subdue him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "subdue him" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where one is referring to overcoming, controlling, or bringing someone under control, often in a physical or metaphorical sense. Example: "The soldiers were ordered to subdue him before he could escape."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Swann could not subdue him.

The Guardian - Sport

He swung at an officer trying to subdue him.

The New York Times

It took two federal agents standing nearby to subdue him.

The New York Times

"It was difficult to finally subdue him," Mr. Bookstaver said.

The New York Times

Ketchum and three assistants piled on top of the soldier to subdue him.

The New Yorker

AMERICA'S armed forces are trained to encircle the enemy and subdue him with overwhelming force.

The Economist

"If he panicked at some point, the others could no doubt subdue him.

The New Yorker

The Fakir doesn't accept Pakistani rule & they haven't been able to subdue him.

The New Yorker

"Otis," the one named Dave said, "what if he attacks you?" "Then I will subdue him.

The New Yorker

Barnes sued the city, claiming that Officer Jerome had used excessive force to subdue him.

The New Yorker

The man fought police officers who tried to subdue him, the police said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation where someone is being controlled or restrained, consider the degree of force or influence involved. "Subdue him" suggests a need to overcome resistance, so ensure this aligns with the context.

Common error

Avoid using "subdue him" passively (e.g., "he was subdued by... ") if active voice provides a stronger, clearer image of who is doing the subduing and how.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "subdue him" functions as a transitive verb phrase where "subdue" is the verb and "him" is the direct object. This means the verb acts upon the object, indicating an action being performed on someone. Ludwig confirms this usage, showing it consistently used to describe overcoming someone's resistance.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Encyclopedias

12%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "subdue him" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for describing the act of bringing someone under control, as validated by Ludwig. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it conveys a sense of overcoming resistance. When using "subdue him", consider the level of force implied and avoid overuse in passive voice. For alternatives, "bring him under control" or "restrain him" offer similar meanings with varying degrees of intensity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bring him under control

This alternative emphasizes the act of gaining control over someone's actions or behavior.

overpower him

This suggests a physical dominance and the use of force to overcome someone.

restrain him

Focuses on limiting someone's movement or actions, often physically.

capture him

Implies taking someone into custody or seizing them.

defeat him

Suggests winning against someone in a conflict or competition.

conquer him

Indicates a complete and decisive victory, often with a sense of domination.

overcome him

Emphasizes successfully dealing with a challenge or obstacle posed by someone.

get the better of him

This idiom means to outsmart or defeat someone.

get him under submission

Implies forcing someone to comply or yield to one's authority.

quell him

Suggests suppressing or calming someone who is agitated or rebellious.

FAQs

How can I use "subdue him" in a sentence?

The phrase "subdue him" is typically used to describe the act of bringing someone under control, often by force. For example, "The police needed several officers to "subdue him" after he resisted arrest."

What are some alternatives to "subdue him"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "bring him under control", "overpower him", or "restrain him" as alternatives to "subdue him".

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "subdue him"?

The phrase "subdue him" is appropriate when describing a situation where someone is actively resisting and needs to be brought under control, often through physical force or other means of suppression. It's common in news reports about arrests or conflicts.

What is the difference between "subdue him" and "arrest him"?

"Arrest him" refers specifically to the legal process of taking someone into custody. "Subdue him" describes the act of overcoming resistance, which may or may not lead to an arrest. You might "subdue him" in order to "arrest him", but subduing doesn't always imply an arrest.