was alluded to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was alluded to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that was indirectly mentioned or hinted at in a conversation or text. Example: "The concept of freedom was alluded to in the author's earlier works, suggesting a deeper philosophical exploration."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But as I grew up, he was alluded to.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The article that had resulted from Claire O'Brien's jailhouse interview was alluded to more than once.

The New Yorker

It was this work that was alluded to in the first part of the citation for his Nobel Prize.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Mr. Hidalgo has been deported to the Dominican Republic and was alluded to only in passing in this trial.

The New York Times

The phrase "space jazz" was mentioned; the presence of saxophones was alluded to; he expected audiences to be bamboozled.

The Guardian - Music

No entourage was in evidence; marijuana was alluded to, but never actually smoked; gourmet hummus and He'brew ale were partaken of, but only in moderation.

The New York Times - Magazine

The FISA court ruling was alluded to by the House minority leader, Representative John A. Boehner of Ohio, on Tuesday on the Fox News Channel.

The New York Times

The immensity of both the greed and power of the political leader, known as Boss Tweed, was alluded to by the figure's giant belly.

The New York Times - Arts

It was alluded to in a hearing of a Congressional panel investigating the Sept. 11 attacks and then released tonight, after the House opened its debate on Iraq.

The New York Times

After the pair dated in 2012, when they were repeatedly pictured holding hands through crunchy leaves and snuggly scarves and jumpers, a break-up followed and was alluded to on Swift's next album, 1989.

The Telegraph

The internal debate over the Iran assessment was alluded to last fall by W. Patrick Lang, a retired Army intelligence officer who served for years as the ranking D.I.A. analyst on the Middle East and contributed to many N.I.E.s.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider your audience when using this phrase. While common, it may be perceived as formal. Ensure it aligns with the overall tone and register of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "was alluded to" excessively, as it can lead to passive and convoluted sentences. If clarity is paramount, consider rephrasing to use a more direct and active construction. For example, instead of "The problem was alluded to in the report", try "The report alluded to the problem."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was alluded to" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a subject received an indirect mention. According to Ludwig, it is used when something is referenced subtly, rather than stated explicitly. This construction is common in formal writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was alluded to" serves as a grammatically correct and frequently employed passive construction, signaling an indirect mention or subtle reference. According to Ludwig, this phrase is particularly favored in News & Media and Science domains, making it a common choice for formal and academic writing. To ensure clarity and impact, balance its usage with more direct and active sentence structures. Consider more straightforward options, such as "was hinted at" or "was implied", depending on the context and desired degree of subtlety. By understanding the nuances of "was alluded to", writers can skillfully navigate the art of indirect communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was hinted at

Focuses on a subtle suggestion rather than a direct mention.

was implied

Emphasizes the unspoken meaning or conclusion derived from something.

was suggested

Indicates a proposal or idea presented indirectly.

was referenced indirectly

Highlights the act of making a reference without explicitly stating it.

was intimated

Suggests a delicate or subtle way of making something known.

was insinuated

Implies something negative or unpleasant in an indirect way.

was touched upon

Indicates a brief mention or discussion of a topic.

was mentioned in passing

Highlights that the mention was brief and not a central focus.

was tacitly referred to

Emphasizes that the reference was understood without being openly expressed.

was obliquely addressed

Indicates that the topic was dealt with indirectly or evasively.

FAQs

How can I use "was alluded to" in a sentence?

"Was alluded to" is used to indicate that something was mentioned indirectly or suggested without being explicitly stated. For example, "The possibility of budget cuts "was alluded to" during the meeting."

What can I say instead of "was alluded to"?

You can use alternatives like "was hinted at", "was implied", or "was suggested" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "was alluded to" or "alluded to"?

Both "was alluded to" and "alluded to" can be correct, but they serve different grammatical functions. "Was alluded to" is in the passive voice, while "alluded to" can be part of an active sentence where the subject is doing the alluding. For example, "The speaker alluded to the problem" (active) vs. "The problem "was alluded to" by the speaker" (passive).

What's the difference between "was alluded to" and "was referenced"?

"Was alluded to" implies an indirect or subtle mention, whereas "was referenced" suggests a more direct, though not necessarily detailed, mention. Alluding is less direct than referencing.