was composed by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was composed by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate the creator or author of a work, such as a piece of music, literature, or art. Example: "The symphony was composed by Beethoven in the early 19th century."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was composed by famed Final Fantasy composer Nobuo Uematsu.

Wikipedia

It was composed by chance.

The New Yorker

It was composed by Mlle.

The New Yorker

This book was composed by royal order.

Yale University

Our theme music was composed by Matt Reed.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Our theme was composed by Allison Leyton-Brown.

The New York Times

The program's original music was composed by Mr. Torres.

The New York Times - Arts

"Vom Himmel Hoch" was composed by Martin Luther in 1539.

The New York Times - Arts

And it was composed by men who tended toward glumness.

The New York Times

The theme was composed by Ron Grainer, a child prodigy.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

It was composed by my pet baboon, Juniper.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was composed by", ensure the subject clearly indicates what was created (e.g., a song, a symphony, a poem). Maintain consistency with the passive voice for clarity.

Common error

Avoid attributing the composition to someone who only performed or popularized the work. Verify the actual composer before using the phrase "was composed by".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was composed by" functions as a passive voice construction. It identifies the creator of something, typically a piece of music, literature, or art. As Ludwig AI points out, it’s a grammatically sound way to express authorship. Examples include "The music was composed by César Franck."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

35%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was composed by" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive construction to indicate the creator of a work, particularly in music and literature. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. It appears most often in news, wiki, and academic contexts. While neutral in tone, it's suitable for a range of writing styles, but ensuring the composer is accurately identified is crucial. Consider alternatives like "was written by" or "was created by" depending on the specific context. Understanding these nuances will help you use the phrase effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was written by

This alternative replaces "composed" with "written", often used for texts and musical pieces, offering a slightly less formal tone.

was created by

This phrase uses "created" instead of "composed", suitable for a broader range of works including art, software, and designs.

was authored by

Using "authored" is more specific to written works, emphasizing the act of writing and creating content.

was made by

This is a simpler and more general alternative, applicable to a wide array of creations, but less formal.

was designed by

This alternative is specific to designs and plans, highlighting the planning and creation of a structured work.

was produced by

Focuses on the act of production, suitable for films, plays, and other performance-based works.

was developed by

Used when referring to the creation and evolution of something, like software or a product.

originated from

This phrase shifts the focus to the source or origin, rather than the act of composition itself.

was brought to life by

Emphasizes the act of giving life or form to something, often used for artistic or creative endeavors.

was the work of

Highlights the person or entity responsible for the creation, framing it as their accomplishment.

FAQs

What does "was composed by" mean?

The phrase "was composed by" indicates who created or authored a particular piece of work, typically music or literature. For example, "The symphony was composed by Beethoven" means Beethoven created the symphony.

When is it appropriate to use "was composed by"?

Use "was composed by" when you want to specify the creator of a piece of music or a written work in a passive voice construction. Alternatives might be more appropriate depending on context.

What can I say instead of "was composed by"?

You can use alternatives like "was written by", "was created by", or "was authored by" depending on the context and the type of work being discussed.

Is "was composed by" formal or informal?

"Was composed by" is generally considered neutral to formal in tone. It's suitable for academic, journalistic, and professional contexts. Simpler alternatives like "was made by" might be more appropriate for informal settings.