was mentioned to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was mentioned to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to something that was brought up or referred to in conversation or text, typically indicating that someone was informed about a particular topic. Example: "During the meeting, the new policy was mentioned to the team as a point of discussion."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When Hank Aaron's name was mentioned to Varitek, he instantly associated pitcher Al Downing with him.

The New York Times - Sports

Collaborator!" a group of teenage boys shouted when Mr. Dahlan's name was mentioned to them.

The New York Times

"And that's where it was mentioned to me: you help us, we help you.

The Guardian

When the scenario was mentioned to Williams recently, he said he knew nothing about it.

The New York Times - Sports

("Which was that?" Olson smirked when this was mentioned to him).

The New York Times - Magazine

It was mentioned to Jackson that Cal Ripken, a basketball fan, wondered about that.

The New York Times - Sports

The Yankees, it was mentioned to Kent, won two World Series championships 25 years ago with a turbulent environment.

The New York Times - Sports

It was mentioned to Nedved that it might not have mattered how many power plays the Rangers were awarded.

The New York Times - Sports

When it was mentioned to him that people were surprised at the development, he said defensively: "Why were people surprised?

The New York Times - Sports

And when it was mentioned to Inkster that she was not over the hill, she was ready with a response.

The New York Times - Sports

It was mentioned to Vanbiesbrouck later that the Rangers had knocked off the one team that had given them the most difficulty.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was mentioned to" to neutrally indicate that information was conveyed or a topic was brought up without implying a specific reaction or action.

Common error

Avoid using "was mentioned to" excessively in highly formal or academic writing. Consider stronger verbs like 'stated', 'asserted', or 'indicated' for greater impact and precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was mentioned to" functions primarily as part of a passive construction. It indicates that someone received information or a topic was brought to their attention. Ludwig examples show its use in reporting speech, conveying information, or describing reactions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Academia

8%

Reference

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was mentioned to" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive construction. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It serves the purpose of neutrally reporting that information or a topic was brought up to someone. While suitable for various contexts, from News & Media to scientific writing, writers should be mindful of potentially stronger alternatives in formal settings. The phrase's versatility is evident through numerous examples sourced from authoritative publications, making it a valuable tool for clear communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was brought up

A more informal way of saying something was introduced as a topic.

was indicated to

Suggests that something was pointed out or made known.

was brought to someone's attention

Focuses on the act of making someone aware of something.

was communicated to

Highlights the act of conveying information to someone.

was referenced

Emphasizes the act of citing or referring to something specific.

was suggested to

Implies a proposition or idea was presented for consideration.

was spoken of

Indicates that something was discussed or talked about.

was disclosed to

Implies that something previously private was revealed.

was alluded to

Suggests an indirect reference, rather than a direct statement.

was revealed to

Emphasizes the uncovering or making something known.

FAQs

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

Use "was mentioned to" to indicate that a piece of information or a topic was brought up to someone. For example, "The possibility of a merger was mentioned to the board during the meeting".

What are some alternatives to "was mentioned to"?

Alternatives include "was brought up", "was indicated to", or "was alluded to", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when "was mentioned to" is involved?

The phrase "was mentioned to" is inherently passive. While passive voice has its uses, consider rewriting in active voice for directness. Instead of "It was mentioned to him that the project was delayed", you could say "He was told that the project was delayed".

What's the difference between "was mentioned to" and "was suggested to"?

"Was mentioned to" simply indicates that something was brought up. "Was suggested to" implies that an idea or course of action was proposed. For example, a problem "was mentioned to" management, while a solution "was suggested to" them.