information was sought

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "information was sought" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is indicating that they were looking for or requesting information. Example: "In the investigation, information was sought from various sources to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the situation."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Whenever possible, information was sought both from the study participant and from any proxy informant.

British Medical Journal

This information was sought in an effort to design education strategies in the Portuguese-speaking community.

Women's Health Issues

Information was sought on Kate Middleton, amid speculation that Prince William was about to announce their engagement.

Independent

At this point, we have no reason to believe that any personal information was sought for fraud purposes".

Independent

What is your emergency?" and then conferenced in the relevant department while the rest of the information was sought.

The New York Times

Information was sought from chief residents regarding training experiences and fund of knowledge regarding the evaluation of menorrhagia and diagnosis of bleeding disorders during their residency.

Journal of Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology

Information was sought about the mobile phone data of one journalist working for the firm during 2005-07, using powers under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act (RIPA).

BBC

After isolates were identified from the laboratory register, clinical information was sought.

Plosone

Information was sought on their perception of symptoms-based, RDT-based, and microscopy-based malaria diagnoses.

Plosone

Further information was sought from anyone who had received cataract surgery.

Plosone

Further information was sought on consumption frequency for different sub-items, preparation methods, and additions.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "information was sought", ensure the context clearly indicates who was seeking the information and from whom or what it was being sought. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "information was sought" in contexts where it's unclear who was seeking the information. Always provide sufficient context to identify the seeker, preventing confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "information was sought" functions as a passive construction, indicating that information was the object of an action. According to Ludwig AI, this construction is grammatically correct and widely used. The examples show the phrase employed across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

74%

News & Media

24%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "information was sought" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, primarily found in scientific and news-related contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, this passive construction effectively conveys that an effort was made to gather details, often within formal reports or investigations. While "information was sought" is suitable for formal use, it's crucial to ensure clarity regarding who sought the information. Related phrases such as "data was requested" or "details were investigated" can offer alternative ways to express the same concept, adding nuance depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

data was requested

Focuses on the formal act of asking for specific data, implying a structured request.

details were investigated

Emphasizes a thorough examination of details, suggesting a more in-depth inquiry.

intelligence was gathered

Implies the collection of strategic information, often in a clandestine or formal setting.

facts were researched

Highlights the process of conducting research to uncover factual information.

clarification was pursued

Indicates an effort to seek a clearer understanding through further inquiry.

evidence was looked for

Stresses the act of searching for evidence to support a claim or investigation.

insights were explored

Focuses on the search for deeper understanding and perspectives.

the inquiry was conducted

Highlights the formal process of conducting an inquiry or investigation.

surveys were administered

Implies that information was collected from people using surveys.

feedback was solicited

Indicates the active request for opinions or responses from others.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "information was sought" to sound more active?

You can use active voice constructions like "researchers "sought information"", or "the team "investigated" the matter" to make the sentence more direct.

What's the difference between "information was sought" and "information was requested"?

"Information was sought" implies a broader search, while "information was requested" suggests a direct, specific appeal. The nuance depends on whether the effort was exploratory or a formal demand.

Is it grammatically correct to use "information was sought" in formal writing?

Yes, "information was sought" is grammatically correct and suitable for formal writing. It uses the passive voice, which is common in academic and professional contexts where the action is more important than the actor.

What are some synonyms for "information was sought" that I can use to avoid repetition?

Consider using alternatives such as "data was gathered", "details were investigated", or "intelligence was collected", depending on the specific context and the type of information being referred to.