was founded

USAGE SUMMARY

"was founded" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to describe when something was established or when it began. For example, "The company was founded in 2020."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Alibaba was founded in 1999.

The New York Times

Victoria was founded in 1843.

Independent

In 1876 Puck was founded.

Encyclopedia Britannica

MediaTek was founded in 1997.

The New York Times - Tech

Mercer was founded in 1909.

The New York Times

Alcor was founded in 1972.

The New Yorker

Omnifone was founded in 2003.

The New York Times

Cato was founded in 1977.

Independent

Svobodny was founded in 1912.

Encyclopedia Britannica

MOCA was founded in 1979.

The New Yorker

It was founded in Stockholm.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was founded", ensure you clearly state what entity was founded and, if relevant, the year or circumstances of its founding.

Common error

Avoid using "was founded by" when the active voice would be clearer and more direct. For example, instead of "The company was founded by John Doe", consider "John Doe founded the company."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was founded" functions as a passive verb construction, indicating that an entity (company, organization, institution, etc.) had its origin or establishment brought about by an unspecified actor. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a correct and usable English phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Encyclopedias

30%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was founded" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive construction indicating the establishment or beginning of an entity. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It is most commonly found in news articles and encyclopedias, serving to provide historical context and origin information. While often interchangeable with phrases like "was established", "was founded" often carries a nuance of initial creation. When using "was founded", ensure clarity by specifying the entity and relevant details. As highlighted by the many examples Ludwig provides, this phrase is a staple in describing the history and formation of various organizations, institutions, and places.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was established

Emphasizes the formal creation or setting up of an organization or institution.

was created

Stresses the act of creation or making something new.

originated

Focuses more on the beginning or starting point of something, rather than the formal establishment.

was started

A common and informal way to describe the beginning of something.

came into existence

Highlights the start of being, often used for less formal entities or concepts.

was initiated

Implies a more formal or planned start to a project or organization.

began

A simple and direct way to indicate the start of something.

was brought into being

A more emphatic way of saying something was created or started.

dates back to

Emphasizes the historical roots or origins of something.

has its roots in

Similar to "dates back to" but focuses on the underlying influences or origins.

FAQs

How is "was founded" used in a sentence?

"Was founded" is used to indicate when an organization, institution, or entity was established. For example, "The university "was founded" in 1890."

What are some alternatives to "was founded"?

Alternatives include "was established", "originated", or "came into existence". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Which is correct, "was founded in" or "was founded on"?

"Was founded in" is typically used to specify the year or place of founding. "Was founded on" is used to describe the principles or basis on which something was established, for example, "The organization "was founded on" the principles of equality".

What is the difference between "was founded" and "was established"?

While similar, "was founded" often implies a more initial or fundamental act of creation, while "was established" can refer to a later point of formalization or recognition. They are often interchangeable, but the nuance can depend on context.