he was retarded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he was retarded" is grammatically correct but considered outdated and offensive in contemporary usage.
It may be used in historical contexts or discussions about past terminology, but it is generally advisable to avoid it in modern writing. Example: "In the past, people often used the term 'retarded' to describe individuals with intellectual disabilities, but this language has since evolved."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

It also disputed the contention that he was retarded.

The New York Times

"I didn't realize in that first meeting that he was retarded".

The New York Times

Edwin died young — he was retarded — and then a lot of other people in the family died.

The New Yorker

Because of his dyslexia and other perceptual and motor-function problems, Mr. Malloy said, his teachers thought he was retarded until he was in the fourth grade.

The New York Times

They began asking his mother, in the offensive terms of the day, whether he was "retarded" – if that was why he couldn't speak.

The Guardian - Books

"After a while he'd knock me on the floor and I just sat there and stared at him like he was retarded.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

But now he is retarded.

The New Yorker

"Or else he's retarded.

The New Yorker

Above that, the defendant must prove that he is retarded.

The New York Times

He's always asking me questions about blacks, not because he's retarded, just ignorant".

The New York Times - Magazine

"Ryan was a juvenile at the time of the murder, he's retarded, and he's innocent".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the term "retarded" due to its offensive nature. Instead, opt for respectful and accurate alternatives like "he had an intellectual disability" or "he had a developmental disability".

Common error

Relying on terms like "retarded" perpetuates stigma and disrespect. Stay updated on preferred language used by disability advocacy groups and individuals with intellectual disabilities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he was retarded" functions as a predicate nominative, where "was retarded" describes the subject "he". Ludwig AI confirms this usage appears in various contexts, although the term itself is now considered outdated and offensive.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "he was retarded" is grammatically sound but employs a term now widely recognized as offensive. Ludwig AI’s analysis reveals that while it may appear in older sources, its use is highly discouraged in contemporary communication. Modern alternatives, such as "he had an intellectual disability" or "he had a developmental disability", are preferred for their respectfulness and accuracy. Utilizing updated and sensitive language reflects an awareness of evolving social norms and promotes inclusivity. The phrase appears mostly in News & Media articles, which may be reporting on historical events or discussing the term itself. Always consider the impact of your word choice and prioritize respectful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he had an intellectual disability

Replaces the outdated term "retarded" with the more respectful and accurate "intellectual disability".

he had a developmental disability

Similar to intellectual disability but encompasses a broader range of developmental conditions.

he was developmentally delayed

Similar to "developmental disability", emphasizing the delay in reaching developmental milestones.

he had a cognitive impairment

Focuses on cognitive function, offering a more clinical and less stigmatizing description.

he experienced cognitive delays

Highlights a delay in cognitive development, a characteristic often associated with intellectual disabilities.

he had special needs

A general term that encompasses various disabilities, including intellectual ones. Less specific but avoids offensive language.

he had learning difficulties

Emphasizes challenges in learning, which may be associated with intellectual disabilities.

he had a learning disability

Focuses specifically on difficulties in learning processes.

he was intellectually challenged

A euphemism that attempts to soften the impact of the term, though it's not always well-received.

he required special education

Indicates that he needed specific educational support due to his learning or developmental differences.

FAQs

What's a respectful way to describe someone who used to be called "retarded"?

Use terms like "intellectual disability", "developmental disability", or "cognitive impairment" depending on the specific context.

Why is the word "retarded" considered offensive?

The term "retarded" has a history of being used to mock and demean individuals with intellectual disabilities. It's now widely recognized as a slur and is considered highly offensive.

Are there situations where it's acceptable to use the word "retarded"?

In modern contexts, it's generally not acceptable to use the word "retarded". It may appear in historical documents or discussions about the history of disability language, but even then, it should be used with caution and awareness of its harmful impact.

What's the difference between "intellectual disability" and "developmental delay"?

"Intellectual disability" refers to significant limitations in both intellectual functioning and adaptive behavior. "Developmental delay" is often used for younger children who are not meeting developmental milestones and may or may not have an intellectual disability.