he was taught

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he was taught" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone who has received instruction or education in a particular subject or skill. Example: "He was taught the importance of teamwork during his training sessions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

& eventually he was "taught the secret".

The New Yorker

But he was taught in a very old school.

The New York Times - Food

"He was taught with the whole language approach," she said.

The New York Times

After his ordinary-level exams he was taught to be a human bomb.

The Economist

When I was in high school he was taught to be one of the great presidents.

The New York Times

He was taught there by the Modernist grandees Paul Rand and Josef Albers.

The New York Times - Arts

As a Mormon, he was taught the virtues of living a prepared life.

The New York Times - Magazine

Has Mr Gove absolutely no recollection of how he was taught to read?

Independent

(1981) from the Technion Israel Institute of Technology in Haifa, where he was taught by Hershko.

Encyclopedia Britannica

From the moment the ball was snapped, Hill did as he was taught.

The New York Times - Sports

He was taught to hide his feelings beneath "a nice Negro façade," to "wear a face".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he was taught" to clearly indicate that someone received instruction, training, or education, especially when emphasizing the source or method of teaching.

Common error

Avoid using active voice when the passive construction more effectively emphasizes the receiver of the action (i.e., the person being taught) rather than the instructor. For example, instead of "Someone taught him," use "he was taught" to focus on his learning experience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he was taught" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject received instruction or training. It highlights the individual's role as the recipient of knowledge or skills, as exemplified by the numerous uses of Ludwig AI's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Wiki

12%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he was taught" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction that emphasizes the reception of instruction. As highlighted by Ludwig's examples, its usage spans across diverse contexts, including news, encyclopedias and scientific articles. While universally correct, choosing alternatives such as "he received instruction" or "he was trained" can refine the nuance of your writing. Remember to maintain clarity by emphasizing the receiver of the action, and be aware of common errors, such as favoring active voice where passive voice is more effective. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is appropriate for various registers, depending on the setting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

He received instruction

Formal alternative, emphasizing the act of receiving instruction.

He was trained

Focuses on practical skills and preparation.

He learned

General term for acquiring knowledge or skill.

He was educated

Implies a more formal and comprehensive learning process.

He was coached

Suggests personalized guidance and support.

He was mentored

Emphasizes a longer-term, supportive relationship with an experienced individual.

He studied under

Highlights the influence of a specific teacher or master.

He was initiated

Implies being introduced to a secret or specialized knowledge.

He was indoctrinated

Carries a negative connotation, suggesting biased or forceful teaching.

He was shown how to

Focuses on the practical demonstration of a skill.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "he was taught" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, you could use phrases like "he received instruction" or "he was educated". These alternatives emphasize the reception of knowledge in a formal setting.

What's the difference between "he was taught" and "he learned"?

"He was taught" implies a direct transfer of knowledge or skills from someone else, while "he learned" is more general and can include self-taught knowledge or experience.

When is it better to use "he was trained" instead of "he was taught"?

"He was trained" is best used when referring to the acquisition of practical skills and techniques, often in a specific context like a job or sport, while "he was taught" is more general and applies to a broader range of subjects.

Is "he was taught by" grammatically correct?

Yes, "he was taught by" is grammatically correct and a common way to indicate who provided the instruction. For example, "He was taught by a renowned professor."