was devoted to

USAGE SUMMARY

"was devoted to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to mean that someone dedicated time and effort to something. For example, "He was devoted to helping his community."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

His practice was devoted to family counselling.

The New Yorker

Peter was devoted to family, education, andmusic.

The New York Times

Great attention was devoted to drainage.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Her life was devoted to her daughter.

The New York Times - Books

But she was devoted to her father.

The New Yorker

Each was devoted to an individual performance.

The New Yorker

Bill was devoted to his family.

The New York Times

Tony Osborne was devoted to making music.

Independent

He was devoted to Edna.

The Guardian

Everything was devoted to me.

The New York Times - Arts

"She was devoted to Rebecca.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was devoted to", ensure that the object of devotion is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify whether someone "was devoted to their family", "was devoted to their work", or "was devoted to a specific cause".

Common error

Avoid using "was devoted to" excessively in highly formal or scientific writing. Opt for more precise alternatives like "was dedicated to" or "was focused on" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was devoted to" functions as a stative verb phrase, indicating a state of dedication, commitment, or strong affection towards someone or something. Ludwig's examples illustrate its use in describing a person's commitment to family, work, or a specific cause.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

24%

Science

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was devoted to" is a versatile and commonly used expression to convey dedication, commitment, or strong affection. As affirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and widely used across different contexts. While the phrase is acceptable in many situations, it's advisable to consider the context and audience to determine whether more precise or formal alternatives might be more suitable. It frequently appears in news and media, academia and science, indicating its broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was dedicated to

Emphasizes commitment or a formal allocation of resources.

was committed to

Highlights a strong sense of obligation or pledge.

was focused on

Suggests a concentration of attention or effort on a specific goal.

was given over to

Implies the complete yielding or surrender to a cause or activity.

was consigned to

Suggests a fate or predetermined allocation to something.

was allocated to

Focuses on the distribution of resources or time for a specific purpose.

was reserved for

Indicates something was set aside specifically for a purpose or person.

was enthusiastic about

Conveys eagerness and passion.

was keen on

Shows interest and enthusiasm.

was inclined to

Suggests a preference or tendency towards something.

FAQs

How can I use "was devoted to" in a sentence?

Use "was devoted to" to express dedication or commitment to a person, activity, or cause. For example, "She was devoted to her children" or "He was devoted to his research".

What are some alternatives to "was devoted to"?

You can use alternatives such as "was dedicated to", "was committed to", or "was focused on" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "was devoted to" and "was dedicated to"?

"Was devoted to" often implies a deep emotional connection and loyalty, while "was dedicated to" suggests a more formal commitment or allocation of resources. Though similar, "was devoted to" has a stronger sense of personal attachment.

Is it correct to say "become devoted to" instead of "was devoted to"?

Yes, "become devoted to" is grammatically correct and indicates the process of developing dedication or commitment over time. For example, "He become devoted to the cause after witnessing its impact".