was by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the agent performing an action in passive voice constructions. Example: "The book was by a renowned author."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I was by myself.

The New York Times - Books

That was by design.

The New York Times

Mitrani was by himself.

The New York Times - Sports

This was by design.

The New York Times - Sports

Silas was by his side.

The New York Times

It was, by definition, indifferent".

The New York Times - Books

Lusk was by her side.

Independent

His parenting was by example.

The New York Times

That confusion was by design.

The New York Times - Sports

"So much was by osmosis".

The New York Times

Music was by Goran Bregovic.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was by" to clearly indicate the agent or cause in a passive sentence. Ensure the context makes it clear who or what is responsible for the action.

Common error

Avoid using "was by" when an active voice construction would be clearer and more direct. Overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound weak or evasive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was by" functions as a passive voice marker, indicating the agent or cause of an action. As shown in Ludwig's examples, it connects an action to its source or creator.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was by" is a grammatically correct and very common way to indicate agency in passive voice constructions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to attribute responsibility or origin. The phrase is most frequently found in news and media, encyclopedias, and wiki sources. When using "was by", ensure clarity and avoid overuse of passive voice for stronger, more direct writing. Consider alternatives like "was created by" or "was designed by" for greater precision. Understanding these nuances will help you use "was by" effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was created by

Focuses on the act of creation, emphasizing the source or originator.

was written by

Specifically refers to the authorship of a written work.

was designed by

Highlights the design process and the individual or group responsible.

was the work of

Highlights the involvement and effort of someone in producing something.

was composed by

Emphasizes the act of composing, often used in musical contexts.

was influenced by

Indicates that something was affected or shaped by a particular person or thing.

was next to

Indicates physical proximity.

was near to

Indicates closeness in distance or relationship.

was in the vicinity of

More formal way to indicate proximity.

was adjacent to

Indicates that something is immediately next to something else.

FAQs

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

Use "was by" to indicate the agent or cause of an action in a passive construction. For example, "The book was written by a famous author" or "The decision was influenced by several factors".

What can I say instead of "was by"?

You can use alternatives like "was created by", "was designed by", or "was written by" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "was by" or "by was"?

"Was by" is the correct word order in passive voice constructions. "By was" is grammatically incorrect in standard English.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "was by"?

It is appropriate to use "was by" when you want to emphasize the agent or cause of an action in a passive sentence. For instance, "The painting was admired by critics".