was liked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was liked" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something received positive feelings or approval in the past. Example: "The movie was liked by many critics for its innovative storytelling."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The claimant was liked".

Independent

Rich was liked by everyone.

The New York Times

"He was liked by the whole team".

Independent

Tom Wales was liked by everyone, including us.

The New Yorker

The post was "liked" by Renu Srinivasan, 20.

The New York Times

Zubair said his grandmother was liked by all.

The Guardian

She was liked by everyone who knew her.

The New Yorker

The Facebook post was "liked" by 189 people and drew enthusiastic comments calling for more.

The New York Times

Broad-minded diners were induced to try it and it was liked.

The New Yorker

The peace deal was liked by virtually all Catholics but only about half of the Protestants.

The Economist

And Coach Bill Belichick praised Moss as a good player who was liked by everyone.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using synonyms such as "was well-received" or "was appreciated" to add variety to your writing and avoid repetition.

Common error

Avoid using "was liked" with plural subjects. The correct form for a plural subject is "were liked". For example, instead of "The movies was liked", use "The movies were liked".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was liked" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject of the sentence received positive attention or approval. As demonstrated by Ludwig, it commonly appears in contexts where the reception of something is being described, rather than the act of liking itself.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

20%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was liked" is a versatile and grammatically sound passive verb phrase used to convey that someone or something received positive attention or approval. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Scientific domains, reinforcing its credibility and neutrality. To enhance writing, consider using synonyms such as "was well-received" or "was appreciated" for variety and to maintain correct subject-verb agreement by ensuring plural subjects are paired with "were liked". This ensures clear and effective communication in both formal and informal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was well-received

Emphasizes the positive reception of something, focusing on how it was received by others.

was appreciated

Highlights the feeling of gratitude or recognition for something.

was favored

Indicates a preference for something over other options.

was admired

Suggests a deep respect and positive regard for someone or something.

was enjoyed

Focuses on the pleasure or satisfaction derived from something.

was valued

Highlights the importance or worth attributed to someone or something.

gained popularity

Indicates an increase in favor or widespread acceptance.

found favor

Suggests that something was regarded with approval or kindness.

met with approval

Emphasizes that something was officially or formally approved.

resonated well

Highlights the positive emotional connection that something created with an audience.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "was liked"?

You can use alternatives like "was well-received", "was appreciated", or "was favored" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

How do I use "was liked" in a sentence?

"Was liked" is used in the passive voice to indicate that someone or something received positive attention or approval. For example: "The new policy was liked by the employees."

What's the difference between "was liked" and "liked"?

"Was liked" is in the passive voice and implies that something received approval from others. "Liked" in the active voice indicates that someone did the liking. Example: "The book was liked by many readers" (passive) versus "Many readers liked the book" (active).

Is it correct to say "were liked" instead of "was liked"?

The form "were liked" is used with plural subjects, while "was liked" is used with singular subjects. For example: "The suggestions were liked by the team", whereas "The proposal was liked by the manager."