wore him out

USAGE SUMMARY

"wore him out" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone having expended all of their energy or enthusiasm on a particular task or activity. For example: "All the preparation for the wedding really wore him out."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

All that pitching wore him out, and he returned home to Portland exhausted.

The New York Times - Sports

This great achievement wore him out, and when he died, no one could replace him; Parliament's supporters split into wrangling groups.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"The fact that he really had to pitch hard to get out of a couple of jams, I think, wore him out a little bit," Collins said of Niese.

The New York Times - Sports

He recounts how the ravages of war in Congo and Bosnia finally wore him out, and the admission brings with it a certain catharsis for the viewer.Yet what follows sits uneasily with the panoramas of genocide that have just been shown.

The Economist

I think it just wore him out telling it all".

Huffington Post

The trip wore him out so much he spent much of his time lying on his hotel bed recuperating.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

"We'll have to try to wear him out".

The New York Times - Sports

During the meal, Gadbois hardly spoke, as though our previous meals had worn him out utterly.

The New Yorker

"They're taking time and trying to wear him out," he said.

The New York Times

Nonetheless, the struggle helped to wear him out: "Waste has wasted me," he said.

Independent

"I remember when we first started training, and I said, 'This boxing is going to wear him out,' " Jack Mosley said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wore him out" to describe a situation where someone has become physically or mentally exhausted due to prolonged effort or stress. Be sure the context clearly indicates the cause of the exhaustion.

Common error

Avoid using "wore him out" for minor tiredness. This phrase implies a significant depletion of energy, not just a slight fatigue. For example, saying "The short walk wore him out" might be an overstatement unless he was already severely weakened.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wore him out" functions as a phrasal verb, specifically an idiom, where the verb "wear" is combined with the particle "out" to create a new meaning. According to Ludwig AI, it is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wore him out" is a common and grammatically correct phrasal verb used to describe a state of significant exhaustion, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts, indicating its broad applicability in describing various situations leading to fatigue. While generally neutral in register, it is important to consider the degree of exhaustion implied by the phrase and choose more formal alternatives like "exhausted him" in professional writing. The phrase effectively conveys that someone is significantly drained of energy, requiring rest and recovery.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exhausted him

Focuses directly on the state of being exhausted as a result of something.

fatigued him

Emphasizes physical or mental weariness.

drained him

Highlights the loss of energy and vitality.

depleted his energy

Specifically refers to the reduction of available energy.

left him spent

Implies that someone is completely used up.

took its toll on him

Suggests a negative impact over time, leading to exhaustion.

left him weakened

Highlights the reduced strength or ability to function.

sapped his strength

Indicates that something gradually diminished his power.

overwhelmed him

Emphasizes being overcome by demands or stress.

taxed his strength

Implies a burden or strain that diminished someone's physical capacity.

FAQs

How can I use "wore him out" in a sentence?

You can use "wore him out" to describe a state of exhaustion resulting from an activity or event. For example: "The intense training schedule really "wore him out"." or "Trying to manage all the responsibilities completely "wore him out"".

What are some alternative phrases for "wore him out"?

Alternatives include "exhausted him", "fatigued him", or "drained him". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey about the type and degree of exhaustion.

Is it appropriate to use "wore him out" in formal writing?

While "wore him out" is generally acceptable, it may be more suitable for neutral or informal contexts. In formal writing, consider using more precise alternatives like "exhausted him" or "depleted his energy levels" for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "wore him out" and "tired him"?

"Wore him out" suggests a greater degree of exhaustion than simply "tired him". "Tired him" indicates mild fatigue, while ""wore him out"" implies that the person is significantly drained of energy, possibly to the point of needing rest or recovery.