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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
was neutralized by
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "was neutralized by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something has been rendered ineffective or countered by another force or action. Example: "The threat was neutralized by the swift response of the security team."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Alternative expressions(4)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
60 human-written examples
Activity was neutralized by bighorn sera in a titratable manner.
Science
Messi did, until he was neutralized by Germany.
News & Media
The negative charge in the surface of montmorillonite (MMT) was neutralized by the positive charge.
Gasquet's incredible backhand was neutralized by Tomic, who mixed in slicing backhands with his solid two-hander.
News & Media
All the acid was neutralized by the added alkali and sodium ions present in the brine.
The product was neutralized by filtration over a cation-exchange resin and precipitated twice in acetone.
Science
The reaction mixture was neutralized by the addition of sodium carbonate.
Science
Then, the reaction mixture was neutralized by adding NaOH (1 M, 4.5 mL).
Science
On the next day, the reaction was neutralized by the addition of 100 µL of 3 M NaOH per well.
Science
The acidifying effect of this increase in lactate was neutralized by hypoalbuminemia in non-paracetamol-induced ALF [11].
Science
Then, the reaction was neutralized by the addition of 500 µL of 1 M NaOH per well.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "was neutralized by", ensure the agent or factor causing the neutralization is clearly identified to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity.
Common error
Avoid using "was neutralized by" excessively in passive constructions. Opt for active voice where possible to make your writing more direct and engaging. For example, instead of "The threat was neutralized by the team", consider "The team neutralized the threat".
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "was neutralized by" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that a subject received the action of being made ineffective or counteracted by an agent. Ludwig shows its application in diverse scenarios, from scientific reactions to strategic maneuvers.
Frequent in
Science
76%
News & Media
19%
Wiki
5%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "was neutralized by" is a common and grammatically correct passive voice construction used to describe how something is made ineffective or is counteracted by another force. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is versatile, appearing in both scientific and news contexts. When using "was neutralized by", ensure you clearly identify the neutralizing agent to avoid ambiguity. While grammatically sound, avoid overusing passive voice; active voice often provides a more direct and engaging style. Alternatives like "was countered by" or "was mitigated by" can offer nuanced meanings depending on the context.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
was countered by
Emphasizes a direct opposition or action taken against something.
was offset by
Highlights a balancing effect, where one thing reduces the impact of another.
was counteracted by
Similar to "was countered by", but may imply a more gradual or less forceful opposition.
was negated by
Indicates a complete nullification of the effect.
was invalidated by
Implies that something was made void or without effect.
was nullified by
Similar to "was negated by", suggesting a complete cancellation.
was mitigated by
Suggests a reduction in severity or impact, rather than complete elimination.
was suppressed by
Indicates that something was held back or prevented from fully developing.
was subdued by
Implies a less forceful suppression or control.
was checked by
Suggests a limiting or restraining effect.
FAQs
How can I use "was neutralized by" in a sentence?
You can use "was neutralized by" to show how something was made ineffective or counteracted. For example, "The acidifying effect of this increase in lactate "was neutralized by" hypoalbuminemia" or "The threat "was neutralized by" the security team".
What are some alternatives to "was neutralized by"?
Alternatives include "was countered by", "was offset by", or "was mitigated by". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.
Is it better to use active or passive voice with "was neutralized by"?
While "was neutralized by" is grammatically correct, using the active voice often makes your writing more direct and engaging. For instance, instead of "The attack "was neutralized by" the defense", you could say "The defense neutralized the attack".
What's the difference between "was neutralized by" and "was countered by"?
"Was neutralized by" suggests something was rendered ineffective, while ""was countered by"" emphasizes a direct opposition or action taken against something. Neutralizing implies making something harmless, while countering means opposing its effect.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested