he was very active

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence 'He was very active' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this sentence when referring to someone who does a lot of physical activity or works hard at something. For example: John was very active during his time in the army. He helped his unit to complete several important missions.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

50 human-written examples

He was very active.

The New Yorker

"He was very active, taking the shots.

The New York Times

He was very active in the Jewish community.

The New York Times

He was very active in many community and legal institutions.

The New York Times

He was very active in cooperative and community affairs.

The New York Times

He was very active in the educational and spiritual affairs of the West End Temple.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

He's very active.

The New York Times

"He is very active," she said.

The New York Times

He is very active in the military branch of Hamas".

The New York Times

"He's very active, not like the Chinese.

The Guardian - Sport

"He is very active in supporting Qaddafi in Cairo and the region," Mr. Soufrakis added, in an e-mail.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he was very active" to provide context about someone's lifestyle or behavior.

Common error

Avoid simply stating "he was very active" without providing any context or details about what he was active in. This makes the statement vague and uninformative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he was very active" serves as a descriptive statement, typically functioning as a predicate adjective phrase. It characterizes a subject by indicating their high level of participation or engagement in various activities. As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he was very active" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to describe someone's high level of involvement or participation in various activities. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It is frequently found in news media and scientific publications, indicating its broad applicability. While the phrase is widely accepted, it's best practice to follow it with specific details to provide a clearer understanding of the individual's contributions or lifestyle. Alternatives such as "he was highly involved" or "he participated enthusiastically" can be used to add nuance depending on the intended emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he took an active part

Slightly more formal, emphasizing conscious involvement.

he was deeply engaged

Focuses on the depth of his involvement.

he was highly involved

Emphasizes a deep level of engagement or commitment.

he participated enthusiastically

Highlights the eagerness and passion in his participation.

he played a significant role

Focuses on the importance of his contribution.

he was a driving force

Highlights his influence and energy in pushing an activity forward.

he was a key player

Highlights his importance and influence within a group.

he contributed substantially

Emphasizes the amount or impact of his contribution.

he was at the forefront

Indicates a leading position in an activity or movement.

he spearheaded efforts

Suggests he initiated and led specific initiatives.

FAQs

How can I use "he was very active" in a sentence?

Use "he was very active" to describe someone's involvement in activities. For example, "He was very active in the community and volunteered regularly."

What can I say instead of "he was very active"?

You can use alternatives like "he was highly involved", "he participated enthusiastically", or "he played a significant role depending on the context.

Is it better to say "he was very active" or "he was active"?

"He was very active" emphasizes a higher degree of engagement compared to "he was active". The choice depends on the level of activity you want to convey.

Which is correct, "he was very active in" or "he was very active with"?

"He was very active in" is generally preferred when referring to a field, organization, or area of involvement. "He was very active with" can also be used, but is less common. For example, "He was very active in the local church." is more common than "He was very active with the local church."