was driven

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was driven" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used as the past tense form of the verb "to drive," and can be used in a variety of situations. For example, "The speeding car was driven off the road by the police cruiser."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was driven by ambition.

The New Yorker

She was driven.

The Guardian - Arts

Still, Henin was driven.

The New York Times - Sports

It was driven by his young son.

The New Yorker

He was driven, and he was successful.

The New York Times - Magazine

"I was driven to have an education".

The New York Times

"He was driven away by force".

The New Yorker

Meyer was driven by fire.

Columbia University

Then he was driven away.

The Guardian

Ember's dog was driven over".

The Guardian - Books

Everything was driven by hiraeth.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was driven", ensure that the subject performing the driving action is clear. This often requires the use of a 'by' phrase to specify the agent.

Common error

Avoid using "was driven" without specifying who or what caused the action, as this can lead to unclear or confusing sentences. Always clarify the driving force.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was driven" functions as a passive verb construction. It signifies that the subject of the sentence experienced an action performed by an external force. Ludwig's examples illustrate its diverse applications, from describing motivations to physical actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

22%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was driven" is a versatile passive verb construction used to express causation, motivation, or compulsion. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical status is correct and it appears frequently across diverse contexts like News & Media, Academia, and Science. When using "was driven", clarity is key: specify the driving force to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "was motivated" or "was compelled" to fine-tune your meaning. Understanding its function and potential pitfalls can help you wield this phrase with precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was motivated

Focuses more on internal reasons or incentives leading to an action, rather than external forces.

was compelled

Implies a strong, often irresistible force that made someone do something.

was influenced

Suggests a more subtle form of persuasion or effect on someone's actions.

was impelled

Similar to "compelled" but often suggests a more sudden or urgent impetus.

was led

Emphasizes guidance or direction from an external entity.

was spurred

Implies an encouragement or stimulus that prompted action.

was caused

Highlights the reason behind an event or action; focuses on the causation.

resulted from

Indicates that something is a consequence or outcome of another factor.

stemmed from

Indicates the origin or root cause of an event or action.

originated from

Emphasizes the point of origin or creation of something.

FAQs

How to use "was driven" in a sentence?

Use "was driven" to indicate that someone or something was compelled or motivated to do something by an external force or internal desire. For example, "He "was driven" by ambition" or "The car "was driven" off the road".

What can I say instead of "was driven"?

You can use alternatives like "was motivated", "was compelled", or "was influenced" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "was driven by" or "was driving"?

"Was driven by" indicates a passive action where someone or something is influenced or compelled. "Was driving" indicates an active action of operating a vehicle. The correct choice depends on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "was driven by" and "was inspired by"?

"Was driven by" implies a strong motivating force or cause, while "was inspired by" suggests a source of creative or emotional stimulation. "Was driven by" often implies necessity or obligation, whereas "was inspired by" implies choice and creativity.