he was sent

USAGE SUMMARY

"he was sent" is a perfectly valid and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that someone was given a mission or instruction to go somewhere or do something, i.e. when you want to express that a person was “sent” on an errand. For example, "He was sent to deliver an important package to the client."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was sent off.

The New York Times - Sports

He was sent away.

The New York Times

He was sent home in disgrace.

The New York Times - Sports

Each time, he was sent back.

The New York Times

He was sent to prison in 2005.

Independent

Later he was sent to the minors.

The New York Times - Sports

He was sent to Afghanistan in December.

The New York Times

He was sent away for more study.

The New Yorker

He was sent to the city morgue.

The New Yorker

Actually, he was sent to Syria.

The New York Times

He was sent out of the room.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "he was sent", ensure the context provides enough information about who sent him and the reason for being sent. Clarity is key for effective communication.

Common error

Avoid confusing "he was sent" with similar-sounding phrases like "he sent" or "he is sending". "He was sent" uses the passive voice and past tense, indicating he received the action of being sent by someone else. Using the active voice changes the meaning entirely.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "he was sent" is a passive voice construction. It indicates that the subject (he) received the action of being sent. Ludwig AI provides numerous examples, demonstrating its widespread use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "he was sent" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase commonly used to indicate that someone was instructed or ordered to go somewhere or do something. Ludwig AI confirms its prevalent use across various contexts, from news and media to encyclopedias and scientific publications. The phrase maintains a neutral tone, making it suitable for both formal and informal communication. By understanding its proper usage and common errors, writers can effectively incorporate "he was sent" into their writing to convey clear and concise information.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he got dispatched

Replaces "sent" with "dispatched", implying a more formal or official sending.

he was directed

Implies that he received instructions to go somewhere or do something.

he got assigned

Indicates that he received a specific task or duty.

he was delegated

Suggests that someone in authority entrusted him with a responsibility.

he was commissioned

Suggests that he was officially tasked with a specific mission.

he was appointed

Suggests selection for a specific role or purpose.

he was transferred

Indicates a change of location or position.

he was shipped off

Informal way to describe being sent somewhere, often unexpectedly.

he was moved

Indicates a change of location.

he was exiled

Implies being forced to leave a place.

FAQs

What does "he was sent" mean?

The phrase "he was sent" indicates that someone received instructions or an order to go to a specific place or complete a task. It implies that an external force or authority initiated the action.

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

You can use "he was sent" to explain someone's presence in a location or their involvement in a task. For example, "He was sent to deliver the package" or "He was sent to investigate the matter".

What are some alternatives to "he was sent"?

Alternatives to "he was sent" include phrases like "he was dispatched", "he was assigned", or "he was directed", which convey similar meanings with slight variations in formality and context.

Is "he was sent" formal or informal?

The phrase "he was sent" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Its suitability depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall situation than the phrase itself.