i taught him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I taught him" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of imparting knowledge or skills to someone in the past. Example: "Last year, I taught him how to play the guitar."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I taught him crime reporting.

The New York Times

I taught him to dance.

The Guardian

I taught him jokes, Battleships, pig Latin.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I taught him how to dress.

The Guardian

I taught him to dance and mime.

The Guardian - Music

I taught him the Continental grip.

The New Yorker

"And I taught him some things as well".

The New York Times

I taught him something cool about his phone.

The New York Times - Tech

I said I taught him everything he knows".

The New Yorker

"I taught him some football, some boxing, some baseball.

The New Yorker

PB: I taught him at Walthamstow School of Art.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "I taught him", ensure that the context clearly indicates what specific skill, knowledge, or behavior was imparted. Providing context makes the statement more impactful and informative.

Common error

Avoid using "I taught him" without specifying what you taught. Instead of saying "I taught him", be specific: "I taught him how to code" or "I taught him the importance of empathy".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I taught him" functions as a statement of past action, indicating that the speaker imparted knowledge, skills, or abilities to another person. As shown by Ludwig, it is a common and widely accepted way to express this action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "I taught him" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate that the speaker imparted knowledge or skills to another person in the past. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is widely accepted and suitable for use in various contexts. While versatile, clarity is key; specifying what was taught strengthens the phrase's impact. Common alternatives include "I showed him how to" and "I trained him". Predominantly found in news and media sources, the phrase maintains a neutral register, making it suitable for diverse communication scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I showed him how to

This alternative focuses on demonstrating a process or skill.

I trained him to

This alternative emphasizes the practical application of skills.

I gave him lessons

This alternative focuses on providing formal instruction or lessons.

I coached him in

This alternative suggests training or mentoring in a specific area.

I guided him through

This alternative implies a more supportive and hands-on approach to teaching.

I mentored him on

This alternative emphasizes a longer-term, advisory role.

I provided him with instruction

This is a more formal way of saying that you taught him.

I shared my knowledge with him

This alternative highlights the act of imparting knowledge.

I educated him in

This alternative emphasizes a broader, more comprehensive learning experience.

I enlightened him about

This alternative emphasizes the intellectual aspect of teaching

FAQs

What can I say instead of "I taught him"?

You can use alternatives like "I showed him how to", "I trained him to", or "I gave him lessons", depending on the context.

How do I use "I taught him" in a sentence?

Use "I taught him" to indicate that you imparted knowledge or a skill to someone in the past. For example, "I taught him Spanish" or "I taught him how to play the guitar."

Is it correct to say "I have taught him" instead of "I taught him"?

Both "I taught him" and "I have taught him" are grammatically correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "I taught him" is simple past tense, indicating a completed action in the past. "I have taught him" is present perfect tense, suggesting that the teaching has relevance to the present. The choice depends on the specific context.

What's the difference between "I taught him" and "He learned from me"?

"I taught him" focuses on the act of teaching from your perspective. "He learned from me" focuses on the act of learning from his perspective. The phrasing changes the emphasis of the sentence.