Was set free

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Was set free" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that has been liberated or released from confinement or control. Example: "After years of captivity, the animal was set free into its natural habitat."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The sheik was set free.

The New York Times

A male was set free in 2006.

The Economist

Mr. Cassell was set free.

The New York Times

His imagination was set free once more.

The Guardian - Arts

She was set free shortly before giving birth.

The Guardian

In 1954, with Canada's blessing, he was set free.

Britannica

Yet Gentileschi was tortured and Tassi was set free.

The Guardian - Arts

After a prolonged trial he was set free.

The New Yorker

After sx years in prison, he was set free.

The New York Times

One answer is that he was set free.

The New York Times - Magazine

After seventeen years on death row, Willis was set free.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "Was set free" when you want to emphasize the passive nature of the release, highlighting that the subject was acted upon rather than initiating the freedom themselves. For example, "After years of imprisonment, the wrongly accused man was set free."

Common error

Avoid using "Was set free" when a more active voice would be appropriate. For instance, instead of "The bird was set free by the child", consider "The child freed the bird" to emphasize the child's action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was set free" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject of the sentence received the action of being freed. Ludwig AI analysis validates that the phrase indicates a state or condition resulting from an external action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Encyclopedias

13%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was set free" is a common and grammatically correct passive verb phrase used to describe the action of someone or something being released from confinement or control. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It is most frequently found in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Academia contexts. While the phrase has a neutral register, its alternatives include "was released" and "was liberated", each carrying slightly different connotations. Use this phrase to emphasize the passive nature of the release.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Was released

Focuses directly on the act of being let go or discharged.

Was freed from captivity

Directly states the release from a state of being held against one's will.

Was liberated

Implies a freeing from oppression or captivity, adding a layer of significance.

Was pardoned

Suggests forgiveness for a crime, leading to release from punishment.

Gained freedom

Highlights the achievement of obtaining freedom, rather than the action of being freed.

Was discharged

Suggests a formal release, often from a duty or obligation.

Was emancipated

Often used in historical contexts, specifically regarding the freeing of slaves.

Was let go

A more casual way of saying someone was released, often from a job or responsibility.

Was given liberty

Emphasizes the act of bestowing freedom, often by an authority.

Was sprung from jail

An informal way to say someone was released from prison, sometimes implying assistance from others.

FAQs

How can I use "Was set free" in a sentence?

Use "Was set free" to describe someone or something being released from captivity, imprisonment, or any form of restriction. For example, "After the trial, the defendant "was set free" due to lack of evidence."

What are some alternatives to "Was set free"?

Alternatives include "was released", "was liberated", or "was discharged", depending on the context. Each carries a slightly different nuance.

Is it correct to say "Was set free from"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. You can use "Was set free from" to specify what the subject was released from. For example, "The country "was set free from" colonial rule."

What's the difference between "Was set free" and "Was released"?

"Was set free" often implies a more significant or impactful release, such as from imprisonment or oppression, while "Was released" is a more general term for being let go or discharged. For example, a prisoner "was set free", but a new movie "was released".