she was taught

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "she was taught" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone who has received instruction or education in a particular subject or skill. Example: "She was taught how to play the piano by her grandmother."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She was taught to treat them politely.

The New Yorker

Flexibility is the key to today's careers, she was taught.

The New York Times

She was taught to weave by her grandmother.

The Guardian

(For several years, she was taught by Itzhak Perlman).

The New Yorker

"She remembered whatever she was taught at school," said the mother.

The New York Times

It's the way she was taught, the way she learned to play the game".

The New York Times - Sports

"There are no excuses and there is no place for victims," she says she was taught.

The New York Times - Books

She was taught to read (but not write) by her mother.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She was taught that non-Scientologists (referred to as Wogs – Well and Orderly Gentleman) were ignorant.

Independent

Prejudices against girls and women were all too common and she was taught boys outshone girls.

Princeton University

And she was taught to measure blood pressure three years ago.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "she was taught", ensure the context clearly indicates who provided the instruction. Be specific about the subject or skill that was taught to provide clarity and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "she was taught" without specifying what she was taught. Saying "she was taught well" is less informative than "she was taught mathematics well".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "she was taught" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that someone received instruction. As Ludwig AI indicates, this is a grammatically sound and widely used structure.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "she was taught" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive construction that communicates the reception of knowledge or skills through instruction. As indicated by Ludwig AI, this phrase is acceptable for usage in written English. Its neutral tone allows for its use in various contexts, from news and media to encyclopedias and academic writing. While the phrase is versatile, it's important to specify what was taught and, when relevant, who provided the instruction for clarity. Alternatives like "she learned", "she was trained", and "she received instruction" can offer nuanced variations in meaning. Overall, "she was taught" is a reliable and effective way to express the acquisition of knowledge through teaching.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

she received instruction

Focuses on the act of receiving guidance rather than the act of teaching.

she learned

Emphasizes the acquisition of knowledge without specifying the source of teaching.

she was trained

Highlights a structured and practical form of teaching, often for a specific skill.

she was educated

Implies a more formal and comprehensive learning experience.

she was coached

Suggests personalized guidance and support, especially in sports or performance.

she was mentored

Indicates a long-term, supportive relationship where knowledge and experience are shared.

she was schooled

Can imply both formal education and, informally, a harsh lesson learned from experience.

she was shown how

Highlights the act of demonstration as the teaching method.

she underwent instruction

Formal and emphasizes the process of receiving education.

she was given guidance

Focuses on the support and direction provided during the learning process.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "she was taught" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "she received instruction", "she was educated", or "she underwent instruction".

What's a less formal way to say "she was taught"?

Informally, you can say "she learned" or "she was shown how". These options are more conversational and less focused on the teaching aspect.

Is it always necessary to specify who taught her when using "she was taught"?

While not always grammatically required, specifying who taught her adds clarity and context. Omitting it can sometimes leave the reader wondering about the source of her knowledge or skill.

What is the difference between "she was taught" and "she was trained"?

"She was taught" implies a general imparting of knowledge, whereas "she was trained" suggests a more practical, hands-on approach focused on developing specific skills.