was first mentioned

USAGE SUMMARY

"was first mentioned" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that was mentioned in the past. For example, "The idea of a new school was first mentioned in 2017."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The 25 January protest was first mentioned on 14 January.

The Guardian

The site was first mentioned in 1045 as Villa Scafhusun.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was first mentioned in documents in 1408.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I was petulant about BRCA testing from the moment it was first mentioned to me.

The New York Times - Health

The fort was first mentioned in a temple inscription about 525 ce.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was at that meeting that Sanjay, the Indian bookmaker, was first mentioned.

Independent

But the day my company was first mentioned in Page Six was the most significant.

The New York Times

The site of a Celtic settlement, it was first mentioned as Virteburch in 704.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The valley of Schwyz was first mentioned in 972 as Suittes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Pinsk was first mentioned in 1097 and was the seat of a Russian princedom.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was first mentioned on the Web site of The Washington Post, not on Politico.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "was first mentioned", ensure that the context clearly indicates where or in what document the initial mention occurred to provide clarity and credibility.

Common error

Avoid using "was first mentioned" without specifying the source or context. A vague reference diminishes the impact and verifiability of the statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was first mentioned" functions as a passive voice construction indicating the initial instance of something being referenced or noted. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

29%

News & Media

38%

Science

19%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was first mentioned" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to denote the initial reference to a topic or subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and usable in written English. It is commonly found in encyclopedias, news articles and scientific publications. When using this phrase, it's crucial to provide context, such as the source or document where the mention occurred. Related phrases include "was initially referenced" and "was originally cited". Remember, clear and precise usage will enhance the credibility and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was initially referenced

Focuses on the act of referencing something at the beginning.

was originally cited

Emphasizes that something was quoted or referred to in an earlier source.

was first brought up

Highlights the initiation of a topic or subject in a discussion.

made its debut

Indicates the initial appearance or introduction of something.

was introduced for the first time

Directly states that something is being presented or made known initially.

was mentioned at the outset

Stresses that the mention occurred at the very beginning.

was the initial subject

Highlights the subject that was introduced at first.

was unveiled initially

Focuses on the first revealing or showing of something.

was presented originally

Highlights the way something was offered or shown in the first place.

was known as the first

Denotes that something or someone was recognized as the original.

FAQs

How can I use "was first mentioned" in a sentence?

Use "was first mentioned" to indicate the initial instance of something being referenced. For example, "The theory "was first mentioned" in a 1950s paper".

What's an alternative to saying "was first mentioned"?

You can use phrases like "was initially referenced", "was originally cited", or "was first brought up" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it necessary to specify where something "was first mentioned"?

While not always grammatically required, specifying the source or context where something ""was first mentioned"" enhances the clarity and credibility of your statement.

What is the difference between "was first mentioned" and "was first introduced"?

"Was first mentioned" indicates the initial reference to something, while "was first introduced" implies the initial presentation or unveiling of something new. They are not always interchangeable.