was endangered

USAGE SUMMARY

"was endangered" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
You can use it when you are describing something that is currently in a state of danger. For example, "The orangutan population was endangered due to rapid deforestation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Bipartisanship was endangered but not extinct.

The New York Times

Last year, it was endangered by a flood.

The New Yorker

The French art de vivre was endangered by a neoliberal, productivist vision of work.

The Economist

The rare Galvão bird, native to Brazil, was endangered, he continued.

The New York Times

Brigham called on him when an agreement with Abe Owan was endangered.

The New Yorker

Yet when asked whether she believed Romansh was endangered, she replied, "Yes, for sure".

The New York Times

But Dr. Shanas said time might be running out as its habitat was endangered.

The New York Times - Science

(Another brother, Stanley, went to war, where he was endangered by Albert's shoddily made shells).

The New York Times - Books

Like many other creative artists, her life was endangered by state scrutiny of her art.

The New York Times - Arts

For a time Córdoba itself was endangered, and the triumph of Alfonso was thought imminent.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

They were eased in 1969 to allow abortions approved by committees if a mother was endangered.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was endangered", ensure that the subject is clearly defined and the cause of endangerment is either stated or easily inferred from the context. This ensures clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "was endangered" when describing minor inconveniences or temporary setbacks. This phrase implies a significant and imminent threat, so reserve it for situations where there is a genuine risk of harm or loss.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was endangered" functions as a passive voice verb phrase, indicating that the subject received the action of being put in danger. Ludwig provides numerous examples where it describes a past state of risk or peril.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

71%

Encyclopedias

12%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was endangered" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something faced a significant risk in the past. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's frequently used in news, encyclopedias, and other formal contexts to describe threats to species, agreements, and lives. While alternatives like "was threatened" or "was at risk" exist, "was endangered" often carries a stronger connotation of imminent danger. When using this phrase, ensure that the subject and the cause of endangerment are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. Avoid overusing the expression in trivial or minor situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was at risk

Highlights the possibility of danger or harm.

was imperiled

Similar to "was endangered", suggesting a significant risk of harm.

was threatened

Emphasizes the presence of a threat, implying potential harm.

was in peril

Conveys a sense of immediate and serious danger.

was jeopardized

Indicates that something was put in a position of risk or danger.

faced extinction

Focuses specifically on the risk of a species ceasing to exist.

was on the brink

Implies being very close to a negative outcome or disaster.

was in danger of disappearing

Highlights the potential loss or disappearance of something.

was becoming extinct

Focuses on the process of disappearing completely.

was susceptible to harm

Emphasizes vulnerability and proneness to damage.

FAQs

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

Use "was endangered" to describe a situation where someone or something faced a significant risk of harm or extinction. For example, "The rare species of bird was endangered due to habitat loss."

What are some alternatives to "was endangered"?

You can use alternatives like "was threatened", "was at risk", or "faced extinction" depending on the specific context.

Which is correct, "was endangered" or "is endangered"?

"Was endangered" refers to a past state of being at risk, while "is endangered" refers to a current state. Use "was endangered" when discussing a past threat, and "is endangered" when discussing a present one.

What's the difference between "was endangered" and "was threatened"?

While both suggest a state of risk, "was endangered" often implies a more severe and immediate threat than "was threatened". "Was threatened" can refer to potential or less immediate dangers, while "was endangered" suggests a higher likelihood of harm or extinction.