law was declared

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "law was declared" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where a legal decision or statute has been formally announced or established. Example: "In 2020, a new law was declared to protect the rights of workers in the gig economy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Martial law was declared in the Punjab.

Encyclopedia Britannica

That's when martial law was declared.

The New Yorker

The next day, martial law was declared in Beijing.

The Economist

In parts of the state, martial law was declared.

The Guardian

Protests began in Lhasa, and martial law was declared.

The New York Times

Ms. Olszewska's parents left Poland after martial law was declared in 1981, settling in West Berlin.

The New York Times

Student demonstrations followed, and martial law was declared on April 28.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Rojas Pinilla claimed fraud, his supporters rioted, and martial law was declared.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Martial law was declared and order was restored by state and federal troops.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When martial law was declared in Poland, in 1981, he was in London studying English.

The New York Times

Not Ronald Reagan when martial law was declared in Poland in 1981.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "law was declared", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what authority made the declaration to avoid ambiguity. For example, "Martial "law was declared" by the governing body after the unrest."

Common error

Avoid using "law was declared" in contexts where the actor is unclear. If the declaring authority is not explicitly stated or easily inferred, rephrase the sentence to include it for clarity, such as, "The state government declared the new environmental law."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "law was declared" functions as a passive construction, indicating the formal announcement or enactment of a legal statute. This usage is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms its correctness and widespread use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "law was declared" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, primarily employed to convey the formal announcement or establishment of a law. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct across diverse contexts, most notably in news and media, encyclopedias, and Wikipedia. While often neutral, clarity is paramount, particularly in specifying the declaring authority to avoid ambiguity. Alternative phrases such as "law was enacted" or "law was established" can offer nuanced shades of meaning. Therefore, when writing, it's crucial to consider both the context and the intended level of formality to ensure the most effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

law was enacted

Focuses on the process of making a law official and effective.

law was promulgated

Highlights the formal announcement or publication of a law.

law was established

Emphasizes the creation and firm establishment of a law.

law was instituted

Implies the formal introduction and implementation of a law.

law was decreed

Suggests a law issued by an authority, often with a sense of command.

law was ordained

Adds a sense of formality or official sanction to the declaration of law.

law came into effect

Focuses on the law becoming operational or enforceable.

law took effect

Emphasizes the moment a law becomes active and binding.

law was passed

Describes the act of a legislative body approving a law.

law was legislated

Highlights the legislative process through which a law was created.

FAQs

How can I use "law was declared" in a sentence?

Use "law was declared" to indicate the formal announcement or enactment of a law. For example, "After much debate, the new environmental "law was declared" by the parliament".

What are some alternatives to saying "law was declared"?

You can use alternatives such as "law was enacted", "law was promulgated", or "law was established depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when describing a law being declared?

While "law was declared" is grammatically correct (passive voice), using the active voice (e.g., "The government declared the law") can provide more clarity about who is responsible for the declaration.

What's the difference between "law was declared" and "law was passed"?

"Law was declared" generally refers to the formal announcement or proclamation of a law. "Law was passed", on the other hand, specifically refers to the legislative process of a law being approved by a governing body before it's declared. They are not always interchangeable.