he was received

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence "he was received" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when talking about someone being welcomed or accepted by a group or person. For example, "John was received with open arms by his new colleagues."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

He was 98.

The New York Times

He was 11 under.

The New York Times

He was 21 yrs.

The New Yorker

"Seven?" He was 23.

The New York Times - Sports

He was 45 - young".

The New York Times

He was 32 then.

The New York Times - Arts

He said he was 89.

The New York Times - Sports

He was 4 or 5.

The New York Times

She was 13; he was 15.

The New York Times

She was 20, and he was 21.

The New York Times

I was 19 and he was 16.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "he was received", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what did the receiving. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens the clarity of the sentence.

Common error

While grammatically correct, excessive use of passive voice can make writing sound weak. Consider rewriting the sentence in the active voice (e.g., "They received him") for a more direct and engaging style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he was received" functions as a passive construction indicating that a male subject underwent the action of being received. It's grammatically correct as confirmed by Ludwig, but is less direct than active voice constructions.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he was received" is a grammatically correct but relatively uncommon passive construction used to describe how someone was welcomed or accepted. Ludwig confirms its validity, though it's important to note that an active voice construction might often be preferable for a more direct style. Without real-world examples, determining precise usage contexts and formality levels is difficult. When using the phrase, ensure clarity regarding who performed the receiving action to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternative phrases like "he was welcomed" or "he was greeted" for more common and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he was welcomed

This alternative is a more direct and common synonym, replacing "received" with "welcomed".

he was greeted

This alternative is similar to "welcomed" but emphasizes the act of meeting or acknowledging someone upon arrival.

he was accepted

This alternative focuses on the idea of being approved or embraced by a group or community.

he was given a warm reception

This alternative emphasizes the positive and enthusiastic nature of the welcome.

he was granted entry

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the permission or allowance to enter a place or group.

he was admitted

This alternative suggests being allowed into a specific program, institution, or group.

he found acceptance

This alternative emphasizes the result of being accepted, highlighting the feeling of belonging.

he was ushered in

This alternative implies a guided or ceremonious entrance.

he met with approval

This alternative highlights the positive sentiment or endorsement he encountered.

they received him

This is an active version of the phrase, changing the focus to the subject doing the receiving.

FAQs

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

You can use "he was received" when talking about someone being welcomed or accepted by a group or person. For example, "He was received with open arms by his new colleagues."

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

You can use alternatives like "he was welcomed", "he was greeted", or "he was accepted" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "he was received" or "they received him"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "they received him" is in the active voice, often making it a stronger and more direct choice.

What's the difference between "he was received" and "he was welcomed"?

While similar, "he was welcomed" is a more common and direct synonym, whereas "he was received" can sometimes imply a more formal or ceremonious acceptance.