was arrived at

USAGE SUMMARY

"was arrived at" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate that something has been reached, concluded, or decided upon. For example, "After a lengthy discussion, a consensus was arrived at."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"Each of these decisions was arrived at carefully," she said.

The New York Times

Moreover, their sound was arrived at entirely by accident.

The Guardian - Music

But that assertion was arrived at through bookkeeping gimmickry.

The New York Times

The figure was arrived at by Roy Meadow, a paediatrician.

The Guardian

The N.F.L.'s current partnership was arrived at after traumatic contract negotiations and player lockouts.

The New Yorker

The process by which it was arrived at is not central".

The New Yorker

Asked how Bush's "more than sixty" was arrived at, Battey said, "I have no idea".

The New Yorker

Once the azimuth was calculated, the range was arrived at by measuring off the map.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The decision was arrived at "with great reluctance and after much deliberation".

The New York Times

Last night, after these mid-week exchanges, an accommodation of sorts was arrived at.

Independent

Tells how the present dividing line was arrived at in London in early 1944.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was arrived at" to describe how a conclusion, decision, or result was obtained, often after a process of consideration or analysis. For example, "The settlement was arrived at after lengthy negotiations."

Common error

Avoid using "was arrived to" instead of "was arrived at". The preposition 'at' is essential to correctly convey the meaning of reaching a conclusion or decision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was arrived at" functions as a passive construction, indicating how a decision, conclusion, or result came to be. Ludwig's examples show its usage across varied contexts like negotiations, calculations, and design processes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was arrived at" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase used to denote how a decision, conclusion, or result was reached. According to Ludwig, it's commonly found in news, scientific, and encyclopedia sources, indicating its broad applicability. While "was arrived at" is correct, ensure the preposition "at" is included and avoid using "was arrived to". Alternatives include "was concluded" or "was decided upon". Ludwig AI confirms that "was arrived at" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was concluded

Focuses on the act of formally ending or deciding something.

was decided upon

Emphasizes the element of choice and determination.

was determined

Highlights the act of finding something out definitively.

was reached

Suggests the completion of a process or journey to a specific point.

was achieved

Focuses on the accomplishment or successful attainment of something.

was obtained

Emphasizes the act of gaining or acquiring something.

was attained

Similar to 'achieved' but often implies a higher level of effort or ambition.

was formulated

Specifically refers to the creation or development of a plan or idea.

was derived

Indicates that something originated or was obtained from a particular source.

was deduced

Highlights the process of inferring something logically from evidence.

FAQs

How can I use "was arrived at" in a sentence?

Use "was arrived at" to indicate how a decision, conclusion, or agreement was reached. For instance, "The solution "was arrived at" after extensive research".

What are some alternatives to "was arrived at"?

You can use phrases like "was concluded", "was decided upon", or "was determined" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "was arrived to" instead of "was arrived at"?

No, the correct phrasing is "was arrived at". The preposition 'at' is necessary to complete the meaning. "Was arrived to" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "was arrived at" and "was reached"?

While both phrases imply reaching something, "was arrived at" often suggests a more complex process or deliberation leading to a decision or conclusion, whereas "was reached" may refer to a physical location or a simple agreement.