was bent

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was bent" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has been physically curved or altered from its original straight form, often in the past tense. Example: "The metal rod was bent after being exposed to extreme heat."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The front handlebar was bent.

The New York Times

The woman was bent forward.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

His protective vest was bent.

The New Yorker

Every ear was bent.

The Guardian - Film

Mr. Toye was bent, perhaps, but unbowed.

The New York Times

His head was bent forward.

The Guardian

"Stephanie was bent over, hollering," she said.

The New York Times

They said the NPD was bent on destroying democracy.

Independent

Only the last standard was bent on Tokyo's behalf.

The New York Times - Sports

He was bent over his bag, rearranging items.

The New York Times

"I was bent at a weird angle," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was bent on" to describe someone's determination, consider the connotations. It can suggest a stubborn or unwavering focus, which might be perceived positively or negatively depending on the context.

Common error

Be mindful of the context to avoid ambiguity. "Was bent" can refer to a physical deformation or a determined intention. Ensure clarity to prevent misinterpretation. For example, avoid sentences where it's unclear if you mean the object is physically "bent", or the person "was bent on" achieving a goal.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was bent" functions primarily as the past tense of the passive voice verb "bend". It indicates that something or someone experienced the action of bending in the past. Ludwig provides examples where it describes physical deformation (e.g., "The front handlebar was bent") or a state of determination (e.g., "They said the NPD was bent on destroying democracy").

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was bent" is a versatile and commonly used expression. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and applicability in various contexts, from describing physically deformed objects to expressing determination. It appears frequently in news, media, and scientific sources, demonstrating its wide acceptance. While using "was bent", be mindful of potential ambiguity and ensure clarity in your writing. Consider alternatives like "was curved" or "was twisted" for physical descriptions, and rephrase for clarity when expressing determination. By considering these points, you can effectively and accurately incorporate "was bent" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was curved

Direct synonym, emphasizing the state of being curved.

had been bent

Emphasis on the past perfect tense, indicating the bending occurred before another point in the past.

became curved

Focuses on the process of changing into a curved shape.

was twisted

Indicates a turning or wrenching motion that resulted in deformation.

was deflected

Implies a change in direction due to an external force.

was bowed

Implies a gentle, curved shape, similar to that of a bow.

was warped

Suggests a distortion or deviation from a true or level form.

was inclined

Suggests a leaning or tendency in a particular direction.

was contorted

Emphasizes a severe twisting or bending, often unnatural.

was set on

Implies a determined or insistent focus on achieving something.

FAQs

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

You can use "was bent" to describe the state of something that has been physically deformed, as in, "The bicycle wheel "was bent" after the accident". Alternatively, it can describe someone's determination, like, "He "was bent on" finishing the project despite the difficulties".

What are some synonyms for "was bent" when describing a physical object?

When describing a physical object, alternatives to "was bent" include "was curved", "was twisted", or "was deformed". The best choice depends on the specific type of bending.

Is it correct to use "was bent on" to describe someone's determination?

Yes, using "was bent on" to describe someone's strong determination is grammatically correct and widely accepted. For example, "She "was bent on" achieving her goals, no matter the obstacles".

What's the difference between "was bent" and "was inclined"?

"Was bent" usually suggests a physical deformation or a strong determination, while "was inclined" suggests a tendency or predisposition towards something. For example, "The metal bar "was bent"" (physical deformation), versus "He "was inclined" to agree" (tendency).