was cleansed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was cleansed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something has been purified or made clean, often in a metaphorical or spiritual sense. Example: "After the intense storm, the landscape was cleansed, revealing the vibrant colors of nature once again."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In essence, the economy was cleansed.

The New York Times

The reason: "The body was cleansed".

The New York Times

Rather, democracy triumphantly prevailed because a corrupt administration was cleansed.

The New York Times

Then, the sample was cleansed by DI water to remove the solution.

Nature

Once I was cleansed of my criminality, naïveté became my way forward.

The New Yorker

Before the flushing tunnel was settled on, the Gowanus was cleansed only by the tides.

The New York Times

Ten minutes later, when his pasta was cleansed of lettuce, he began to eat.

The New York Times

That could lead to patronage and favouritism from which the civil service was cleansed in the 19th century.

The Guardian

And she herself was cleansed of the moods of the last months—she was lively and capable, and better-looking.

The New Yorker

TWO millennia after the Temple was cleansed of money-changers, the Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, plans to open his churches to moneylenders.

The Economist

First came the purge of foreign cults in Jerusalem under the aegis of the high priest Hilkiah; then the countryside was cleansed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was cleansed" when you want to emphasize a process of purification or thorough cleaning, whether literal or metaphorical. Consider the context to ensure the connotation aligns with your intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "was cleansed" in situations where simpler terms like "cleaned" or "washed" are more appropriate. Overusing the term can make your writing sound pretentious or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was cleansed" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject received the action of cleansing. As Ludwig confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, the verb to cleanse implies a thorough removal of impurities or unwanted elements.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was cleansed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction that signifies a thorough process of cleaning or purification. As verified by Ludwig, the phrase is suitable for various contexts, particularly in scientific, news, and encyclopedic sources. While versatile, it's important to avoid overuse in overly literal contexts where simpler terms might suffice. Related phrases include "was purified" and "was sanitized", each carrying slightly different connotations. Using "was cleansed" effectively requires considering the intended emphasis on purification or removal of unwanted elements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was purified

Implies removal of impurities, often in a spiritual or moral context. Slightly more formal.

was sanitized

Focuses on removing germs and bacteria, making something hygienic.

was rid of

Indicates removal of something unwanted or undesirable.

was purged

Suggests a forceful removal of unwanted elements, often in a political or organizational context.

was cleared

Implies removing obstructions or unwanted items from a space.

was washed

Refers to cleaning with water or another liquid.

was scrubbed

Implies a more vigorous cleaning process, often involving friction.

was refined

Suggests improvement through the removal of unwanted components.

was detoxified

Implies removing toxins or harmful substances.

was absolved

Indicates forgiveness or release from guilt or blame.

FAQs

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

You can use "was cleansed" to describe something that has been purified, either literally or figuratively. For example, "The wound was cleansed with antiseptic," or "After the apology, the air was cleansed of tension".

What's the difference between "was cleansed" and "was cleaned"?

"Was cleansed" often implies a more thorough or spiritual purification than "was cleaned". Cleaning generally refers to removing dirt or debris, while cleansing suggests a deeper purification.

What can I say instead of "was cleansed"?

You can use alternatives like "was purified", "was sanitized", or "was cleared" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the area was cleansed of" something?

Yes, it is correct. Using "was cleansed of" indicates that something unwanted has been removed from a particular area or entity. For example, "The area was cleansed of all debris".