was decommissioned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was decommissioned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the process of officially taking something out of service or use, often in the context of equipment, vehicles, or facilities. Example: "The old nuclear power plant was decommissioned after years of operation to ensure safety and environmental protection."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For London it was decommissioned.

The Guardian - Arts

The fort was decommissioned in 1945.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was decommissioned again in 1992.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In 1965, it was decommissioned and gutted.

The New Yorker

China's last steam train was decommissioned in 2005.

The New York Times

The plant was decommissioned and razed in 2004.

The New York Times

Dangerous and expensive to operate, it was decommissioned in 1957.

The New York Times

This week, the aircraft carrier HMS Invincible was decommissioned.

The Guardian

It was decommissioned 20 years later and fell into disrepair.

Independent

But after a few weeks, Robostan was decommissioned.

Independent

The lighthouse was decommissioned by the Coast Guard in 1949.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing for a general audience, it may be useful to provide context or explain why something "was decommissioned", to avoid ambiguity. For instance, "The old power plant was decommissioned due to safety concerns."

Common error

Avoid using "was decommissioned" in casual conversations or informal writing when simpler alternatives like "was retired" or "was taken out of service" would suffice. The term carries a formal tone and might sound unnatural in everyday contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was decommissioned" functions as the past passive voice of the verb "decommission". It indicates that a subject (e.g., a ship, a power plant) underwent the action of being taken out of service. Ludwig AI confirms its proper grammatical use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Wiki

32%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Science

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was decommissioned" signifies the formal removal of equipment, facilities, or vehicles from active service. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various formal and neutral contexts, predominantly in News & Media, Encyclopedias and Wiki sources. While alternatives like "was retired" or "was taken out of service" exist, "was decommissioned" carries a more technical and official connotation. To ensure clarity and appropriate tone, reserve this term for contexts where its formality aligns with the subject matter. Common errors involve overuse in casual settings. Top authoritative sources featuring this phrase include BBC, The New York Times and Wikipedia, showcasing its widespread applicability in conveying official actions and statuses.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was retired

Implies a formal removal from service, often due to age or obsolescence. Slightly less technical than "decommissioned".

was taken out of service

A more general term indicating cessation of use. It can apply to a wider range of items or systems.

was shut down

Emphasizes the cessation of operation, particularly for machinery or systems.

was closed down

Suggests a permanent cessation of operations, often referring to facilities or organizations.

was dismantled

Focuses on the physical disassembly of something, implying it is no longer functional or usable.

was deactivated

Highlights the disabling of functionality, typically for electronic or mechanical devices.

was terminated

Implies a formal ending or cessation, often used in the context of contracts or agreements.

was abandoned

Suggests a leaving behind or relinquishing of something, often due to difficulty or lack of resources.

was ceased

A formal term meaning to stop or discontinue. Less common in modern usage.

was discontinued

Highlights the ending of production or provision of something.

FAQs

How is "was decommissioned" used in a sentence?

"Was decommissioned" is used to describe something that has been officially taken out of service or use. For example, "The old battleship "was decommissioned" after many years of service".

What are some alternatives to "was decommissioned"?

Alternatives include "was retired", "was taken out of service", or "was shut down", depending on the specific context.

When is it appropriate to use "was decommissioned" over simpler terms?

"Was decommissioned" is best suited for formal or technical contexts, such as describing the status of military equipment, power plants, or government facilities. Simpler terms are suitable for informal situations.

What does it mean for a ship to be "decommissioned"?

When a ship "was decommissioned", it means that it is formally removed from active service in the navy, often involving a ceremony and specific procedures. It is usually put into reserve or scrapped.