was in demand

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was in demand" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something or someone was sought after or needed during a specific time period. Example: "During the pandemic, hand sanitizers were in demand as people prioritized hygiene."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I was in demand".

The Guardian - Opinion

Khan was in demand.

The New Yorker

Now, suddenly, she was in demand everywhere.

The New Yorker

He was in demand as a reader.

The New York Times - Books

His individuality was in demand.

The Guardian - Books

Soon Ms. DioGuardi was in demand.

The New York Times - Arts

Charisma was in demand in those times.

The New York Times - Magazine

By now Yefimov's work was in demand.

The Telegraph

Vodafone was in demand on hopes of corporate action.

The Guardian - Business

Thereafter Pesci was in demand as an actor.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Fred Tomlinson's sight-reading ability meant he was in-demand in every genre, from early music to pop.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a historical period or past event, use "was in demand" to accurately convey that a particular skill, product, or service was highly requested or needed at that specific time. For instance, "During the California Gold Rush, mining equipment was in demand."

Common error

Avoid assuming something that "was in demand" will continue to be so. Trends and needs change, so ensure your writing reflects the specific timeframe being discussed. Don't write "Skilled artisans are in demand" when you mean "Skilled artisans were in demand during the Renaissance".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was in demand" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, indicating that a particular entity (person, skill, product, etc.) was highly sought after or needed during a specific period. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Encyclopedias

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was in demand" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that describes a past state of high need or popularity. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its correctness, indicating it is a versatile phrase suitable for various writing contexts. Its usage spans across news, encyclopedias, and less frequently in science and business settings. When employing the phrase, ensure you consider the specific timeframe you're referencing to avoid misrepresenting current needs or trends. Alternatives such as "was highly sought after" or "was greatly desired" can provide similar meanings with slightly different emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was highly sought after

Emphasizes the active seeking of something or someone.

was greatly desired

Highlights the strong desire for something or someone.

was much requested

Focuses on the aspect of making requests for something or someone.

was extremely popular

Indicates widespread liking and preference.

was widely used

Highlights the extensive use of something.

was at a premium

Implies scarcity and high value.

was in high request

Focuses on the formal aspect of requesting something

was keenly pursued

Highlights the active pursuit of something or someone

was urgently needed

Emphasizes the urgency and necessity of something

was all the rage

Indicates a current trend or fashion.

FAQs

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

You can use "was in demand" to indicate that something or someone was highly requested or needed during a particular period. For example, "During the pandemic, hand sanitizers "were in demand"".

What are some alternatives to "was in demand"?

Alternatives include "was highly sought after", "was greatly desired", or "was much requested", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "is in demand" instead of "was in demand"?

The choice between "is in demand" and "was in demand" depends on the timeframe you're referring to. "Is in demand" indicates a current need or popularity, while "was in demand" refers to a past situation.

What is the difference between "was in demand" and "is popular"?

"Was in demand" often implies a functional need or requirement, whereas "is popular" typically refers to widespread liking or enjoyment. Something that "was in demand" might have been a necessity, while something that "is popular" is simply well-liked.