was cared for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was cared for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone received care or attention, often in a passive context. Example: "The abandoned puppy was cared for by a kind-hearted family who took it in."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Her sister was cared for by the Craskins' neighbour.

The Guardian

(He was cared for at G.W.U. Medical Center).

The New Yorker

She was cared for at the MSPCA-Angell before being adopted.

Harvard University

The injured crew member was cared for on-board by two passengers who are doctors.

Independent

It seemed I didn't have a father, but I was cared for.

The Guardian - Opinion

My father was cared for by its Bluebird Care Barnet franchise.

The Guardian

A case in point was Morgan the otter, who was cared for by protective researchers.

The New York Times - Science

"I just wanted to know that he was cared for," she said.

The New York Times

Only seven when his father died, Smith was cared for by a farming uncle.

Encyclopedia Britannica

When Duane Smith's car crashed, he was cared for by good, hardworking people.

The New Yorker

She was cared for by the devoted staff of Edgehill and the Compassionate Care Registry.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation where someone is unable to care for themselves, use "was cared for" to emphasize the support they received from others.

Common error

Avoid using active voice when the receiver of care should be emphasized. Instead of saying "Someone cared for him", use "He was cared for" to highlight the recipient of the care.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was cared for" functions as a passive verb phrase. As Ludwig AI confirms, this structure is used to describe a state where someone or something receives care or attention, shifting the focus to the recipient of the action rather than the actor.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

22%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was cared for" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive verb phrase that indicates someone or something received care, attention, or protection. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is common across a variety of contexts, including news, scientific publications, and encyclopedias. When using this phrase, be mindful of maintaining a neutral tone and ensure that it fits appropriately within the context. Alternatives like "received care" or "was looked after" may be suitable depending on the nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

received care

Focuses on the act of receiving care, emphasizing the recipient's perspective.

was looked after

Highlights the act of supervision and attention given to someone or something.

was attended to

Emphasizes that someone's needs were met and that they received service or help.

was nurtured

Suggests a more holistic and developmental approach to care, focusing on growth and well-being.

was fostered

Implies a supportive environment that encourages development or growth.

was protected

Emphasizes safeguarding from harm or danger.

was watched over

Implies continuous supervision and protection.

was provided for

Focuses on the material and practical aspects of care, such as food, shelter, and resources.

was supported

Highlights the assistance and resources given to someone.

was maintained

Focuses on keeping something in good condition through regular care and attention.

FAQs

How is "was cared for" used in a sentence?

The phrase "was cared for" is used to indicate that someone or something received attention, protection, or nurturing. For example, "The injured bird "was cared for" by a local veterinarian."

What are some alternatives to "was cared for"?

Alternatives include "was looked after", "received care", or "was attended to". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "was cared by" instead of "was cared for"?

No, the correct phrasing is "was cared for". The preposition "for" is essential to properly convey the meaning of receiving care.

What's the difference between "was cared for" and "took care of"?

"Was cared for" is passive, indicating that someone received care. "Took care of" is active, indicating that someone provided care. For example, "He "was cared for" by nurses" versus "The nurses "took care of" him".