was decreed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was decreed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where a decision or order has been formally announced or established, often in legal or official settings. Example: "The new law was decreed by the governing body to take effect immediately."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Death was decreed for this Steppenwolf".

The Guardian - Books

In all these cases, however, the forfeiture was decreed by judicial proceeding.

Cornell University

He was decreed dead-on-arrival in hospital; a heart-attack initially seemed likely.

The Economist

He was splendid yesterday after Strauss lost what was decreed an important toss.

Independent

(Another problem member is Fiji, whose latest suspension was decreed in December 2006).

The Economist

An end was decreed to "soft" credits and subsidies, leaving open the real possibility of bankruptcy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

So it was decreed that World should make a profit.In the early 1990s that looked possible.

The Economist

The Moscow teaching hospital was established in 1707, and a secular academy was decreed in 1724.

Britannica

Under the Taipings, the Chinese language was simplified, and equality between men and women was decreed.

Britannica

For these successes, a thanksgiving of twenty days was decreed by the senate upon receiving Caesar's letter.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

The Akademi Kreyòl Ayisyen itself, which was decreed in the 1987 constitution, took 27 years to become reality.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was decreed" when emphasizing the formal and authoritative nature of an order or decision. It is particularly effective in historical, legal, or official contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "was decreed" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or pretentious in settings where simpler language would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

Was decreed functions as a passive verb phrase. It signifies that a decision, order, or law has been formally and authoritatively issued. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and widely used in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

28%

Academia

18%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was decreed" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive verb construction. According to Ludwig AI, it indicates that something has been formally ordered or decided, typically by an authority. It is most common in news and media, encyclopedias, and academic contexts, suggesting a formal or neutral register. While versatile, it's best to avoid using "was decreed" in casual or informal writing where simpler language would be more appropriate. Alternatives like "was ordered" or "was mandated" can be used in similar contexts to avoid repetition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was mandated

Replaces "decreed" with "mandated", indicating an authoritative requirement but slightly less formal.

was ordered

Uses "ordered" instead of "decreed", suggesting a command or instruction.

was stipulated

Emphasizes that something "was stipulated" as part of an agreement or condition.

was prescribed

Suggests that something "was prescribed" by a rule or authority.

was ruled

Indicates a formal decision by a court or governing body.

was ordained

Implies a decree with a sense of higher authority or destiny.

was enacted

Focuses on the legislative aspect of establishing a rule or law.

was proclaimed

Suggests a public and formal announcement of a decision.

was laid down

Indicates that a rule or principle "was laid down" as a foundation.

was determined

Emphasizes a decision or conclusion that "was determined" after consideration.

FAQs

How to use "was decreed" in a sentence?

Use "was decreed" to indicate that something has been formally and authoritatively ordered or decided. For example: "It "was decreed" that all citizens must pay taxes."

What can I say instead of "was decreed"?

You can use alternatives like "was ordered", "was mandated", or "was stipulated" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "was decreed" or "is decreed"?

"Was decreed" is used for past events, while "is decreed" is for present or future decrees. For example, "The law "was decreed" last year," versus "It "is decreed" that all future meetings will be held online."

What's the difference between "was decreed" and "was decided"?

"Was decreed" implies a formal, authoritative order or decision, often with legal or official implications. "Was decided" is a more general term for making a choice or reaching a conclusion without necessarily carrying the same weight of authority.