was declared

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was declared" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is commonly used to describe a formal announcement or decision made by someone in authority. For example, "The winner of the competition was declared to be Jane."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Armenia was declared independent.

Encyclopedia Britannica

War was declared.

The New Yorker

Xunzi was declared heterodox.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The will was declared invalid.

The New Yorker

The matter was declared closed.

The New York Times - Sports

A by-election was declared.

Independent

But none was declared.

The New York Times

The next evening, she was declared dead.

The New Yorker

The ban was declared unconstitutional in 2000.

The Economist

In August, he was declared legally blind.

The New York Times

He was declared brain dead on Thursday.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a legal or official determination, "was declared" is appropriate. For less formal situations, consider using synonyms like "announced" or "stated."

Common error

Avoid using "was declared" in casual or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or stilted in everyday conversation or informal correspondence. Simpler verbs like "said" or "announced" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was declared" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that a subject received a formal designation, judgment, or announcement. Ludwig examples show its use in diverse contexts, from political declarations to medical pronouncements, all pointing to an official action or state.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

18%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Science

16%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was declared" is a versatile passive construction used to indicate that an official announcement, judgment, or designation has been made. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently employed in formal contexts such as news reports, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. While "was announced" serves as a general synonym, alternatives like "was proclaimed" and "was deemed" offer nuanced variations in meaning. When writing, it's best to reserve "was declared" for situations requiring formality, avoiding its overuse in casual settings to maintain a professional and precise tone. Key authoritative sources include The New York Times, Encyclopedia Britannica, and The Economist, underscoring its prevalence in credible publications.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was announced

Replaces "declared" with a more general term for making something known publicly.

was proclaimed

Emphasizes a formal or official announcement, often with ceremonial connotations.

was pronounced

Emphasizes a formal or authoritative statement or judgment.

was ruled

Indicates a formal judgment or decision, typically in a legal context.

was judged

Suggests an evaluation or assessment leading to a specific conclusion or verdict.

was deemed

Suggests a considered judgment or assessment leading to a specific conclusion.

was recognized

Implies an acknowledgement or acceptance of a certain status or condition.

was designated

Focuses on the act of officially assigning a specific role or status.

was appointed

Highlights the act of being formally chosen or selected for a particular position.

was named

A simpler alternative, focusing on the act of giving a title or designation.

FAQs

How is "was declared" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "was declared" is used to indicate a formal announcement or judgment. For instance, "The meeting "was declared" open" or "The defendant "was declared" not guilty".

What are some alternatives to using "was declared"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "was announced", "was proclaimed", or "was deemed". The choice depends on the level of formality and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "was declared" formal or informal?

The phrase "was declared" is generally considered formal. It is often used in official or legal contexts. Simpler alternatives may be more suitable for informal settings.

What's the difference between "was declared" and "was announced"?

"Was declared" implies a more formal or official pronouncement, often by someone in authority. "Was announced" is more general and can refer to any kind of public notification, regardless of formality.