was committed to

USAGE SUMMARY

"was committed to" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express that someone adhered to an idea, plan, or goal. For example: She was committed to improving her grades, so she began studying for two hours each day.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Nevertheless, he was committed to the forest.

The New Yorker

She was committed to telling this story.

The New York Times

He was committed to mental hospitals.

The New York Times

Zora, he knew, was committed to meat.

The New Yorker

He was committed to science.

The New York Times

And he was committed to change.

Yale University

He was committed to women's health issues.

The Guardian

I was committed to my team".

The Guardian - Sport

"I was committed to serving people.

The Guardian - Film

Reprieved, she was committed to Broadmoor instead.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

He was committed to a psychiatric institute.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was committed to" to clearly express dedication to a specific goal, principle, or person. Ensure the context supports a strong and unwavering level of commitment.

Common error

Avoid using "was committed to" when the situation involves a tentative plan or a weak intention. The phrase conveys a strong, unwavering dedication, so ensure it accurately reflects the level of commitment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was committed to" functions as a verb phrase expressing a state of strong dedication or adherence to a particular cause, goal, or belief. Ludwig shows that this phrase is often followed by a noun, gerund, or infinitive to specify the object of the commitment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

30%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was committed to" is a versatile phrase used to express a past state of strong dedication or adherence. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely employed in various contexts, including news, academia, and formal business settings. It conveys a strong sense of responsibility and determination. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it is essential to ensure the strength of the commitment aligns with the context. Ludwig also provides numerous examples demonstrating the diverse applications of this phrase and confirms its validity for expressing profound dedication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was dedicated to

Emphasizes devotion and enthusiasm towards a cause or activity. It highlights the emotional aspect of commitment.

was devoted to

Similar to 'dedicated', but suggests a deeper, almost sacrificial level of commitment.

was resolved to

Highlights the firmness and determination behind a decision or action, suggesting a strong will to succeed.

was determined to

Stresses a firm decision and purpose, focusing on overcoming obstacles to achieve a goal.

was intent on

Focuses on the purposefulness and single-mindedness of the commitment, emphasizing a clear objective.

was set on

Highlights a firm decision, similar to 'determined', but can also imply a degree of stubbornness or inflexibility.

was bound to

Implies a sense of obligation or inevitability, suggesting the commitment arises from duty or circumstance.

had a commitment to

Slightly more formal and emphasizes the existence of a prior agreement or promise.

felt obligated to

Implies a sense of duty or moral imperative, suggesting the commitment is driven by external expectations or personal values.

was keen on

Suggests enthusiasm and eagerness, but implies a less serious or binding commitment than the original phrase.

FAQs

How can I use "was committed to" in a sentence?

Use "was committed to" to describe a past dedication or strong adherence to a goal, principle, or person. For example: "She was committed to environmental conservation" or "He was committed to finishing the project on time".

What are some alternatives to "was committed to"?

You can use alternatives like "was dedicated to", "was devoted to", or "was determined to" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it different from "is committed to"?

Yes, "was committed to" refers to a past commitment, while "is committed to" describes a current commitment. The former indicates a dedication that occurred in the past, while the latter signifies an ongoing dedication.

Can "was committed to" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "was committed to" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing. Its use depends on the context and the level of formality required by the specific situation, but the phrase itself is grammatically sound for any type of writing.