he was suggested

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'he was suggested' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You could use it when you want to say that a person was recommended or advised to do something. For example: "He was suggested to take a leadership course in order to advance his career."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

He was suggested to fill the helix with different gasses and materials.

Princeton University

He was suggested for the role of a professional thief by his Swimming With Sharks co-star Kevin Spacey, who ultimately stole the film.

The Guardian - Film

However, his return was delayed by a suspension after he collected his firth booking of the season, and the fact that O'Neill decided to leave him where he was suggested his chances of making an impact on Wearside would be limited.

Independent

"When he was suggested as a head coach, I was intrigued a little bit.

BBC

DR: He was suggested to my mother to be the first director of the MoMA.

Forbes

In 1554 Bourchier was in touching distance of becoming a Bishop when he was suggested by Edward Griffin as a candidate for the Bishopric of Gloucester.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

He was suggesting that fashion was in ruins.

The New York Times

He was suggesting Ryan O'Neal or Bob Redford and I was suggesting Pacino.

The New Yorker

Rather, they said, he was suggesting a possibility that he and others considered hypothetical.

The New York Times

Barnett did not respond when asked by reporters if he was suggesting Dhu had been aggressive.

The Guardian

He was suggesting that the heat intensity, it was like do or die.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he was suggested" when you want to indicate that someone proposed or recommended a person for a particular role, task, or consideration. For example, "He was suggested as a potential candidate for the leadership position."

Common error

Avoid using "he was suggested by himself" because the passive voice already implies an external agent. Instead, use "he suggested himself" if the subject initiated the suggestion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he was suggested" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject received an action (being suggested) from an unspecified agent. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, such as being considered for a position or task.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

29%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

14%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he was suggested" is a grammatically sound and usable phrase indicating that an individual has been recommended or proposed for something. According to Ludwig, this phrase appears in various contexts, especially in News & Media and Academia. While "he was suggested" isn't overly common, it is neutrally registered, fitting diverse scenarios. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with the passive voice construction; avoid self-referential uses unless actively intended. Alternative phrases such as "he was recommended" or "he was nominated" can add nuance or formality depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he was recommended

Direct synonym, emphasizing a positive endorsement.

he was proposed

Focuses on the act of putting forward his name.

he was nominated

Implies a formal selection process.

his name was put forward

Emphasizes the action of presenting his name for consideration.

he was considered

Highlights that he was taken into account as a possibility.

he was put up for

Suggests he was offered as a candidate.

he was advised

Indicates guidance or counsel led to his consideration.

he was pegged as

Informal, implies an immediate or quick assessment.

he was tapped for

Suggests a subtle or discreet selection.

he was in the running

Indicates he was among the candidates being considered.

FAQs

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

Use "he was suggested" to indicate that someone was recommended or proposed for a specific role or task. For instance, "he was suggested for the project lead because of his experience".

What's a more formal way to say "he was suggested"?

For a more formal tone, you might use phrases like "he was recommended" or "he was nominated", depending on the context.

What can I say instead of "he was suggested" to sound less passive?

To avoid the passive voice, you can rephrase it actively. For example, "someone suggested him" or "they proposed him". These alternatives place emphasis on who made the suggestion.

Is it correct to say "he was suggested by" someone?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "he was suggested by" someone to specify who made the suggestion. For example, "he was suggested by the manager for the promotion".