she adopted him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "she adopted him" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of legally taking a child or pet into one's family and raising them as one's own. Example: "After years of trying to start a family, she adopted him and gave him a loving home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

She adopted him.

The New York Times

Instead she adopted him and nursed both cubs.

The New York Times - Science

She adopted him in 1993, after he had been taken away from his drug-abusing mother.

The New York Times - Health

He recalls his mother in her younger years, when she adopted him at age 33, and her middle years, when she was beginning to lose her beauty.

The New Yorker

She adopted him and raised him in Pharaoh's palace.

Huffington Post

During the process, her son Louis, 3, became the center of her universe after she adopted him that January.

Los Angeles Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

On the second, she formally adopted him in Addis Ababa, and then flew back with him, through London.

The New Yorker

The woman said that she had adopted him from a shelter three or four years ago and had kept him for a short while, but he peed everywhere and didn't get along with her other cat so she ended up taking him back.

The New Yorker

Now, they have "such an intimate and familial relationship" that she's adopted him as her grandson.

Vice

After a city investigation, the child was returned to her care, and she has since adopted him.

The New York Times

Hakeem is the same age Mrs. Jordan's son would be if he were alive, and she has practically adopted him.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "she adopted him", ensure that the context clearly indicates whether you're referring to a formal, legal adoption or a more informal, nurturing relationship. Clarify the nature of the relationship to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "she adopted him" loosely to describe mentorship or close friendships. While nurturing and supportive relationships are valuable, reserve the term "adopted" for situations where a legal or deeply committed caregiving relationship is established.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "she adopted him" functions as a declarative statement, expressing a completed action of adoption. Ludwig AI confirms the grammatical correctness and usability of this phrase. It directly conveys the information that a female subject has legally adopted a male individual.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "she adopted him" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe the legal act of a woman adopting a male child or individual. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. The phrase is generally neutral in register and serves to inform about the creation of a familial bond through adoption. While primarily found in news and media contexts, it is versatile enough for use in various settings. When employing this phrase, it's important to ensure clarity about the nature of the adoption and avoid using it loosely for non-legal caregiving relationships.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

she legally adopted him

Stresses the legality and official nature of the adoption.

she became his adoptive mother

Highlights the resulting family role and relationship.

she took him in as her own

Emphasizes the act of accepting someone as family without formal adoption.

she raised him as her son

Focuses on the nurturing and upbringing aspect of motherhood.

she fostered and then adopted him

Highlights the transition from temporary care to permanent adoption.

she assumed parental responsibilities for him

Focuses on the act of taking on parental duties.

she welcomed him into her family

Focuses on the act of acceptance and integration into the family unit.

she made him a part of her family

Highlights integration in the family unit.

she provided him with a home

Highlights the act of providing care and shelter.

she took him under her wing

Emphasizes the protective and nurturing aspect.

FAQs

What does "she adopted him" mean?

The phrase "she adopted him" means a woman has legally and formally taken a male child or animal into her family and is now his legal parent or caregiver. It implies a long-term commitment to raising and caring for him.

Is it correct to say "she adopted him" when referring to a pet?

Yes, "she adopted him" can be used to describe taking in a pet, especially from a shelter or rescue organization. While not legally the same as human adoption, it implies a similar level of care and commitment. The phrase "she took him in" could be an alternative in informal contexts.

What's the difference between "she adopted him" and "she fostered him"?

"She adopted him" implies a permanent, legal relationship. "She fostered him" means she provided temporary care, often through a government agency or organization, but without the intention of permanent adoption. In some cases the foster care may transition to an adoption as in "she fostered and then adopted him".

What are some alternative phrases for "she adopted him" if I want to vary my writing?

Alternatives include "she took him in as her own", "she became his adoptive mother", or "she raised him as her son", depending on the specific aspect of the relationship you want to emphasize.