was cast

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was cast" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in the context of describing someone being selected for a role in a play, film, or other performance. Example: "She was cast as the lead in the upcoming theater production."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The die was cast.

BBC

But the die was cast.

The New York Times

But a die was cast.

The New York Times - Sports

I was cast out.

The Guardian - Film

The die was cast after that.

Independent

A very light vote was cast.

The New York Times

I was cast more as a soubrette.

The New York Times - Arts

So the cast was cast aside.

The New York Times - Sports

Then Tom Hardy was cast.

The Washington Post

The political die was cast.

The New York Times

She was cast almost immediately.

The New York Times - Style

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider context when deciding to use an active form over "was cast". For instance, "The director cast her" is more direct than "She was cast by the director".

Common error

Avoid using "was cast" when an active voice is more appropriate and concise. Overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound indirect and less engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was cast" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject of the sentence received the action of being cast or selected. As Ludwig AI shows, this is commonly used in contexts involving actors or decisive events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Wiki

30%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Science

9%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was cast" is a common and grammatically correct passive verb phrase that signifies selection or assignment, often in the context of acting roles or significant decisions. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is most frequently found in News & Media and Wiki sources, indicating a neutral to formal register. While "was cast" is generally appropriate, being mindful of context and avoiding overuse of the passive voice is crucial for effective writing. Consider alternatives like "was selected" or "was chosen" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was selected

Replaces "cast" with a more general term for choosing someone or something.

was chosen

Similar to "was selected", offering a straightforward alternative to "cast".

was assigned

Implies a formal allocation to a role or task.

was appointed

Suggests a more official or formal designation.

was given the role

Explicitly states the act of receiving a role.

received the part

Another way of saying someone obtained a role, particularly in acting.

landed the part

An informal way of saying someone got a role, often implying competition.

was picked

A more casual synonym for being chosen.

had been selected

Uses the past perfect tense to emphasize that the selection happened earlier.

was designated

Similar to "was assigned" but can apply to more than just roles.

FAQs

How is "was cast" used in a sentence?

"Was cast" indicates that someone or something has been selected or assigned to a role or position. For example, "She "was cast" as the lead actress in the play", or "The die "was cast", and there was no turning back."

What are some alternatives to "was cast"?

Alternatives to "was cast" include "was selected", "was chosen", "was assigned", or "was appointed" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "was cast" over other similar phrases?

"Was cast" is particularly suitable when referring to actors being chosen for roles. It's also appropriate when describing a decisive action or event that sets a course of action.

Is "was casted" grammatically correct?

No, "casted" is not the correct past participle of "cast". The correct form is "cast". Therefore, the correct phrase is "was cast", not "was casted".