was denied

USAGE SUMMARY

"was denied" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to convey that something wasn't allowed or granted. For example, "The request for an extension was denied."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The increase was denied.

The New York Times

The scholarship was denied.

The New Yorker

The permission was denied.

The New York Times - Magazine

That request was denied.

The New York Times

The appeal was denied.

The New Yorker

The petition was denied.

The New Yorker

Each petition was denied.

The New York Times - Sports

Their request was denied.

The New York Times

He was denied.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

He is denied bail.

Independent

Both requests were denied.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context when choosing "was denied". While grammatically sound, alternatives like "was rejected" or "was refused" might provide a more precise nuance depending on the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "was denied" without a clear subject indicating what was being denied. For example, instead of saying "Access was denied", specify "Access to the building was denied" to avoid confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was denied" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject received the action of being refused or not granted something. This grammatical structure allows focusing on the recipient of the action rather than the actor. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Wiki

8%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was denied" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction that effectively conveys the refusal of a request or application. According to Ludwig AI, it's correct and applicable in written English. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, although it is most commonly found in news and media. When using "was denied", ensure clarity by specifying what exactly was being denied to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "was rejected" or "was refused" for subtle differences in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was rejected

Emphasizes the act of being refused or turned down.

was refused

Highlights the direct refusal of something requested.

was not granted

Focuses on the lack of permission or authorization.

was turned down

Informal way of saying something was rejected.

was disallowed

Indicates that something was not allowed or permitted.

was vetoed

Suggests a more formal or authoritative rejection.

was disapproved

Implies that something was not officially approved.

was withheld

Highlights that something was kept back or not given.

was suppressed

Suggests that something was forcibly prevented or stopped.

was forbidden

Indicates a strict prohibition against something.

FAQs

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

Use "was denied" to indicate that a request, application, or privilege was refused. For example, "The application for a visa "was denied"".

What are some alternatives to "was denied"?

Alternatives include "was rejected", "was refused", or "was not granted", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when using "deny"?

The choice depends on the emphasis you want to convey. "The committee denied the request" (active) emphasizes the committee's action, while "The request "was denied"" (passive) emphasizes the request itself.

What's the difference between "was denied" and "was refused"?

"Was denied" is generally used for formal requests or applications, while "was refused" can apply to more direct or immediate refusals. Both indicate a lack of approval, but "was denied" often implies a process.