was formulated by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was formulated by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate the creator or originator of a particular idea, theory, or document. Example: "The theory of relativity was formulated by Albert Einstein in the early 20th century."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Tajong-gyo was formulated by Na Chul.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The relevant paragraph was formulated by Hugh Dalton, the chancellor of the exchequer.

The Guardian

The act was formulated by John Morley, secretary of state for India (1905 10).

Britannica

THE special theory of relativity was formulated by Albert Einstein twenty-two yeago ago.

Nature

Chloramphenicol-loaded nanoemulsion was formulated by using high pressure homogenizer.

Colloids and Surfaces B: Biointerfaces

Don't automatically accept the initial frame, whether it was formulated by you or by someone else.

Harvard Business Review

The experiment was proposed by F.T. The theory was formulated by S.S.K.

Nature

9.The notion of (pairwise) stability was formulated by Gale and Shapley (5).

Stanford University

The fundamental physical principle involved in rocket propulsion was formulated by Sir Isaac Newton.

Encyclopedia Britannica

(There has been some simplification of the rule as it was formulated by Harris).

Encyclopedia Britannica

The problem was formulated by the English mathematician William Burnside in 1902.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was formulated by", ensure that you are attributing the idea, theory, or plan to its original creator or developer. This provides proper credit and enhances the credibility of your writing.

Common error

Avoid relying solely on passive constructions like "was formulated by". Active voice often makes your writing more direct and engaging. Consider rewriting the sentence in the active voice where appropriate. Example: Instead of "The policy was formulated by the committee", try "The committee formulated the policy".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was formulated by" functions as a passive construction used to attribute the creation, development, or articulation of an idea, theory, plan, or strategy to a specific individual or group. This highlights the originator of the concept, as supported by examples in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

48%

Encyclopedias

22%

News & Media

19%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was formulated by" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive construction that serves to attribute the origin of an idea, theory, or plan to a specific creator. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and useful phrase in written English. Its prevalence in scientific, encyclopedic, and news contexts indicates its suitability for formal and academic writing. While alternatives like "was developed by" or "was created by" may offer a more active voice, "was formulated by" remains a precise and credible way to acknowledge intellectual origins. Remember to credit the originator appropriately and avoid overuse of passive voice for a more engaging writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was developed by

Focuses on the process of gradual creation and refinement.

was created by

Emphasizes the act of bringing something new into existence.

was designed by

Highlights the intention and planning involved in the creation.

was invented by

Implies the creation of something entirely new and original.

was authored by

Specifically relates to the creation of written works.

was conceived by

Focuses on the initial idea or mental creation.

was pioneered by

Highlights the initial and groundbreaking development of something.

was established by

Emphasizes the setting up or founding of something.

was originated by

Points to the very first instance or source of something.

was instituted by

Highlights the formal introduction or establishment of something.

FAQs

How can I use "was formulated by" in a sentence?

Use "was formulated by" to credit the creator of an idea, theory, or plan. For example: "The theory of relativity was formulated by Albert Einstein."

What's a more direct way to express the same idea as "was formulated by"?

Alternatives like "was created by" or "was developed by" can offer a more active voice, depending on the context.

Is it always necessary to specify who or what something "was formulated by"?

Specifying the originator provides important context and attribution, but if the originator is unknown or irrelevant, it might be omitted. However, providing attribution is generally best practice.

When is it better to use "was developed by" instead of "was formulated by"?

"Was developed by" implies a process of gradual refinement and improvement, while "was formulated by" suggests a more defined and deliberate creation. Choose based on whether the subject evolved over time or was planned from the outset.