was cited

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was cited" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that a source or reference has been mentioned or referred to in a text or discussion. Example: "The research findings were significant and were cited in several academic papers."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Lax training was cited.

The New Yorker

(Ill health was cited).

The Economist

The driver was cited for speeding.

The New York Times

He was cited twice for bravery.

The New York Times

Excessive speed on a curve was cited as a factor.

The New York Times

This was cited as evidence that football was getting safer.

The New Yorker

It was cited by 1,000 subsequent scientific papers.

The New York Times - Health

The university was cited for lack of institutional control.

The New York Times - Sports

He was cited for a hit-and-run.

The New York Times

Mr. Bryson was cited for a hit-and-run accident.

The New York Times

Guangdong was cited as a major center for the activity.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was cited", ensure the source being referenced is credible and relevant to the context. This strengthens the validity and reliability of your statement.

Common error

While "was cited" is grammatically correct, avoid overusing passive voice in your writing. Opt for active voice when possible to make your writing more direct and engaging. For example, instead of "The study was cited by many researchers", consider "Many researchers cited the study".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was cited" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that a source or piece of information has been referenced or mentioned. Ludwig AI's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, such as academic papers or news reports.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

22%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Huffington Post

4%

TechCrunch

2%

Environmental Health Perspectives

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was cited" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate that a source or piece of information has been referenced. Ludwig AI confirms its wide usage across various domains, particularly in news, media, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the cited source is credible and relevant, and be mindful of overusing passive voice. Alternatives like "was referenced" or "was mentioned" can provide variety. By using "was cited" effectively, you can strengthen the validity and reliability of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was referenced

Focuses on the act of providing a reference or source.

was mentioned

Indicates that something was simply brought up or alluded to.

was alluded to

Suggests an indirect reference or hint.

was pointed out

Emphasizes the act of drawing attention to something specific.

was named

Highlights that something was explicitly identified by name.

was attributed

Indicates that something was credited or assigned to a particular source.

was identified

Focuses on the act of recognizing or establishing something.

was specified

Emphasizes that something was stated clearly and precisely.

was invoked

Suggests that something was called upon or used as an authority.

was brought up

Implies that something was introduced into a discussion or consideration.

FAQs

How is "was cited" typically used in a sentence?

"Was cited" is used to indicate that a particular source or piece of information has been referenced or mentioned. For example, "The study "was cited" as evidence to support the claim".

What are some alternatives to using "was cited"?

Alternatives include "was referenced", "was mentioned", or "was attributed", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when citing a source?

While "was cited" uses passive voice, active voice can often make your writing more direct and engaging. Consider using phrases like "Researchers cited the study" instead of "The study "was cited" by researchers" when appropriate.

What's the difference between "was cited" and "was quoted"?

"Was cited" means a source was referenced, whereas "was quoted" means the exact words of the source were used. You "was cited" the source to support your argument while when you used the expression "was quoted" you directly repeated the same words of the author.