was conditioned to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was conditioned to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something has been trained or influenced to respond in a certain way due to prior experiences or stimuli. Example: "After years of training, the dog was conditioned to respond to the sound of a whistle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

Buying real estate, he said, is all about "conditioning," and after some visits to brokers, he was conditioned to buy a house.

The New York Times

Carlos Beltrán said he was conditioned to forget about baseball once he left the ballpark.

The New York Times - Sports

I was conditioned to popular sound in early childhood by my parents' vinyl, which was Elton John and Billy Joel.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

He and several other American scientists discovered that the dog was conditioned to be afraid of Mme.

The New Yorker

Dr. Watson based his notion on a flawed study of one boy, Little Albert, who was conditioned to fear rabbits.

The New York Times - Health

Positive incentive value was conditioned to the compound by associating it with either food or relative safety from shock.

Learning and Motivation

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

"Must Conditional Cash Transfer Programs be conditioned to be effective?

Cornell University

I'm conditioned to overstimulation.

The New York Times - Magazine

You're conditioned to land.

The Guardian - Sport

"We're conditioned to it.

The Guardian

Everyone is conditioned to provide content.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was conditioned to" to describe behaviors or responses that have been learned or ingrained through repeated exposure or training. For example, "The athlete was conditioned to ignore distractions during the competition."

Common error

Avoid using "was conditioned to" when describing innate traits or behaviors. Conditioning implies a learned response, not an inherent characteristic. Instead, use phrases like "was predisposed to" or "had a natural inclination for".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was conditioned to" functions as a passive construction indicating that a subject has undergone a process of learning or adaptation, leading to a specific behavior or belief. Ludwig AI examples highlight how this phrase is used to describe ingrained responses resulting from training or societal influences.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was conditioned to" effectively describes learned behaviors or beliefs resulting from external influences. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and widely used in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Scientific domains. While its meaning is clear, it's important to distinguish it from natural inclinations and use more appropriate alternatives when needed. By understanding its function and purpose, writers can employ "was conditioned to" to convey precise and nuanced meanings effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was trained to

Focuses on the training aspect, emphasizing a deliberate process of instruction.

was taught to

Similar to "trained", but can imply a broader range of learning experiences, not just formal training.

was accustomed to

Highlights familiarity and habituation through repeated exposure.

was drilled to

Emphasizes intensive and repetitive training to achieve a specific outcome.

was schooled to

Suggests a more formal or structured educational process that led to a particular mindset or behavior.

was predisposed to

Indicates a natural inclination or susceptibility, rather than a learned behavior.

was influenced to

Emphasizes the impact of external factors on shaping behavior or beliefs.

was prepared to

Focuses on readiness and anticipation, often in the context of a specific event or situation.

was brought up to

Highlights the role of upbringing and cultural norms in shaping behavior.

was made to

Implies coercion or obligation, suggesting a lack of personal choice.

FAQs

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

Use "was conditioned to" to describe how someone or something has been trained or influenced to react in a certain way. For example, "The dog "was conditioned to" salivate at the sound of a bell."

What are some alternatives to "was conditioned to"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "was trained to", "was taught to", or "was accustomed to".

Is it correct to say "I am conditioned to believe"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. It suggests that your belief is a result of external influences or repeated exposure, rather than personal reasoning. You might also consider saying "I was brought up to believe" if upbringing is the cause for that particular belief.

What's the difference between "was conditioned to" and "was forced to"?

"Was conditioned to" suggests a gradual process of learning or adaptation, while "was forced to" implies coercion or a lack of choice. For instance, someone "was conditioned to" respect authority through repeated discipline, but they "was forced to" sign a contract against their will.