was there for him

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was there for him" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express support or presence for someone during a difficult time or situation. Example: "During his toughest moments, she was there for him, offering comfort and understanding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

The moment was there for him.

The New York Times - Sports

"I was there for him".

The New York Times

It was there for him to put away.

The Guardian - Sport

She was there for him to do as he wanted".

The Guardian

In times of trouble — whether emotional, criminal or financial — she was there for him.

The New York Times

When his parents both died recently I hope I was there for him.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

Hopefully, you enjoyed being there for him.

The New York Times

I've been there for him.

The New York Times

What is there for him?

The Guardian

Now it is there for him.

The Guardian - Sport

And football has been there for him.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was there for him" to convey a sense of reliability and support during challenging times. It emphasizes not just physical presence, but also emotional availability.

Common error

Avoid using "was there for him" when simply indicating physical presence without the implication of support or assistance. Choose a phrase that better reflects the context, such as "was present".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was there for him" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating that someone provided support, assistance, or emotional availability to another person. As Ludwig AI explains, it's grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was there for him" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that someone provided support, assistance, or companionship during a time of need. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It is most frequently found in news and media contexts but is also used in academic settings. While alternatives like "supported him" or "stood by him" exist, "was there for him" effectively conveys both presence and active support, making it a versatile choice for expressing empathy and reliability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

supported him

Focuses on the act of providing assistance and encouragement.

stood by him

Implies loyalty and unwavering support during difficult times.

helped him out

Highlights the act of giving practical assistance.

assisted him

A more formal way of saying 'helped him'.

backed him up

Suggests providing reinforcement or defense.

was supportive of him

Emphasizes the emotional or moral support provided.

was available for him

Highlights readiness and accessibility.

came to his aid

Implies responding to a call for help.

was present for him

Focuses on physical presence and being there.

offered him assistance

Highlights the act of proposing help.

FAQs

How can I use "was there for him" in a sentence?

You can use "was there for him" to describe someone who provided support, comfort, or assistance during a difficult time. For example, "During his toughest moments, she "was there for him", offering comfort and understanding."

What are some alternatives to "was there for him"?

Alternatives include phrases like "supported him", "stood by him", or "helped him out". The best choice depends on the specific context and the type of support provided.

Is it appropriate to use "was there for him" in formal writing?

Yes, "was there for him" is appropriate in both formal and informal writing. However, in highly formal contexts, you might consider using more sophisticated alternatives like "assisted him" or "rendered assistance to him".

What's the difference between "was there for him" and "was present for him"?

"Was there for him" implies active support and assistance, while "was present for him" simply indicates being physically present. The former suggests a deeper level of engagement and care.