was expanded to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was expanded to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where something has been increased in size, scope, or detail. Example: "The project was expanded to include additional features based on user feedback."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Later, it was expanded to 10 paragraphs.

The New York Times

That commission was expanded to include all the nave windows.

The New York Times

The group was expanded to five from three members.

The New York Times

Canada's participation was expanded to Syria last March.

The Guardian

In 1784 his list was expanded to 103.

Encyclopedia Britannica

By fall of 2010, the program was expanded to include third grade as well.

The Guardian - Money

The investigation was expanded to include its core pharmaceutical distribution business.

The New York Times

Introduced in 1971, O.C.L.C. was expanded to libraries outside Ohio in 1977.

The New York Times

Over time, the Lacey Act was expanded to cover the international trade of wildlife.

The New Yorker

After the Vietnam War, the program was expanded to the Army and the Navy.

The New Yorker

The field was expanded to 20 teams, and some now include international students from Africa.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was expanded to", ensure the context clearly indicates what the original state or scope was before the expansion. This provides a clearer understanding of the change.

Common error

Avoid vague uses of "was expanded to" without specifying what the expansion entailed. Instead of saying "The project was expanded to", specify what it was expanded to include: "The project was expanded to include a new marketing campaign".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was expanded to" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that a subject underwent an action causing it to increase in size, scope, or detail. Ludwig shows that it's used to describe how something's capabilities or remit has been broadened.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

29%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was expanded to" is a versatile and commonly used passive verb phrase that indicates an increase in size, scope, or detail. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is correct and widely used in various contexts, from news and media to scientific research. When using this phrase, it's important to be specific about what the expansion entailed to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases such as "was enlarged to" or "was broadened to" can offer subtle differences in meaning. The phrase maintains a neutral tone, making it suitable for diverse types of writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was enlarged to

Uses a different synonym for "expanded", focusing on size.

was broadened to

Emphasizes an increase in scope or range.

was extended to

Highlights the reaching of something further or wider.

was increased to

Focuses on the numerical increase in something.

grew to include

Highlights the process of growth and incorporation.

developed to encompass

Focuses on the evolution and inclusion of something.

evolved to incorporate

Stresses the evolutionary aspect of incorporating new elements.

was scaled up to

Implies a deliberate increase in size or capacity.

was augmented to

Highlights the addition of something to enhance or improve.

was amplified to

Emphasizes an increase in intensity or effect.

FAQs

What does "was expanded to" mean?

The phrase "was expanded to" indicates that something has grown or increased in size, scope, or extent. It suggests an addition or extension of the original entity or concept.

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

Use "was expanded to" to describe the growth or extension of something. For example, "The company's product line "was expanded to" include international markets." or "The role "was expanded to" cover new responsibilities".

What are some alternatives to "was expanded to"?

Alternatives include "was enlarged to", "was broadened to", "was extended to", or "grew to include". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "was expanded to" or "expanded to"?

The phrase "was expanded to" is in the passive voice, indicating that the subject received the action. "Expanded to" suggests the subject performed the action. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the entity being acted upon or the actor performing the expansion.