he was rejected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he was rejected" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where someone was not accepted or chosen for something, such as a job, a relationship, or an application. Example: "After the interview, he was rejected for the position, leaving him feeling disappointed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He was rejected — twice.

The New Yorker

He was rejected).

The New York Times - Arts

(He was rejected as too young).

The New York Times

He was rejected last September, he said.

The New York Times

He was rejected without kicking a ball.

The Guardian - Sport

Being overweight, nearsighted, and in poor health, he was rejected.

The New Yorker

But he was rejected for having flat feet.

The New York Times

To his shock, he was rejected by every single one.

The New Yorker

He was rejected by the New York City Opera.

The New York Times - Arts

He was rejected by the Senate in 1989.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Already he was rejecting the clean shimmer of 1940s theatre.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "he was rejected", ensure the context clearly indicates what he was rejected from, such as a job, school, or proposal. This adds clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

While "he was rejected" is grammatically correct, avoid overusing the passive voice. Sometimes, an active voice construction (e.g., "they rejected him") can make your writing more direct and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he was rejected" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that someone experienced the action of being rejected. Ludwig shows many examples of its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Wiki

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "he was rejected" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that someone was not accepted or approved for something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While alternatives like "he was turned down" or "his application was denied" exist, "he was rejected" remains a versatile and readily understood option. When using this phrase, clarity is key; ensure the context makes it clear what the person was rejected from to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he faced rejection

Emphasizes the experience of dealing with rejection.

he didn't get accepted

Uses a more casual tone and focuses on the lack of acceptance.

his application was denied

Specific to applications, highlighting the denial of the request.

he was turned down

A common and direct alternative phrase.

he failed to be selected

Focuses on the failure to be chosen from a group.

he didn't make the cut

Idiomatic expression indicating failure to meet the required standard.

he was unsuccessful in his application

More formal, specifying the context of an application.

he was passed over

Suggests that he was considered but ultimately not chosen.

he met with a refusal

Highlights the act of refusing him.

his proposal was declined

Specific to proposals, indicating a formal rejection.

FAQs

What does "he was rejected" mean?

The phrase "he was rejected" means that someone's application, proposal, or candidacy was not accepted. It implies a decision against the person in question.

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

You can use alternatives like "he was turned down", "he didn't get accepted", or "his application was denied" depending on the context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when describing a rejection?

While "he was rejected" uses passive voice, using active voice such as "they rejected him" can sometimes make your writing more direct and impactful. Choose the voice that best suits the context and desired emphasis.

How formal is the phrase "he was rejected"?

The phrase "he was rejected" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, more formal alternatives like "his application was declined" may be preferable in professional settings.