was marked by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was marked by" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to express the start of an event, like a change or significant period in time. For example, "The beginning of the year was marked by a severe winter storm."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It was marked by a small plaque.

The New Yorker

But that night was marked by hope.

The New Yorker

His domestic life was marked by tragedy.

Encyclopedia Britannica

His life was marked by persecutions.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Her childhood was marked by poverty.

The New York Times - Arts

Jacobs's life was marked by tragedy.

The Guardian

But his childhood was marked by tragedy.

The Guardian

Dorothy's childhood in Chicago was marked by trauma and abandonment.

The Guardian

The campaign was marked by large anti-American demonstrations.

The New York Times

My stint in psychiatric care was marked by the ridiculous.

The Guardian - Opinion

Wren's career in architecture was marked by collaboration and compromise.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was marked by" to introduce a significant event or characteristic that defined a period, achievement, or personal experience. It provides a clear and concise way to highlight key aspects.

Common error

Avoid starting multiple consecutive sentences with "was marked by". Vary your sentence structure by using synonyms like "characterized by" or rephrasing the sentence to improve flow and readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was marked by" functions as a passive verb construction used to indicate that a particular event, period, or entity experienced or exhibited a specific characteristic or event. As Ludwig examples show, this phrase is used to highlight defining aspects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Encyclopedias

12%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was marked by" is a versatile phrase used to highlight key events or characteristics that define a particular period, event, or entity. As indicated by Ludwig, it functions as a passive verb construction and is commonly found in news articles, encyclopedias, and scientific literature. Its neutral to formal register makes it suitable for various writing contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that it clearly and concisely introduces a significant aspect. To avoid repetition, consider using alternatives like "was characterized by" or "was distinguished by".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was defined by

Indicates that something's essence or meaning was determined by particular attributes or events.

was characterized by

Focuses on the qualities that defined a period or event, rather than a specific marking event.

was notable for

Draws attention to noteworthy or significant aspects.

was significant for

Highlights the importance or consequence of something.

was distinguished by

Highlights a unique feature that set something apart.

was highlighted by

Suggests a particular focus or emphasis on certain elements.

was known for

Suggests a widely recognized or established attribute.

featured

Emphasizes the presence of specific aspects or occurrences.

was typified by

Indicates a representative example or characteristic.

was punctuated by

Implies that something happened at intervals throughout a period.

FAQs

How can I use "was marked by" in a sentence?

Use "was marked by" to highlight a key event or feature that defined a specific time, achievement, or situation. For example, "The project's success "was marked by" innovation and collaboration."

What are some alternatives to "was marked by"?

You can use alternatives such as "was characterized by", "was distinguished by", or "was defined by" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "marked by" instead of "was marked by"?

While "marked by" can be used, "was marked by" is often preferred in formal writing as it provides a more complete and grammatically sound passive construction.

What's the difference between "was marked by" and "characterized by"?

"Was marked by" emphasizes a specific event or feature, while "characterized by" focuses on the overall qualities or traits that define something. For example, a year could be "marked by" a major economic crisis, and be "characterized by" resilience.