was implicated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was implicated" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate that someone or something was suggested to be involved in a crime or misdeed. For example, "After the investigation, the CEO of the company was implicated in the embezzlement scandal."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Even his wife was implicated.

Independent

Lewis was implicated and charged.

The New York Times - Sports

Herojit was implicated, and suspended again.

The Guardian

I believed that she was implicated in al-Jamadi's death.

The New York Times

Jaish-e-Muhammad was implicated in that attack.

The New York Times

(A related area was implicated in the processing of jokes).

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

Everyone is implicated.

The New Yorker

Several factors are implicated.

The Guardian - Opinion

Politics, too, is implicated.

The New York Times - Arts

German companies, too, were implicated.

The New Yorker

Possibly the kidneys are implicated.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was implicated", ensure that the context clearly indicates the nature of the implication. Specify what the subject was implicated in to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Be cautious about using "was implicated" when the evidence is merely suggestive. Reserve it for situations where there's a reasonable basis to believe involvement is likely, but not definitively proven.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was implicated" functions as the passive voice of the verb "implicate". It is used to indicate that a subject is believed to be involved, often in a negative or criminal manner, based on evidence or suspicion. Ludwig confirms this with numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Academia

24%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was implicated" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to suggest involvement, typically in a negative context. According to Ludwig, the phrase is sourced from reputable sources like the New York Times and The Guardian. While grammatically correct, it's important to ensure the implication is justified by evidence and to clearly specify the nature of the involvement. Alternatives like ""was linked to"" or ""was associated with"" may be more appropriate when a less severe connection is intended.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was connected to

Focuses on a direct link or association, potentially without implying wrongdoing.

was linked to

Similar to "was connected to", but often suggests a more indirect or circumstantial relationship.

was associated with

Indicates a relationship or connection, without necessarily implying causality or culpability.

was tied to

Suggests a strong and often inseparable connection, possibly implying interdependence.

was involved in

Indicates participation or engagement in an activity or situation, which may or may not be negative.

was suspected of

Highlights the element of suspicion, suggesting a lack of definitive proof.

was rumored to be part of

Emphasizes the speculative nature of the connection, relying on hearsay or unconfirmed reports.

was believed to have played a role in

Attributes a potential contribution or influence, but without conclusive evidence.

had a hand in

An informal way of suggesting involvement or influence, often in a clandestine or manipulative manner.

was caught up in

Suggests an unintentional or unwilling involvement, often due to circumstances beyond one's control.

FAQs

How can I use "was implicated" in a sentence?

Use "was implicated" to suggest someone or something was involved in a negative or questionable situation. For example, "The company "was implicated" in the accounting scandal."

What's the difference between "was implicated" and "was involved"?

"Was implicated" typically suggests involvement in something negative or illegal, while "was involved" is more neutral and can refer to any kind of participation.

Which is more appropriate, "was implicated" or "was accused"?

"Was implicated" implies a suggestion of involvement, often based on circumstantial evidence. "Was accused" indicates a formal charge or claim has been made.

What are some alternatives to saying "was implicated"?

Depending on the context, you could use "was linked to", "was associated with", or "was connected to" as alternative ways to express a connection or involvement without necessarily implying wrongdoing.