was executed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was executed" is grammatically correct and is commonly used in written English.
You can use it to describe someone or something being carried out, particularly in reference to a plan or a task. For example: "The plan was executed flawlessly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Spenkelink was executed.

The New York Times

Hypatius was executed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He was executed.

The Economist

Northumberland was executed.

The New Yorker

Holiday was executed.

The New Yorker

The king was executed.

The Economist

Xoxe was executed.

The Guardian - Books

The father was executed.

The Washington Post

One member was executed.

The New York Times

On Friday, he was executed.

The New York Times

In 1536 Tyndale was executed.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the specific context when choosing between "was executed" and its alternatives. "Was carried out" might be more appropriate for general actions, while "was put to death" is specific to capital punishment.

Common error

Avoid using "was executed" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "was done" or "was completed" are often more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was executed" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that a subject received an action. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which identifies the phrase's grammatical correctness. It describes an action performed on someone or something, as seen in examples like "The plan was executed flawlessly."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Academia

30%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

7%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was executed" is a grammatically correct and very common passive voice construction, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It primarily functions to indicate that an action, plan, or order has been carried out or completed. Its register varies from neutral to formal, depending on the context, with frequent use in News & Media and Academia. While the phrase is appropriate in many contexts, it's best to avoid overuse in informal settings, opting for simpler alternatives. When describing legal contexts or formal plans, the phrase helps to convey precision and finality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was put to death

Specifically refers to the act of being killed as punishment.

was carried out

Replaces "executed" with a more general term for performing an action or plan.

was administered the death penalty

Formally describes the process of receiving capital punishment.

was implemented

Focuses on the enactment or putting into effect of a plan or policy.

was subjected to capital punishment

Emphasizes the legal process that leads to execution.

was performed

Highlights the act of carrying out a task or duty.

faced execution

Shifts the focus to the experience of undergoing capital punishment.

was completed

Emphasizes the successful finalization of a task or plan.

was finalized

Highlights the closing actions on an agreement or arrangement.

was discharged

Describes the completion of a duty or task.

FAQs

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

You can use "was executed" to indicate that a plan, order, or legal sentence has been carried out. For example, "The plan "was executed" flawlessly", or "He "was executed" for his crimes".

What can I say instead of "was executed"?

Alternatives include "was carried out", "was implemented", or "was performed", depending on the specific meaning you want to convey.

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

"Was executed" is in the past tense, indicating that the action has already occurred. "Is executed" is in the present tense, suggesting the action is currently happening or is a general truth. The correct choice depends on the context of your sentence.

What's the difference between "was executed" and "was assassinated"?

"Was executed" usually implies a legal or officially sanctioned act, often referring to capital punishment. "Was assassinated", on the other hand, refers to a murder of a public figure for political reasons. Thus, "was assassinated" is more targeted and politically charged than the expression "was executed".