was exercised

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was exercised" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a situation in which somebody performed an action with a certain kind of effort and determination. For example, "The boy was exercised to the best of his ability."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

First, blood flow was observed in the arm, whereas the leg was exercised.

Clinical interventions in aging

It was exercised personally, not bureaucratically.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"A day, a week?" Peter was exercised.

The New Yorker

Perhaps that is why the goal-post option was exercised.

The New York Times - Sports

Freud was exercised by it throughout his life.

The Economist

A major influence on prose was exercised by Arabic.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The model was exercised for both intra-operative assembly and lever-out dislocation.

Journal of Biomechanics

"It is for the board, not an insurance company, to decide if medical judgment was exercised by a physician and if that judgment was exercised appropriately".

The New York Times

Power was never personal; it was exercised by a body of several people.

Britannica

But his greatest influence was exercised by his many translations of major European writers.

Britannica

Power, and the way it was exercised, were Hugo's abiding concern.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was exercised", ensure the subject performing the action is clear, even if implied. This maintains clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "was exercised" when an active voice construction would be more direct and concise. Overuse of the passive voice can make your writing seem weak or unclear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was exercised" functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that an action (exercising) was performed on a subject. Ludwig AI confirms this through numerous examples demonstrating its use across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

21%

Science

21%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was exercised" is a versatile passive construction used to indicate that a right, power, or ability has been put into effect. According to Ludwig AI, it's grammatically correct and frequently appears in news, encyclopedias, and scientific publications. When using "was exercised", ensure the context is clear and consider whether an active voice construction might be more appropriate. Alternatives like "was utilized" or "was implemented" can provide nuanced variations depending on the intended meaning. By understanding its function and common usage patterns, writers can effectively employ "was exercised" to convey precise meaning in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was utilized

Focuses on the act of using something practically; emphasizes application.

was implemented

Highlights the putting of a plan or system into effect.

was applied

Emphasizes the act of putting something to a specific task or purpose.

was employed

Highlights the use of a method or resource.

was wielded

Suggests the use of power or authority, often in a skillful way.

was exerted

Focuses on the application of effort or influence.

was enforced

Highlights the act of compelling obedience to a law or rule.

was put into practice

Emphasizes the transformation of theory into action.

was brought to bear

Focuses on the application of pressure or influence to achieve a result.

was acted upon

Highlights the response or reaction to something.

FAQs

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

Use "was exercised" to indicate that a particular right, power, or ability was used or put into effect. For example, "The option "was exercised" by the tenant".

What are some alternatives to using "was exercised"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "was utilized", "was implemented", or "was applied".

Is it better to use "was exercised" or "exercised"?

The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the receiver of the action (passive voice with "was exercised") or the performer of the action (active voice with "exercised").

What does it mean when something "was exercised"?

It means that a particular ability, right, or power was put into action or effect. For instance, a clause in a contract "was exercised" when its terms were implemented.