required him to

USAGE SUMMARY

'required him to' is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase is used when someone is obligated to do something and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. For example: His boss required him to work overtime this weekend.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

None of these really required him to spend time outdoors.

The New York Times - Books

That required him to spend several days each week here.

The New York Times

The security guard required him to take out the box.

The New York Times - Style

Mobley's previous teams required him to undergo additional screening.

The New York Times - Sports

This required him to have another general anaesthetic.

The Guardian

No law required him to speak to us.

The New York Times

But it required him to live in lonely isolation.

The Guardian

However, it required him to be separated from Flynn.

The New Yorker

Nadal called Wimbledon an "emergency" that required him to play.

The New York Times

Three, he felt that his role required him to be "be clear, concise, correct".

The New York Times

Malaria and trouble with his eyes required him to leave the front for treatment in Vienna.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "required him to", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what imposed the requirement. For instance, "The contract required him to submit weekly reports."

Common error

Avoid using "required him to" in a way that obscures who or what is doing the requiring. For example, instead of "He was required to attend", specify "The manager required him to attend."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "required him to" functions as a verb phrase expressing obligation or necessity imposed upon someone. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates that an external force or rule mandated a specific action. This is evident in examples such as "The law then unequivocally required him to return Elian to the custody of the I.N.S."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Encyclopedias

1%

Science & Research

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "required him to" is a versatile construction used to indicate an obligation or necessity for someone to perform a specific action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely applicable in both formal and informal writing. Analysis of numerous examples reveals its frequent use in news and media, where it conveys a sense of external compulsion. While generally neutral, more formal alternatives may be preferred in certain contexts. When using this phrase, it's crucial to specify the source of the requirement to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

had to

A more direct and simple way of expressing necessity.

was obligated to

Emphasizes a sense of duty or legal requirement.

was expected to

Focuses on what was anticipated or demanded of him.

needed to

Similar to "had to", but can also imply a personal need.

was compelled to

Highlights the feeling of being forced or driven to do something.

was necessary for him to

Focuses on the necessity of the action for the person.

was under an obligation to

Formal and emphasizes a binding requirement.

it was his duty to

Highlights a moral or professional obligation.

was essential for him to

Emphasizes the crucial importance of the action.

was bound to

Suggests a commitment or promise to perform the action.

FAQs

How can I use "required him to" in a sentence?

Use "required him to" when indicating an obligation or necessity for someone to perform an action. For example, "His job required him to travel frequently."

What are some alternatives to "required him to"?

You can use alternatives like "was obligated to", "had to", or "was expected to" depending on the context.

Is "required him to" formal or informal?

"Required him to" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but consider more formal alternatives like "was under an obligation to" in highly formal settings.

What's the difference between "required him to" and "allowed him to"?

"Required him to" indicates an obligation, while "allowed him to" implies permission. They have opposite meanings; one signifies necessity, the other possibility.