was expanded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'was expanded' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the enlargement or extending of something that was previously in a smaller or more limited form. For example: "The company's research department was expanded to include more personnel and resources."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Storage space was expanded.

The New York Times

Education was expanded.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The product and brand choice was expanded".

The New York Times - Tech

The kitchen was expanded in the 1990s.

The New York Times

Sensitivity training was expanded across the force.

The New York Times

Later, it was expanded to 10 paragraphs.

The New York Times

Under Butler's leadership the campus was expanded and enrollment increased.

Columbia University

In 2017, the program was expanded to include Tanzania.

Yale University

At Shea, his band was expanded with strings and horns.

The New York Times - Arts

The operation was expanded over the last five years.

The New York Times

That commission was expanded to include all the nave windows.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was expanded" in passive constructions when you want to emphasize the object that underwent the expansion rather than the agent that performed the action.

Common error

Avoid using "was expanded" when an active voice is more appropriate and direct. For instance, instead of "The team was expanded by the manager", consider "The manager expanded the team" for a more concise and impactful sentence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was expanded" functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that the subject of the sentence underwent an action of expansion, rather than performing it. Ludwig confirms this with multiple examples of its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Wiki

23%

Science

22%

Less common in

Academia

7%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was expanded" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive verb phrase. Ludwig AI's analysis reveals its primary function is to describe an increase in size, scope, or capacity, often emphasizing the object that experienced the expansion. The phrase maintains a neutral register, fitting seamlessly into news reports, academic papers, and general informational contexts. Its frequent presence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and Wikipedia reinforces its widespread acceptance. Therefore, writers can confidently use "was expanded" when a passive construction effectively highlights the element undergoing growth or modification.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was enlarged

Similar meaning, emphasizing physical size increase.

was increased

Focuses on a numerical or quantitative growth.

was extended

Implies an increase in length or duration.

was broadened

Suggests widening the scope or range.

was augmented

Highlights adding something to enhance or improve.

was developed

Indicates a process of growth and advancement.

was amplified

Emphasizes making something louder or more intense, but can also apply metaphorically.

was enhanced

Implies improvement in quality or value.

was unfolded

Suggests revealing something gradually.

was elaborated

Focuses on adding detail and explanation.

FAQs

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

Use "was expanded" to describe something that has grown in size, scope, or detail. For example, "The company's product line "was expanded" to include new items".

What are some alternatives to "was expanded"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "was enlarged", "was increased", or "was extended".

When is it more appropriate to use "was enlarged" instead of "was expanded"?

"Was enlarged" is best used when referring to a physical increase in size. "Was expanded" can refer to a broader range of increases, including scope and complexity.

Is it correct to say "has been expanded" instead of "was expanded"?

Yes, "has been expanded" is also correct. "Was expanded" typically refers to a completed action in the past, while "has been expanded" implies that the expansion has relevance to the present.