was applied

USAGE SUMMARY

"was applied" is a grammatically correct phrase and is commonly used in written English.
It can be used in different contexts, but it is commonly used to describe an action that was carried out in the past. Example: The new marketing strategy was applied last month and resulted in a significant increase in sales.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Subtle pressure was applied.

The Guardian - Books

Pressure was applied.

The New York Times - Style

"Pressure was applied," he claimed.

The Guardian

Sunscreen was applied and passed around.

The New Yorker

This principle was applied.

Forbes

No vacuum was applied.

Heritage Science

An LGED was applied.

EURASIP Journal on Image and Video Processing

General anesthesia was applied.

Gynecological Surgery

field was applied.

Chemistry Central Journal

ImageJ software was applied.

Nanoscale Research Letters

No archwire was applied.

Progress in Orthodontics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was applied", ensure that the subject receiving the action is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "Pressure was applied", specify "Pressure was applied to the wound".

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive constructions like "was applied". Active voice often creates more direct and impactful writing. Instead of "The rule was applied by the committee", consider "The committee applied the rule".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was applied" functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that a particular action has been performed on a subject. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically sound and frequently encountered in diverse written contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

74%

News & Media

24%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was applied" is a grammatically correct and commonly used passive verb phrase that indicates a completed action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely accepted in various contexts. The phrase appears most frequently in scientific and news-related writing. When using "was applied", ensure clarity by specifying the subject receiving the action. While grammatically sound, consider active voice for more direct writing. Alternatives include "was utilized", "was implemented", and "was employed" depending on the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was utilized

Focuses on the functional use of something; highlights the practical application or employment of a resource or method.

was implemented

Emphasizes the execution or carrying out of a plan, system, or policy.

was employed

Similar to "was utilized", but can also suggest a more temporary or specific use.

was administered

Implies a formal or controlled application, often related to treatments, tests, or regulations.

was exerted

Suggests the application of effort, influence, or force.

was brought to bear

Indicates the application of pressure or influence to achieve a particular result.

was put into practice

Highlights the transition from theory to real-world application.

was brought into play

Implies that something became active or influential in a situation.

was set in motion

Focuses on the initiation of a process or action, often implying a sequence of events.

was rendered operative

Highlights the activation or enabling of something, making it functional or effective.

FAQs

How do I use "was applied" in a sentence?

Use "was applied" to indicate that a specific action or process was carried out. For example, "The paint was applied to the canvas" or "The new policy was applied to all employees".

What are some alternatives to "was applied"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "was utilized", "was implemented", or "was employed". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when using "apply"?

While "was applied" (passive voice) is grammatically correct, active voice can often be more direct and impactful. For example, instead of "The cream was applied to the skin", you could say "She applied the cream to the skin".

What's the difference between "was applied" and "is applied"?

"Was applied" indicates a past action, while "is applied" indicates a present or ongoing action. For example, "The treatment was applied yesterday" (past) versus "The treatment is applied daily" (present).