was bathed

USAGE SUMMARY

"was bathed" is a correct and usable verb phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe a past event in which the subject was given a bath. For example, "The baby was bathed early this morning."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

In all of the study communities, there was variability in whether the cord was bathed during routine bathing.

BMC International Health and Human Rights

Then the silicon wafer was bathed in an acid bath to "etch," or dissolve, unwanted portions.

Forbes

Everything was bathed in light.

The New Yorker

Now he was bathed in adoration.

The New York Times - Sports

The place was bathed in eau d'ashtray.

The New York Times - Travel

All of it was bathed in free Wi-Fi.

The New York Times - Travel

By the end, everyone was bathed in the morning light.

The New York Times - Arts

Soldier Field, full to the brim, was bathed in sunshine.

The Guardian - Sport

The arena was bathed in an eerie greenish-blue light.

The New Yorker

The Loussios river was where the infant Zeus was bathed.

The Guardian - Travel

When Neagle was replaced, he was bathed in boos.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was bathed" to describe a gentle and thorough washing, whether of a person, object, or environment. It often implies a sense of care or immersion.

Common error

Avoid using "was bathed" when a more direct verb would be clearer. For instance, instead of saying "The document was bathed in criticism", opt for "The document was heavily criticized".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was bathed" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject received the action of bathing. Ludwig examples show it used both literally, as in someone being physically washed, and figuratively, as in something being covered in light or emotion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

22%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was bathed" is a versatile passive verb phrase commonly found in various contexts, including News & Media and Science. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and effectively conveys the idea of someone or something receiving the action of bathing or being immersed in something. While alternatives like "had a bath" or "was cleansed" exist, "was bathed" often implies a gentle and thorough washing or covering. It's important to consider the context to avoid misusing it figuratively. Its neutral register and high frequency of usage, as evidenced by numerous authoritative sources, solidify its place as a valuable addition to one's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

had a bath

A more straightforward and common way to express the action of bathing.

received a bath

Focuses on the action of receiving a bath, emphasizing the recipient of the action.

was cleansed

Emphasizes the purifying aspect of bathing, suggesting a more thorough cleaning.

was rinsed

Highlights the act of washing with a liquid to remove residue or dirt.

was immersed

Focuses on the act of being completely covered in a liquid.

was covered

Broadens the concept to being covered in something, not necessarily liquid.

was saturated

Highlights the state of being completely soaked or filled with something.

was doused

Suggests a forceful or sudden application of liquid.

was lavaged

Describes a washing or irrigating of a body part or cavity, often in a medical context.

underwent bathing

More formal way to express the action, emphasizing the process.

FAQs

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

You can use "was bathed" to describe something being washed, covered, or immersed. For example, "The baby was bathed before bedtime" or "The city was bathed in moonlight".

What's a good alternative to "was bathed"?

Depending on the context, alternatives include "had a bath", "was cleansed", or "was immersed".

Is it correct to say "was bathed by"?

Yes, "was bathed by" is correct when you want to specify who or what performed the action. For example, "The wound was bathed by the nurse".

What's the difference between "was bathed" and "bathed in"?

"Was bathed" implies the action of washing, while "bathed in" is often used figuratively to describe something being surrounded or covered by something else, like "The room was bathed in sunlight".