was denounced

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was denounced" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to someone or something that has been publicly criticized or condemned. Example: "The policy was denounced by several human rights organizations for its negative impact on vulnerable communities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Wimmer was denounced by many scientists.

The New Yorker

This action too was denounced by some.

The Guardian

The "cult of the individual" was denounced.

The Guardian - Books

In Quebec the naval policy was denounced as imperialistic.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The ruling was denounced by Boston's new archbishop, Sean O'Malley.

The Economist

It was denounced by media and governments as Bolshevism reborn.

Independent

At first he was denounced from all sides.

The Economist

Soon after the article was published, Thompson was denounced online.

The New Yorker

Queensberry was denounced as an infidel or lunatic.

The Guardian - Books

The test was denounced by Moscow this morning.

The New York Times

Abbas was denounced on Twitter by pro-Palestinian activists.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was denounced", ensure the context clearly identifies who is doing the denouncing and the reasons behind the condemnation for maximum impact.

Common error

While "was denounced" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound weak. Consider using active voice to make your statements more direct and impactful. For example, instead of "The policy was denounced by the community", try "The community denounced the policy".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was denounced" functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that the subject of the sentence received strong public criticism. Ludwig AI confirms this by providing numerous examples where the phrase is used to report condemnation from various sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Encyclopedias

8%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was denounced" is a grammatically sound and commonly used passive construction to express strong disapproval or condemnation. As Ludwig AI shows, it is frequently found in news and media, as well as encyclopedic contexts. While the phrase is correct, remember to use it judiciously and consider the active voice for more direct writing. Be mindful of the context, audience, and the degree of criticism you wish to convey. Consider alternatives like "was condemned" or "came under fire" for nuance. Ludwig AI affirms the correctness and applicability of this phrase in a variety of writing scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was condemned

Emphasizes a formal or moral disapproval.

was criticized strongly

Highlights the intensity of the disapproval.

was heavily criticized

Like "was criticized strongly", this stresses the degree of criticism.

came under fire

Focuses on the intensity of the criticism received.

was censured

Suggests a formal reprimand or expression of disapproval.

faced strong opposition

Indicates resistance and disapproval from multiple parties.

was rebuked

Indicates a sharp disapproval or scolding.

was attacked

Emphasizes an aggressive form of criticism.

met with disapproval

Focuses on the negative reception the subject encountered.

was slammed

An informal way of saying that something received harsh criticism.

FAQs

How is "was denounced" used in a sentence?

The phrase "was denounced" indicates that something or someone has been publicly criticized or condemned. For example: "The proposal "was denounced" by human rights organizations."

What can I say instead of "was denounced"?

You can use alternatives like "was criticized", "was condemned", or "came under fire" depending on the context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "denounce"?

While "was denounced" (passive voice) is grammatically correct, using the active voice (e.g., "They denounced the plan") can often make your writing more direct and impactful.

What's the difference between "was denounced" and "was criticized"?

"Was denounced" implies a stronger, more public, and often formal expression of disapproval than "was criticized", which can be more general and less intense.