was contained in

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was contained in" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is included or found within a particular context, document, or location. Example: "The information was contained in the report submitted last week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Each cage was contained in another.

The Economist

That information was contained in records that were sealed.

The Guardian - Sport

The nitty-gritty was contained in those cartons and boxes".

The New York Times

Martin had 118 yards rushing in the first half and was contained in the second half.

The New York Times - Sports

The task force's endorsement of the reactor was contained in a single paragraph.

The New York Times

All this information was contained in the documentation I had already supplied.

The Guardian - Money

That measure was contained in a national economic stimulus package, the senator's aides said.

The New York Times

"Last year," she explained, "the fighting was contained in sparsely populated areas.

The New York Times

The flat-screen TV was contained in a handsome wooden frame.

The New York Times - Travel

The essential meaning of the press conference was contained in a cartoon by Jacques Faizant.

The New Yorker

The revelation was contained in a report by the interception of communications commissioner Sir Anthony May.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was contained in" to clearly indicate that specific information, items, or ideas are located or included within a defined source, document, or space. This helps maintain clarity and provides context for your reader.

Common error

Avoid using "was contained in" when a simpler, more direct verb like 'included' or 'located' would suffice. Overusing passive voice can make your writing sound unnecessarily wordy. Instead of saying "The answer was contained in the book", try "The answer was in the book".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was contained in" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject is acted upon rather than performing an action. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable nature, highlighting its role in specifying the location or inclusion of something within a defined context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was contained in" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction to indicate inclusion or location within a specific context. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage and demonstrates it through numerous real-world examples. While versatile, consider active voice alternatives for conciseness in simpler sentences. Its usage is most common in news, scientific, and encyclopedic sources, reflecting a neutral to formal register and a clear, informative purpose.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was included in

Indicates a direct inclusion of something within a larger whole, placing emphasis on membership.

was located within

Focuses on the physical or conceptual placement of something inside something else.

was found within

Emphasizes the discovery of something inside something else, suggesting a search or investigation.

was present in

Indicates the existence of something within a specific context or location.

was embodied in

Suggests that something is represented or expressed in a tangible form within something else.

was encompassed by

Indicates that something is entirely surrounded or included by something else.

was comprised within

Similar to 'included in' but suggests a more formal or structured composition.

was held within

Highlights the act of something being kept or secured inside something else.

was stored in

Focuses on the act of storing or keeping something in a specific location or container.

was archived in

Specifically indicates the act of preserving something in an archive.

FAQs

What does "was contained in" mean?

The phrase "was contained in" means that something was located, included, or present within a specific place, document, or set of boundaries. It indicates inclusion or location within something else.

What are some alternatives to "was contained in"?

You can use alternatives like "was included in", "was located within", or "was found within" depending on the context. These alternatives offer similar meanings while varying in emphasis.

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

Use "was contained in" to show that something is present or included within a defined boundary or source. For example, "The secret code was contained in the letter" or "All the necessary information was contained in the user manual".

Is it better to use active or passive voice when describing where information is located?

While "was contained in" (passive voice) is grammatically correct, consider using the active voice when possible for more direct and concise writing. For example, instead of "The data was contained in the report", you could say "The report contained the data".