this was done

USAGE SUMMARY

"This was done" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that was completed or accomplished in the past. For example: "The building renovations were completed ahead of schedule - this was done in order to meet the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"This was done harshly".

The New Yorker

This was done in 1998.

The Economist

This was done wrong.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"This was done for therapy.

The New York Times

This was done in 1975.

The Guardian - Arts

"This was done for profit".

The New York Times

This was done in secret.

The Guardian

"This was done by Voloshin.

The New York Times

This was done with 152 drivers.

The New York Times

This was done between 2000 and 2006.

The New York Times

None of this was done purposefully.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "this was done" to clearly and concisely indicate that an action has been completed, especially when the actor is not the focus. For instance, in scientific reports or technical documentation, where objectivity is important, this construction is preferable.

Common error

Avoid using "this was done" when an active voice construction is more direct and engaging. For example, instead of "The experiment was done by the team", use "The team conducted the experiment" to emphasize the actor and create a more dynamic sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "this was done" functions primarily as a passive voice construction, indicating that an action has been completed. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is a correct and usable phrase in written English. The passive voice shifts the focus from the actor to the action itself.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "this was done" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction that serves to report on completed actions, particularly when the actor is not the central focus. As per Ludwig AI, the phrase is versatile, fitting well in formal, scientific, and neutral contexts. While commonly found in academic papers, news articles, and business reports, it can be adapted for less formal settings by choosing more casual alternatives. The key to effectively using "this was done" lies in ensuring that the passive voice aligns with the intended emphasis, avoiding overuse in situations where active voice would provide greater clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

this action was performed

Replaces "done" with "performed", emphasizing the action itself.

this task was completed

Substitutes "done" with "completed", highlighting the finished state of the task.

this process was executed

Emphasizes the systematic and methodical nature of the action.

it was carried out

Provides a more concise and general way to express the action was performed.

the implementation of this occurred

Focuses on the execution or carrying out of something.

it has been accomplished

Highlights the successful completion of the action, suggesting a positive outcome.

this undertaking was achieved

Replaces 'was done' with 'was achieved' emphasizing the accomplishment of a particular undertaking.

the resolution of this happened

Focuses on the resolution or solving of something.

measures were taken

Focuses on the taking of action.

it was effectuated

Formal way to express the action being successful.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "this was done" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "this action was performed", "this task was completed", or "this process was executed".

Is "this was done by" grammatically correct?

Yes, "this was done by" is grammatically correct. It is a passive voice construction that indicates who or what performed the action. However, using an active voice might often lead to clearer and more direct writing.

What are some common situations where "this was done" is used?

The phrase "this was done" is commonly used in scientific reports, technical manuals, and formal documents where the focus is on the action itself rather than the actor. For instance, when describing steps in a procedure or reporting research findings.

What can I say instead of "this was done" in a more casual setting?

In more casual contexts, you can use phrases like "it was carried out", "measures were taken", or simply rephrase the sentence in the active voice to sound less formal.