recipient of the action, rather than the performer. Ludwig AI indicates this is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

30%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

4%

Social Media

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he was recalled" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction signifying someone's official return to a previous duty or position. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is appropriate for formal contexts such as news reports, encyclopedias, and official documents. While versatile, simpler alternatives may be preferable in casual conversation. The analysis reveals that while less common in the business or social media contexts, it remains a consistent and valuable phrase for precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he was brought back

Focuses on the action of returning someone to a previous position or location.

he was summoned back

Emphasizes the authoritative nature of the return, implying an official order.

he was reinstated

Specifically suggests a restoration to a former position, often after a period of absence or removal.

he was returned

A more general term for being sent back, applicable in various contexts.

he was redeployed

Suggests a strategic relocation, often used in military or organizational contexts.

he was reactivated

Implies a return to active service or duty, often after a period of inactivity.

he was reclaimed

Suggests that somebody or something was claimed again by its owner

he was asked to return

Simplifies the action, stating that he was requested to come back.

he was called back

Informal way to say "he was recalled"

he was asked back

Simplifies the action even more, stating that he was requested to come back in an informal way.

FAQs

How to use "he was recalled" in a sentence?

Use "he was recalled" when someone is officially asked or ordered to return to a previous position or duty. For example, "Due to his expertise, "he was recalled" to assist with the project".

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

You can use alternatives like "he was brought back", "he was summoned back", or "he was reinstated" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "he was recalled" or "he got recalled"?

"He was recalled" is generally more formal and grammatically standard. "He got recalled" is more colloquial but acceptable in informal contexts. The choice depends on the desired tone and audience.

What's the difference between "he was recalled" and "he returned"?

"He was recalled" implies an official request or order to return, usually to a specific duty or position. "He returned" simply means he came back, without necessarily implying a formal request or order.