was consumed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was consumed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has been eaten, used up, or depleted in some way. Example: "The entire cake was consumed by the guests within minutes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"He was consumed with winning".

The New York Times - Sports

The center was consumed by the fire.

The New York Times

I was consumed with regret.

The Guardian - Opinion

Wine and popcorn was consumed.

The New York Times

He was "consumed with reading".

The New Yorker

But I was consumed by him.

The New York Times

Throughout history most wine was consumed locally.

The New York Times - Food

My mind was consumed with the negotiations.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Much alcohol was consumed by Linda Hamilton".

The New Yorker

"The hallway was consumed by fire".

The New York Times

I was consumed by an abstract terror.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was consumed" to describe a state of being overwhelmed, ensure the subject clearly indicates what is causing the overwhelming feeling. For example, "He was consumed by grief" is clearer than "He was consumed".

Common error

Avoid using "was consumed" when an active voice construction is more appropriate. For example, instead of saying "The fire was consumed the building", say "The fire consumed the building".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was consumed" functions primarily as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject underwent an action. This can denote physical consumption, as in "The food was consumed", or a more abstract experience of being overwhelmed, like "He was consumed by grief". As Ludwig AI points out, this phrase is widely used across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

29%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was consumed" is a versatile passive verb phrase used to describe the depletion, destruction, or overwhelming influence of something. Ludwig AI confirms that it is grammatically correct and widely applicable, as shown by the examples drawn from reputable sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian. Its frequent use in News & Media and Science contexts highlights its adaptability across formal and informal registers. When choosing alternatives, consider nuances in meaning, such as "was used up" for resource exhaustion and "was devoured" for enthusiastic consumption. Avoid misusing it in active voice constructions, and ensure clarity in expressing states of being overwhelmed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was used up

Focuses on the complete exhaustion of a resource or supply.

was devoured

Emphasizes rapid and enthusiastic consumption, especially of food.

was depleted

Highlights the reduction of something, often a resource, to a low level.

was absorbed

Suggests the taking in or assimilation of something.

was engrossed by

Indicates complete attention or interest, similar to being mentally "consumed".

was preoccupied with

Implies being heavily focused on or concerned with something.

was overwhelmed by

Conveys a feeling of being overcome or overpowered by something.

was eradicated

Emphasizes a complete elimination or destruction.

was exhausted

Highlights the state of being completely used up or depleted of energy/resources.

was completely destroyed

Focuses on the total destruction of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "was consumed" to describe something that has been eaten, used up, or completely destroyed, or to express that someone is completely engrossed in something. For example, "The food "was consumed" quickly" or "She "was consumed" by her work".

What's a good alternative to "was consumed"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "was used up", "was devoured", "was depleted", or "was engrossed by".

When is it appropriate to use "was consumed" in passive voice?

It is appropriate when the action is more important than the actor, or when the actor is unknown or irrelevant. For instance, "The evidence "was consumed" in the fire" focuses on the destruction of evidence rather than who or what caused it.

Is "was consumed by" different from "was consumed with"?

"Was consumed by" generally refers to something being eaten or destroyed, or someone being overwhelmed by a feeling or idea (e.g., "was consumed by grief"). "Was consumed with" can also mean overwhelmed, but often implies an active involvement or obsession (e.g., "was consumed with curiosity").