he was slain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he was slain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts involving violence, death, or historical narratives, often in a dramatic or literary sense. Example: "In the epic tale, the brave knight was slain in battle, sacrificing himself for his kingdom."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

He was slain at the Battle of Alfarrobeira.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He was slain by Yorkists at the Battle of Northampton.

Britannica

"As a Kurdish intellectual, he was slain by the state.

The Guardian

There, by premeditated treachery or in a sudden brawl, he was slain by the MacDonnells.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He was slain in 1980 by a former protege suffering from mental illness.

The Washington Post

After joining with Baldwin in an attack on Damascus (1129), he was slain in Cilicia by a Muslim army.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Gunther (called Gunnar) figures in the Eddaic poem Atlakvida, in which he is slain by Atli (Attila) the Hun and avenged by his sister, Atli's wife.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In Book XVI of the Iliad, Hypnos and Thanatos carry the body of Sarpedon home to Lycia after he is slain by Patroclus, a scene depicted in the 6th century bc by the Greek artist Euphronius and others.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When he imprisons two children he plans to devour (Achille Trocellier and Marin Charvet), she protects them, and after he is slain, she imagines they're hers for a while.

The New York Times

He does not have a responsible rôle, inasmuch as he is slain soon after the story opens.Here is another drama well worth seeing and a film in which the director.

The New York Times

In Mandarin, the language is colloquial and updated, but the surtitles for the Irish run mix Synge's distinctive heightened diction with contemporary expressions - "Fucking cool!" exclaims one character when Ma Shang reveals he's "slain his da".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he was slain" when aiming for a formal, historical, or literary tone. It adds a sense of gravity and finality to the description of someone's death.

Common error

Avoid using "he was slain" in everyday conversations or modern news reports. Opt for more common and less dramatic alternatives like "he was killed" or "he was murdered" for clarity and appropriateness.

Linguistic Context

He was slain functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject (he) was the recipient of the action (being slain). This contrasts with an active voice construction where the subject performs the action. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

28%

Academia

23%

Less common in

Wiki

13%

Reference

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he was slain" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive voice construction, predominantly found in formal writing, historical accounts, and news reports. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. While "he was slain" effectively conveys the death of an individual, it is often best suited for contexts where a formal, historical, or literary tone is desired. For contemporary and casual communications, alternatives like "he was killed" or "he was murdered" may be more appropriate. Understanding these nuances ensures effective and contextually appropriate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he was killed

This is the most direct and common synonym, lacking the archaic tone of "slain".

he was murdered

This implies an unlawful and intentional killing.

he was assassinated

This suggests a politically motivated killing of a prominent figure.

he met his death

A more euphemistic and general way of saying someone died, often in a violent context.

he perished

A formal and somewhat archaic term for dying.

he was felled

This suggests a sudden and forceful killing, often in battle or conflict.

he was dispatched

This implies a swift and efficient killing, often by an agent or force.

he lost his life

A more gentle and indirect way of saying someone died.

he was taken

A euphemistic way to say that someone died, suggesting a supernatural or external force.

he was terminated

A blunt and clinical term, often used in espionage or military contexts.

FAQs

What does "he was slain" mean?

The phrase "he was slain" means that someone was killed, often in a violent or dramatic way. It is a more formal and archaic way of saying "he was killed".

When is it appropriate to use "he was slain"?

It is appropriate to use "he was slain" in historical narratives, epic tales, or when aiming for a formal and literary tone. In contemporary contexts, simpler alternatives like "he was killed" are often preferred.

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

You can use alternatives like "he was killed", "he was murdered", or "he perished" depending on the context and desired tone.

Is "he was slain" grammatically correct?

Yes, "he was slain" is grammatically correct. It is a passive voice construction using the past participle of the verb "slay".