rear him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "rear him" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to raising or nurturing someone, typically a child or animal. Example: "They decided to rear him in a loving and supportive environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

His grandfather, who helped rear him, was a union steamfitter.

The New York Times

His grandmother, who was retired, did the best she could to rear him, he added.

The New York Times

His grandfather was his role model, but did not rear him after his father's death.

The New York Times

So, perhaps, did his spirit; his grandfather, who helped rear him, had died a few weeks before.

The New Yorker

But the session dragged on toward Christmas and an annual trip to Hawaii to visit his grandmother, who had helped rear him.

The New York Times

When Martin was 9, he told Rochella that she could not go crazy, because then there would be nobody left to rear him.

The New York Times - Sports

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

His father, Hope, reared him on the Yankees during his childhood in Ohio.

The New York Times

She continued, "John is straight and strong, as his father and I reared him to be.

The New York Times

As for his father, who reared him, Thomas said, "He's going to keep working in the mines".

The New York Times - Sports

His father, a lawyer, reared him after his parents were divorced when he was still a child.

The New York Times - Arts

Instead, the play focuses on the woman who reared him, Rachel Crosby, who owned a rooming house in Lackawanna, N.Y.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "rear him" when you want to subtly emphasize the effort and care involved in raising someone, often in contexts where the upbringing was particularly challenging or noteworthy.

Common error

While "rear him" is grammatically correct, it can sound somewhat formal or old-fashioned in modern English. Consider whether a more common alternative like "raise him" or "bring him up" would be more appropriate for your audience and context.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "rear him" is as a transitive verb phrase. It consists of the verb "rear" followed by the object pronoun "him". Ludwig's examples showcase its usage in sentences where someone is actively involved in the upbringing of another person.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "rear him" is a grammatically correct phrase meaning to raise or bring up a child, as validated by Ludwig AI. While it is commonly used, particularly in news and wiki contexts, it carries a slightly formal tone. When writing, consider whether alternatives like "raise him" or "bring him up" might be more suitable for a modern audience. The phrase emphasizes the care and effort involved in the upbringing process. Its usage spans various reputable sources, including The New York Times and BBC, indicating its acceptance in standard English, though its slightly archaic flavor should be kept in mind.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

raise him

A more common and direct synonym, focusing on the act of bringing up a child.

bring him up

Similar to "raise him", emphasizing the process of raising a child to adulthood.

nurture him

Focuses on providing care, support, and education to foster development.

foster his development

Emphasizes the active encouragement and promotion of growth.

care for him

A broader term encompassing all aspects of looking after someone's well-being.

look after him

Similar to "care for him", focusing on providing supervision and protection.

support his upbringing

Highlights the provision of resources and assistance during childhood.

guide him through childhood

Focuses on providing direction and mentorship during formative years.

help him grow

Emphasizes the assistance provided to facilitate personal and emotional growth.

educate him

Highlights the provision of formal or informal learning to facilitate intellectual development.

FAQs

What does "rear him" mean?

The phrase "rear him" means to raise or bring up a child or young person, providing care, education, and guidance as they grow to adulthood. It's similar to "raise him" or "bring him up".

When is it appropriate to use "rear him" in writing?

Use "rear him" when you want to emphasize the nurturing and care involved in raising someone, particularly in formal contexts or when highlighting the effort put into their upbringing. However, be aware that it might sound slightly archaic to some audiences.

What are some alternatives to "rear him"?

You can use alternatives like "raise him", "bring him up", or "nurture him" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "rear him" more formal than "raise him"?

Yes, "rear him" is generally considered more formal and less commonly used in contemporary English compared to "raise him". The latter is more widely accepted in everyday conversation and writing.