was extensively used

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was extensively used" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that was frequently or widely utilized in the past. Example: "The method was extensively used in various research studies to gather data on consumer behavior."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Forced labour was extensively used in its development.

Britannica

Sewed construction was extensively used in South Pacific canoes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Currently, shotcrete was extensively used in civil engineering.

Construction and Building Materials

This time, it was the guarantee procedure that was extensively used.

The New York Times - Arts

In the past ethylene dibromide was extensively used as an additive in leaded gasoline.

Britannica

At the Boston and Sandwich Glass Company layered glass was extensively used for large kerosene lamps.

Encyclopedia Britannica

One calcium compound, lime (calcium oxide, CaO) was extensively used by the ancients.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A semi-empirical approach based on spectral index was extensively used for nitrogen content estimation.

Advances in Space Research

Such a procedure was extensively used for the design of steel and reinforced concrete structures.

Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering

It was extensively used by Airbus for the development of the A340-600.

IFAC Proceedings Volumes

This clone was extensively used to characterize the molecular biology of EAV and other Nidoviruses.

Virology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was extensively used", ensure the context clearly indicates what was being used, and why it was used extensively. Providing specific examples strengthens the statement.

Common error

Avoid using "was extensively used" as filler. Always provide specific details about what was used and why its use was so widespread. Otherwise, the phrase becomes vague and uninformative.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was extensively used" functions as a passive voice verb phrase, indicating that the subject received the action of being used in a widespread manner. As Ludwig AI suggests, this construction effectively communicates that the subject played a prominent role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

Encyclopedias

12%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

News & Media

12%

Formal & Business

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was extensively used" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase. As Ludwig AI's analysis confirms, the phrase serves to highlight the widespread application of something in a particular context. Predominantly found in scientific, encyclopedic, and news-related sources, its formality ranges from neutral to formal. The phrase emphasizes not just use, but the extent of that use, suggesting significance and broad applicability. When incorporating this phrase in writing, clarity is key: explicitly state what was used and why. Considering alternatives such as "was widely employed" or "was heavily utilized" can refine your expression further.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was widely employed

Emphasizes formal usage and systematic application.

was heavily utilized

Highlights the intensity and degree of usage.

was commonly applied

Focuses on the usual or frequent use of something.

was frequently adopted

Stresses the repeated acceptance and implementation.

saw widespread application

Shifts the focus to the application itself being widespread.

became a standard practice

Implies that the usage reached a level of standardization.

was brought into play

Indicates that the subject was put to work in a particular situation.

was in general use

Highlights the commonality of the subject's adoption.

was broadly implemented

Suggests an execution of a strategy or method over a large scale.

experienced considerable use

Emphasizes the notable amount of usage.

FAQs

How can I use "was extensively used" in a sentence?

Use "was extensively used" to indicate that something was utilized frequently or widely in a particular context or time period. For example, "This method "was extensively used" in the 1990s for data analysis".

What are some alternatives to "was extensively used"?

You can use alternatives like "was widely employed", "was heavily utilized", or "was commonly applied" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "was extensively used" or "is extensively used"?

Use "was extensively used" for past events or practices. Use "is extensively used" for current practices. The choice depends on whether the usage is ongoing or occurred in the past.

What does "was extensively used" imply about the subject?

It implies that the subject, whether a method, tool, or concept, played a significant role and had broad applicability or necessity within a given field or time. It indicates its importance and frequent application.