a motion was made

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a motion was made" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in formal contexts, such as meetings or legal proceedings, to indicate that someone has proposed an action or decision for consideration. Example: "During the meeting, a motion was made to approve the budget for the upcoming year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

A motion was made to deliver this message to the community, possibly via a person wearing a Peruvian hat.

The New Yorker

Judge Gonzalez left open the possibility of reconsidering his ruling if a motion was made by State Street, the Boston money management firm that is administering the plan.

The New York Times

E-mail address GO SIGN UP Share Tweet The meeting was called to order and a motion was made by Big Ray to approve minutes from the December meeting.

The New Yorker

Owen Wister began his 1907 biography of Washington with a story about what happened on Washington's sixtieth birthday: "On the 22d of February, 1792, Congress was sitting in Philadelphia, and to many came the impulse to congratulate the President.... Therefore a motion was made to adjourn for half an hour, that this civility might be paid.

The New Yorker

America's politicians were as enthusiastic about capital punishment then as they are now, however: "A very large majority of Congress were determined on his execution, and a motion was made for a resolution positively ordering the immediate execution".Then, on the day of the vote, completely by chance, Vergennes's letter arrived, forwarded by Washington.

The Economist

MEMBERS PRESENT Big Ray Big Joe Little Joe (late) Blond Stevie Fat Arlene Little Pat Fuzzy Julie Skinny Nick APPROVAL OF MINUTES The meeting was called to order and a motion was made by Big Ray to approve minutes from the December meeting.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Los Angeles superior court judge Ronald Coen said Knight's trial will begin 7 July unless a motion is made to continue it for a later date.

The Guardian - Music

If a motion is made to correct the minutes after they have been accepted, include the exact wording of that motion in the relevant minutes and whether or not the motion passed.

WikiHow

Because of an editing error, an article yesterday about ethics charges against Gov. Bob Taft of Ohio misstated the given name of the state's House speaker, who said that if an impeachment motion was made, it could not pass the House.

The New York Times

The Chamber considered that the exceptional measure of re-opening the Prosecution's case-in-chief which was case-in-chief whichlay and whicase-in-chief whichage of a trial (begun three and a half years before the motion was made)—was warranted only where the probative value of the proposed evidencertainpartocausely high.

Journal of International Humanitarian Action

A 3D analysis of upper extremity motion was made using a Vicon system (Vicon 370).

International Journal of Industrial Ergonomics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a motion was made" in formal settings, such as meetings, legal proceedings, or official reports, to clearly indicate that a proposal has been formally presented for consideration.

Common error

Avoid using "a motion was made" in casual conversations or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "someone suggested" or "a proposal came up" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a motion was made" functions as a statement indicating that a formal proposal or suggestion has been presented. It is typically used in structured environments where decisions are made through formal processes, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a motion was made" is a grammatically sound and formally recognized expression used to denote the presentation of a proposal in structured settings. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and typical application in formal scenarios, such as meetings and legal contexts. While common in news, science, and wiki domains, it's essential to reserve this phrase for situations that warrant a formal tone, opting for simpler alternatives in casual conversation. Remember to avoid overuse in informal contexts to maintain natural communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a resolution was introduced

Employs "resolution" instead of "motion", emphasizing the formal nature of the proposal, especially in legislative contexts.

a proposal was submitted

Replaces "motion" with "proposal", emphasizing the act of formally presenting an idea.

a proposition was advanced

Replaces "motion" with "proposition", suggesting a more assertive presentation of an idea.

a suggestion was offered

Substitutes "motion" with "suggestion", indicating a less formal presentation of an idea.

a recommendation was put forth

Uses "recommendation" instead of "motion", highlighting the advisory nature of the proposal.

a bill was introduced

Specific to legislative contexts, referring to the formal presentation of a proposed law.

an initiative was launched

Focuses on the commencement of a formal plan or project.

a case was presented

Focuses on the act of presenting an argument or set of facts for consideration.

a request was submitted

Highlights the act of asking for something formally.

an appeal was lodged

Emphasizes a formal request for review or change of a decision.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "a motion was made" to sound more formal?

To sound more formal, consider using phrases like "a resolution was introduced" or "a proposition was advanced".

What's a less formal alternative to "a motion was made"?

In less formal contexts, you can use phrases such as "a suggestion was offered" or "a proposal was submitted".

Is "a motion was made" appropriate for everyday conversation?

While grammatically correct, "a motion was made" is generally too formal for everyday conversation. Simpler phrases are usually more suitable.

In what situations is it most appropriate to use the phrase "a motion was made"?

The phrase "a motion was made" is most appropriate in formal settings such as meetings, legal proceedings, or when documenting official proceedings.