was perused

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was perused" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something was read or examined carefully, often in a formal or literary context. Example: "The document was perused thoroughly by the committee before making a decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The use of animated graphs, static pictures, and pure text resulted in significantly descending retention when the hierarchical topology was perused.

Computers in Human Behavior

After determining which reactions were functional, the reaction list was perused to determine pathway and subsystem functionality in the network.

BMC Systems Biology

If the included study referred to another reference (i.e. another paper, report, or website) for a more detailed description of the study cohort, then that reference was perused for additional information if it was accessible.

Chiropractic and Manual Therapies

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Later, she was perusing Yellow Pages, looking for dog parlours.

The Guardian

Wait, is the Green Lantern gay?" An older patron, Ronald Bush, was perusing the aisles listening to a vintage Walkman.

The Guardian - Books

For example, there's the "AT&T cover sheet", which Miller found as he was perusing the documents on the case.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Bill Schroh, director of museum operations at Kean's Liberty Hall Museum, was perusing a ledger a few weeks ago when he came across the census results.

The New York Times

I was perusing Magweasel and I ran across this gem.

TechCrunch

4) Vijaysinha Kakade was perusing his Masters at Indian agriculture research Institute, New Delhi, India.

Forest Ecosystems

I was perusing NotCot's roundup of non-electric coffee gear and spotted Darth Stovetop here.

TechCrunch

This was before the Internet became prominent, so I was perusing the Florida paper.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was perused" when you want to convey a sense of formal or careful reading, especially when referring to documents, records, or other written materials. It's suitable for academic, legal, or literary contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "was perused" in everyday conversation or informal writing. The phrase can sound stilted or pretentious in casual contexts; opt for simpler alternatives like "was read" or "was checked".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was perused" functions as a passive verb construction, indicating that something (a document, list, etc.) underwent the action of being carefully read or examined. This is supported by Ludwig, as it highlights instances where documents or records "were perused" for information.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

75%

News & Media

25%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was perused" is a passive verb phrase denoting careful reading or examination, typically employed in formal contexts such as scientific or academic writing. According to Ludwig, its usage is grammatically sound, albeit infrequent. When aiming for clarity and precision, especially in scholarly or legal settings, "was perused" serves as an appropriate choice. However, in more casual communication, simpler alternatives like "was read" or "was examined" may be more fitting. Understanding the nuances in formality ensures effective communication across diverse settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was examined

Replaces 'perused' with a more general term for inspection, suitable when the depth of reading isn't specified.

was reviewed

Indicates a formal assessment or evaluation after reading, often for approval or feedback.

was inspected

Suggests a close, detailed look for flaws or specific details, rather than a general reading.

was read

Offers the simplest and most direct alternative, suitable when the focus is merely on the act of reading.

was studied

Emphasizes a careful and thorough reading, often for academic or research purposes.

was analyzed

Highlights a detailed examination with the purpose of understanding the components or implications.

was scrutinized

Implies a critical and highly detailed examination, often with a skeptical or questioning attitude.

was checked

Suggests a quick review to ensure accuracy or completeness, less thorough than 'perused'.

was skimmed

Indicates a quick, superficial reading, the opposite of a thorough perusal.

was glanced at

Suggests a very brief and casual look, barely more than noticing.

FAQs

What does "was perused" mean?

"Was perused" means that something was read or examined carefully. It often implies a more thorough and attentive reading than simply "was read".

What can I say instead of "was perused"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "was examined", "was reviewed", or "was scrutinized". The best choice depends on the level of detail and scrutiny involved.

Is it correct to say "was perused by"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to say "was perused by". The phrase "was perused by" indicates who did the reading or examination, as in "The document was perused by the committee."

How formal is the phrase "was perused"?

The phrase "was perused" is considered quite formal. In less formal contexts, using phrases like "was read" or "was looked at" may be more appropriate.