was commonly used

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was commonly used" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that was frequently utilized or practiced in the past. Example: "In the early 20th century, this method was commonly used in scientific research."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Blatant subterfuge was commonly used.

The Guardian

Gnathobdella ferox was commonly used in Asia.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The septenarius was commonly used for dialogue in comedies.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Thin, hammered sheet gold was commonly used for Nazca ornamentation.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Active guidance was commonly used for terminal homing.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In addition, the rose-verte palette was commonly used.

Encyclopedia Britannica

After the 2003 invasion, the Qasr al-Sultan was commonly used by Western journalists.

The New York Times

But in Aramaic, hur meant "white" and was commonly used to mean "white grapes".

The New York Times

The word "kifaya" was commonly used on the streets of Cairo when I was there in 1993.

The New York Times

Because zorba is so rich in logic, it was commonly used in the ancient Mediterranean as a brain-booster.

The New Yorker

Like active guidance, semiactive guidance was commonly used for terminal homing.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing historical trends or past practices, use "was commonly used" to clearly indicate that something was a standard or frequent occurrence. This helps establish context and avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "was commonly used" when describing current trends. It's specifically for past practices; for present scenarios, consider phrases like "is commonly used" or "is widely adopted".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was commonly used" functions as a descriptive statement indicating the prevalence or frequency of a particular practice, method, or item in the past. It is used to provide context and historical information, as seen in examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Encyclopedias

18%

Science

30%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was commonly used" is a versatile phrase for describing past practices and trends. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable across various contexts. It’s essential to ensure its usage accurately reflects past occurrences, distinguishing it from present-day scenarios. While alternatives like "was frequently utilized" or "was widely adopted" offer nuanced expressions, "was commonly used" remains a straightforward and effective choice for indicating historical prevalence. Its frequency in reputable sources, such as The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica, reinforces its reliability and broad acceptance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was frequently utilized

Changes the verb to 'utilized', implying a more formal or deliberate use.

was widely adopted

Focuses on acceptance and widespread implementation rather than just usage.

was habitually employed

Highlights the routine or customary nature of the usage.

was regularly practiced

Suggests an established custom or method.

was in general use

Emphasizes the broad and unrestricted application.

was a common practice

Shifts the focus to the practice itself being common.

was standard practice

Implies that the usage was a recognized and accepted norm.

was the norm

Simplifies the expression to indicate that something was typical or expected.

was typically applied

Focuses on the typical manner in which something was put to use.

was a usual method

Indicates that the usage was a customary approach or technique.

FAQs

How can I use "was commonly used" in a sentence?

You can use "was commonly used" to describe something that frequently occurred or was standard practice in the past. For example, "In the past, this method "was commonly used" in scientific research".

What can I say instead of "was commonly used"?

You can use alternatives like "was frequently utilized", "was widely adopted", or "was habitually employed" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "was commonly used" or "is commonly used"?

"Was commonly used" refers to past practices, while "is commonly used" refers to current practices. Choose the one that aligns with the timeframe you're describing.

What's the difference between "was commonly used" and "was traditionally used"?

"Was commonly used" simply indicates frequent use, while "was traditionally used" implies that the practice is part of a long-standing custom or heritage. Tradition adds a cultural or historical significance.