that was sent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "that was sent" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that has been mailed or otherwise sent by someone. For example: "I received an email from my boss that was sent late last night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

They published a newsletter that was sent to all residents.

The New York Times

The empirical results are based on an Internet survey that was sent out to 638 households.

Energy Policy

Open the email that was sent to your recovery email address.

Harvard University

A rejection letter that was sent early in 1934 cited "52 fundamental errors".

The Economist

I needed one page with critical information that was sent to me daily.

The New York Times

"I felt the letter that was sent to the supreme leader was inappropriate.

The New York Times

She served in the only black Women's Army Corps unit that was sent overseas.

The Washington Post

The error was repeated in the breaking news email that was sent to readers.

The New York Times

I do — one that was sent to us by the devil himself.

The New York Times - Magazine

Before I bring in Larry, there's another question that was sent in by Ade.

The Guardian

In response, 36,000 women in Stalingrad signed an album that was sent to Coventry.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "that was sent", ensure that the sentence structure maintains clarity and avoids ambiguity. For example, instead of "The letter was unclear that was sent", rewrite it as "The letter that was sent was unclear."

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on passive voice constructions like "that was sent", as it can make your writing sound indirect. Whenever possible, rephrase to use active voice for a more direct and engaging tone. For example, instead of "The report that was sent by the team was well-received", try "The team's report was well-received".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "that was sent" typically functions as a relative clause, modifying a noun. It describes something that has been dispatched or transmitted. Ludwig AI examples confirm its usage across various contexts, indicating its broad applicability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Science

22%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "that was sent" is a grammatically sound and versatile construction used to describe something that has been dispatched or transmitted. As Ludwig AI indicates, it finds frequent application across diverse fields like news, science, and academia. While generally neutral in tone, careful consideration of context and audience is advisable to maintain clarity and appropriateness. To avoid potential monotony, alternatives such as "which was forwarded" or specifying the sender directly can enhance writing style. By understanding these nuances, writers can effectively utilize "that was sent" to achieve their intended communicative purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

which was forwarded

Emphasizes the relaying aspect, where something was passed on to another party.

that was transmitted

Suggests a formal or technical method of sending, such as data or signals.

that was dispatched

Implies a more official or organized sending, often used in logistics or military contexts.

which had been mailed

Specifies the use of postal services for delivery.

that got issued

Highlights the formal issuance of something like a document or order.

that was conveyed

Suggests the transfer of information or a message.

which was directed

Emphasizes the element of someone instructing that the action of sending be done.

that was broadcasted

Implies a wide distribution to many recipients, like a radio signal.

that was wired

Implies the item was sent using a wire transfer or other electronic means.

that has been routed

Suggests a planned pathway or process for sending something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "that was sent" to sound more direct?

To make your writing more direct, consider using active voice. Instead of "that was sent", you could say "which was forwarded" or specify who sent it: "John sent that". This adds clarity and dynamism to your sentences.

What are some formal alternatives to "that was sent"?

In formal contexts, you might prefer alternatives such as "that was transmitted" or "that was dispatched". These options convey a sense of official or organized sending, fitting well in professional or academic writing.

Is it always necessary to specify who or what sent something when using "that was sent"?

While not always necessary, specifying the sender can often improve clarity. If the sender is unknown or irrelevant, "that was sent" is perfectly acceptable. However, if the sender is important, including that information enhances understanding.

In what contexts is "that was sent" most appropriate?

"That was sent" is suitable in a variety of contexts, from informal to formal. It's especially useful when the act of sending is the focus, rather than the sender. However, assess your audience and context to ensure it aligns with the overall tone and formality of your writing.