was expunged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was expunged" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in legal or formal contexts to indicate that something has been removed or erased, often referring to records or information. Example: "The defendant's criminal record was expunged after completing the rehabilitation program."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

"My life was expunged of any tradition at all.

The New Yorker

Judea was expunged from the maps, and renamed Syria-Palestina.

The Economist

(When Democrats regained control of the Senate from the Whigs, Jackson's censure was expunged).

Encyclopedia Britannica

But ultimately this first Ryder Cup was expunged from the record books.

The New York Times - Sports

In California, the word "rehabilitation" was expunged from the penal code's mission statement in 1976.

The New York Times - Magazine

In 1951, Mitchum's case was reviewed, and the conviction was expunged from the record.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

All brand names were expunged.

The Guardian - Music

The ghosts of Prohibition had been expunged.

The New York Times

But terrorism is unlikely to be expunged.

The Economist

(Rathbun's arrest has been expunged).

The New Yorker

(His record has since been expunged).

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was expunged" when referring to the formal removal of information from official records, ensuring a clear and professional tone. For instance, "The conviction was expunged after the successful completion of the rehabilitation program".

Common error

Avoid using "was expunged" when a simpler term like "deleted" or "removed" suffices. "Expunged" carries a legal connotation, specifically regarding the clearing of records. Overusing it can sound unnecessarily formal or even incorrect in casual contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was expunged" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that a particular item (record, statement, etc.) has been subjected to the action of being erased or removed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s used in formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was expunged" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase signifying the official and legal removal of something from a record or document. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage in legal and formal contexts. It appears most often in News & Media, Encyclopedia and Wiki sources, indicating a broad understanding but formal application. When using this phrase, ensure it aligns with formal scenarios where official record clearing is intended, as it’s not suitable for casual conversation. Remember that while alternatives like "was erased" exist, "was expunged" carries a precise legal connotation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was erased

Focuses on the act of removing something completely, similar to expunging.

was removed from the record

Specifically indicates removal from an official record, mirroring a common use of "expunged".

was stricken from the record

Uses a more formal and legalistic tone, akin to "expunged".

was cleared

Indicates a removal of blame or wrongdoing, often resulting in a record being expunged.

was annulled

Implies that something was declared void, similar to the effect of expungement.

was voided

Emphasizes the state of being invalid or without legal effect, reflecting a consequence of expungement.

was deleted

A more general term for removing something, which can encompass expungement in digital contexts.

was obliterated

Stresses the complete destruction and removal of something, a stronger term than "expunged".

was excised

Focuses on cutting something out, similar to removing a section from a record.

was made nonexistent

Highlights the effect of expungement: making something as if it never happened.

FAQs

How is "was expunged" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "was expunged" is typically used to indicate that something, such as a criminal record or a piece of information, has been officially and legally removed. For example, "His juvenile record "was expunged" after he turned 18".

What are some alternatives to "was expunged"?

Alternatives to "was expunged" include "was erased", "was removed from the record", or "was stricken from the record", depending on the context. These phrases convey a similar meaning of official removal or deletion.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use "was expunged"?

"Was expunged" is most appropriate in legal or formal contexts when referring to the official removal of a record. It's commonly used in discussions about criminal justice, legal proceedings, and official documentation.

What is the difference between "was expunged" and "was deleted"?

"Was expunged" implies a formal, legal process of removing something from a record, making it as if it never existed. "Was deleted", on the other hand, simply means removed and does not necessarily imply a legal or official process. So, "was deleted" doesn't carry the same weight of official action as "was expunged".