was delegated

USAGE SUMMARY

"was delegated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to say that someone was given a specific task or responsibility. For example: "The task of organizing the conference was delegated to Mary."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Bubble-prevention was delegated to the Fed's regulatory apparatus.

The New Yorker

That summer, I was delegated to do the night shift.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Is it that a key element of our national security was delegated to a foreign company?

The New York Times

There, Bishop Murphy wrote that another official was delegated to handle abuse cases directly.

The New York Times

Finally, he was delegated to explain Prussia's German policy to the Russians.

Britannica

Author was delegated to go to a drugstore and call up a long list of people.

The New Yorker

Writer was delegated to go down the fire escape from the roof and rescue the animal.

The New Yorker

Scrutiny of borrowers was delegated to rating agencies, who were paid by the debt-issuers.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Mr. Fray ran Bill Clinton's unsuccessful Congressional campaign in 1974 while his wife was delegated to give Hillary hints about nail polish and accessorizing.

The New York Times

The job of communicating the result to social workers was delegated to another locum doing her first shift at Central Middlesex without induction in its procedures.

The Guardian

The inclusion process was delegated to technicians at the Department of Clinical Neurophysiology.

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was delegated", ensure that the context clearly identifies both the delegator and the delegatee to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "Responsibility was delegated", specify "Responsibility for the project was delegated to the team leader".

Common error

Avoid using "was delegated" without specifying to whom the task was delegated. Vague statements like "The task was delegated" leave the reader wondering who is now responsible.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was delegated" functions as a passive verb construction, indicating that a task, responsibility, or authority was transferred from one entity to another. It is commonly used to describe the act of assigning duties.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

10%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was delegated" is a passive verb phrase indicating the transfer of a task, responsibility, or authority. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. It is grammatically sound and very commonly used across various contexts, including news, science, encyclopedias, and formal business settings. While it is suitable for both neutral and formal writing, it is most frequently found in more structured and official contexts. When using the phrase, it's essential to clearly identify both the delegator and the delegatee for clarity. Remember that related phrases such as "was assigned" or "was tasked with" may be more appropriate depending on the nuance you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was tasked with

Emphasizes the specific task that someone has been given.

was assigned

Focuses on task allocation rather than broader authority transfer.

was entrusted with

Implies a high degree of trust and confidence in the person receiving the responsibility.

was charged with

Implies a duty or obligation, often with a degree of seriousness.

was given the responsibility

More descriptive and less formal than "was delegated".

was appointed

Suggests a formal selection or nomination for a role or duty.

was authorized

Specifically relates to granting official permission or power.

was empowered

Suggests giving someone the means and opportunity to act.

had the mandate

Signifies official permission or authority to act on behalf of someone.

was commissioned

Often used when referring to the creation of something, like a work of art or a study.

FAQs

How do I use "was delegated" in a sentence?

Use "was delegated" to indicate that a task, responsibility, or authority was given to someone else. For example, "The task of managing the budget was delegated to the finance team."

What can I say instead of "was delegated"?

You can use alternatives like "was assigned", "was entrusted with", or "was tasked with" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the responsibility was delegated to"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. For example, "The responsibility for overseeing the project was delegated to the project manager."

What is the difference between "was delegated" and "was assigned"?

"Was delegated" often implies a formal transfer of authority or responsibility, whereas "was assigned" generally refers to a specific task being given to someone. The distinction depends on context.