was activated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was activated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something has been turned on or set into operation, often in a technical or procedural context. Example: "The security system was activated at midnight to ensure the premises were secure."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The National Guard was activated.

The Economist

Later that Tuesday, Bryant was activated.

The New York Times - Sports

RICK BRUNSON (injured right foot) was activated.

The New York Times - Sports

(Spiezio was activated and started at third base Friday night).

The New York Times - Sports

If he recorded a hit, your streak was activated.

The New Yorker

The Parisian pollution warning service was activated on 11 March.

The Guardian

He was activated from the disabled list Wednesday.

The New York Times - Sports

The unit was activated for World War II.

The New York Times

She added that the security system was activated, and the robbers were filmed.

The New York Times

In the three games since Hamilton was activated, the only constant has been Payton in center.

The New York Times - Sports

It was just Knoblauch's second hit in 19 at-bats since he was activated.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the subject performing the action is clear. While "was activated" is passive, clarity can be improved by adding a 'by' phrase if necessary: "The alarm was activated by the motion sensor."

Common error

While "was activated" is grammatically correct, overuse can lead to wordy and less engaging writing. Consider if an active voice construction (e.g., "The technician activated the system") would be clearer and more direct.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was activated" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject of the sentence underwent an action. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Examples show it being used to describe systems, protocols, and even brain regions being brought into an active state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

45%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was activated" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed passive verb phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, it serves to communicate that a system, device, or process has been initiated or made operational. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, predominantly appearing in news and scientific domains. Alternatives like "was initiated" or "was triggered" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. While correct, writers should be mindful of overusing the passive voice and consider active constructions for more direct writing. The phrase is versatile, appearing in contexts ranging from military deployments to the triggering of security systems.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was initiated

Focuses on the start or commencement of an action or process.

was triggered

Emphasizes a response to a stimulus or event.

was started

Highlights the beginning of operation or functionality.

was enabled

Implies that something was made capable of functioning.

was set in motion

Suggests the commencement of a series of actions or events.

was put into operation

Formally indicates the start of practical use or functionality.

was brought online

Specifically refers to making a system or device operational and connected.

was set off

Implies the triggering of an event or reaction, often sudden.

was energized

Suggests that something was given power or vitality to function.

was turned on

Simple and direct, referring to the activation of a device or system.

FAQs

How can I use "was activated" in a sentence?

The phrase "was activated" indicates that something has been put into operation or made active. For instance, "The alarm system /s/was+activated after detecting movement" or "The emergency protocol /s/was+activated due to the severe weather conditions".

What are some alternatives to "was activated"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "was initiated", "was triggered", "was enabled", or "was turned on". Each carries a slightly different nuance but conveys a similar meaning.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "activate"?

While "was activated" (passive) is correct, using the active voice can sometimes make your writing more direct and concise. For example, instead of "The system /s/was+activated by the user", you could write "The user activated the system".

What does "was activated" imply?

The phrase "was activated" implies that a system, device, or process has been set into motion or made functional. It often suggests a transition from an inactive to an active state, indicating that it is now ready for or is already performing its intended function.