was found to be

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'was found to be' is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used when describing the outcome of a research study, experiment, or investigation. For example: "The results of the investigation were found to be inconclusive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He was found to be "tough".

The New Yorker

Was found to be near 40,000 years.

Independent

The material was found to be nontoxic.

The New York Times

This was found to be 15 paces.

The Guardian

He was found to be unarmed.

The Guardian

The crawl space was found to be empty".

The New York Times

Clerico was found to be at fault for both.

The Guardian

In each case, that was found to be 20 degrees.

The Guardian

"A house was found to be vital, of course".

The New Yorker

At 6.30pm he was found to be still conscious.

The Guardian

The case was found to be not proven.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was found to be" when presenting the results of research, investigations, or analyses to maintain an objective and formal tone.

Common error

Avoid using "was found to be" in simple sentences where a more direct verb like "is" or "became" would suffice. Overusing this phrase can make your writing sound unnecessarily complex and passive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was found to be" functions as a passive reporting verb. It indicates that a discovery, determination, or assessment has been made regarding a subject. Ludwig AI examples show the phrase used in both news and scientific contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

48%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was found to be" is a versatile passive construction used to present results or findings from investigations, research, or analyses. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, particularly in scientific and news contexts. While appropriate for formal writing, overusing it in simple statements should be avoided to maintain clarity and conciseness. Consider related phrases like ""was identified to be"" or ""was discovered to be"" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was identified to be

Emphasizes the act of recognizing or pointing out a specific characteristic.

was discovered to be

Highlights the element of uncovering something previously unknown.

was determined to be

Focuses on a process of careful consideration and decision-making.

was ascertained to be

Implies a confirmation of something after investigation.

was proven to be

Indicates that something has been definitively shown to be true.

was understood to be

Focuses on the comprehension or interpretation of a certain fact.

was indicated to be

Suggests that something serves as a sign or signal of a particular quality.

was interpreted to be

Highlights a subjective assessment or attribution of meaning.

was categorized to be

Emphasizes the act of classifying something within a specific group.

was finalized to be

Implies that something has completed a process of determination.

FAQs

How can I use "was found to be" in a sentence?

You can use "was found to be" to report the results of a study, experiment, or investigation. For instance, "The new drug "was found to be" effective in treating the disease."

What are some alternatives to "was found to be"?

Alternatives include "was identified to be", "was discovered to be", or "was determined to be", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "was found to be" formal or informal?

"Was found to be" leans towards a formal tone, typically used in research reports, official documents, and academic writing. Simpler constructions are often preferred in informal contexts.

What's the difference between "was found to be" and "was considered to be"?

"Was found to be" implies a discovery through investigation or analysis, whereas "was considered to be" suggests a general opinion or belief. The former is more objective, while the latter is more subjective.