he withdrew

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he withdrew" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone pulling back or removing themselves from a situation, conversation, or commitment. Example: "After much consideration, he withdrew from the competition, feeling it was the best decision for his well-being."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He withdrew his candidacy.

The New York Times

Slowly he withdrew.

The New York Times

He withdrew his arm.

The New Yorker

He withdrew on Monday.

The New York Times

He withdrew his commitment.

The Washington Post

So he withdrew her petition.

The New York Times - Magazine

(He withdrew from the race).

The New York Times

"He withdrew a little bit.

The New York Times

He withdrew a thermos bottle.

The New Yorker

He withdrew from the project.

The New York Times

Instead he withdrew.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "he withdrew" to describe a formal removal or retreat from a commitment, competition, or statement. Ensure the context clearly indicates what was withdrawn from.

Common error

Avoid using "he withdrew" to describe simple departures or movements. This phrase is best suited for situations involving a deliberate decision to remove oneself from a prior involvement or position.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he withdrew" functions as a verb phrase indicating a past action. It typically describes a subject's act of removing themselves from a situation, commitment, or statement. As shown by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Encyclopedias

12%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

3%

Reference

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he withdrew" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe someone's act of removing themselves from a situation, commitment, or statement. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media contexts, as well as encyclopedias, indicating its suitability for both formal and neutral registers. While alternatives like "he backed out" or "he resigned" exist, "he withdrew" specifically denotes a deliberate act of removal, making it a versatile phrase in various communication scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he backed out

Focuses on the act of retracting from a commitment or agreement.

he pulled out

Emphasizes a physical or metaphorical removal from a situation.

he resigned

Specifically refers to leaving a position or role.

he stepped down

Highlights a voluntary relinquishment of power or responsibility.

he recanted

Implies a formal retraction of a previously held belief or statement.

he relinquished

Suggests a formal or willing surrender of something.

he abandoned

Conveys a sense of desertion or leaving something behind.

he retreated

Emphasizes a strategic withdrawal, often from a conflict.

he cancelled

Refers to the act of nullifying or calling off an event or plan.

he departed

Simply indicates a leaving or going away.

FAQs

How can I use "he withdrew" in a sentence?

Use "he withdrew" to indicate that someone has formally removed themselves from something. For example, "He withdrew his application after realizing he wasn't qualified."

What can I say instead of "he withdrew"?

You can use alternatives like "he backed out", "he resigned", or "he pulled out" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "he withdrawed" instead of "he withdrew"?

No, "he withdrawed" is grammatically incorrect. The correct past tense form of 'withdraw' is "he withdrew".

What is the difference between "he withdrew" and "he retired"?

"He withdrew" implies a removal from a specific situation or commitment, while "he retired" specifically refers to leaving a job or career after a long period of service.