was mentioned

USAGE SUMMARY

'was mentioned' is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate that something was discussed or referred to in a past event. For example, "The new movie was mentioned during our discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

Wayward parenting was mentioned.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Blau was mentioned.

The New York Times

No price was mentioned.

The New York Times - Tech

No blackened shrimp was mentioned.

The New York Times

The sewer was mentioned.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

(A caterpillar was mentioned).

The New York Times

No date was mentioned.

The New York Times

"Reform" was mentioned only once.

The Economist

He was mentioned in dispatches.

The Guardian

Brown's name was mentioned occasionally.

The Guardian

No other presenter was mentioned".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was mentioned", ensure the context clearly indicates who mentioned it and in what context. Providing this information enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid overuse of the passive voice. While "was mentioned" is grammatically correct, active voice often makes sentences more direct and engaging. Consider rephrasing to specify who did the mentioning for a stronger impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was mentioned" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that a particular topic or subject received a brief reference or acknowledgement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely accepted. Examples include "No price was mentioned" and "His name was mentioned in dispatches."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

12%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was mentioned" is a versatile and grammatically correct passive construction, widely used to indicate that a topic has been briefly referenced or acknowledged. According to Ludwig AI, it's a valid and accepted phrase in English writing. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, particularly in news and media, as well as scientific writing. While common, writers should be mindful of overusing the passive voice and consider active voice alternatives for a more direct style. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively incorporate "was mentioned" in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was referred to

This alternative emphasizes the act of reference, similar to "was mentioned" but can imply a more formal or specific reference.

was noted

Suggests the topic was observed or recorded, often in a formal or official context, carrying a slightly more observational tone.

was brought up

This suggests the topic was introduced into a conversation or discussion, emphasizing the act of raising the subject.

was cited

Implies a formal reference, often with the purpose of providing evidence or support, making it more specific than "was mentioned".

was discussed

Emphasizes a more in-depth conversation or deliberation about the topic, implying more than a passing mention.

was alluded to

This suggests an indirect reference, where the topic is hinted at rather than directly stated, implying subtlety.

was addressed

Indicates that the topic was dealt with or considered, often implying a problem or issue that required attention.

was identified

Suggests that the topic was recognized or discovered, implying a focus on its recognition rather than its simple mention.

was touched upon

Indicates a brief or superficial discussion of the topic, suggesting less detail was provided compared to "was mentioned".

was acknowledged

Implies that the topic was recognized and accepted as valid or important, adding a layer of acceptance to the mention.

FAQs

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

You can use "was mentioned" to indicate that something was referred to or discussed previously. For example, "The budget cuts "were mentioned" during the meeting, but no specific details were provided".

What can I say instead of "was mentioned"?

You can use alternatives like "was referred to", "was touched upon", or "was brought up" depending on the context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "was mentioned"?

While "was mentioned" (passive voice) is grammatically correct, using the active voice can often make your writing more direct and engaging. For instance, instead of "The issue was mentioned by the manager", you could say "The manager mentioned the issue".

What's the difference between "was mentioned" and "was discussed"?

"Was mentioned" implies a brief reference, while "was discussed" suggests a more in-depth conversation or deliberation about the topic. The choice depends on the extent of the reference.