was pinned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was pinned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something was fastened or secured in place, often referring to a physical action or metaphorical context. Example: "The notice was pinned to the bulletin board for everyone to see."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Dzhokhar was pinned down.

The New Yorker

Nothing was pinned on him.

The Economist

Sure enough, I was pinned in.

The New York Times

His elbow was pinned under the auto.

The New Yorker

He was pinned under a wall.

The New York Times - Magazine

A lucky cowrie shell was pinned to his left lapel.

The New Yorker

I wanted to flail, but I was pinned".

The New Yorker

His script was pinned to the wall nearby, printed large.

The New Yorker

A pink corsage was pinned to his lapel.

The New York Times

His platoon was pinned down by three machine guns.

The New York Times

Her drab gray hair was pinned up carelessly.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was pinned" to describe a situation where someone is held responsible, ensure the context clearly indicates the nature of the responsibility or blame being assigned.

Common error

Avoid using "was pinned" when an active construction is more appropriate. For example, instead of "The blame was pinned on him", consider "They pinned the blame on him" to make the sentence more direct and impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was pinned" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject received the action of pinning. As Ludwig AI shows, this can refer to physical attachment or metaphorical assignment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

20%

Wiki

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was pinned" is a versatile passive construction, frequently used to describe a state of being physically attached or metaphorically assigned, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. Its neutral register makes it appropriate for various contexts, with a strong presence in news, media, and scientific writing. Understanding its function and purpose, along with common errors to avoid, can enhance clarity and impact in your writing. By understanding the contexts, nuances, and considering alternatives, writers can effectively use "was pinned" to communicate their intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

got pinned

Focuses on the action of pinning, with emphasis on the action being applied to the subject.

had been pinned

Shifts to a past perfect tense, indicating the pinning occurred before another point in the past.

was attached

Replaces "pinned" with a synonym that emphasizes physical connection or affixation.

was secured

Focuses on the act of making something safe or firmly fixed.

was trapped

Highlights the sense of being unable to move or escape.

was affixed

Uses a more formal synonym for "pinned", suggesting a careful or deliberate attachment.

became pinned

Emphasizes the transition into the state of being pinned.

found pinned

Highlights the discovery of someone or something in a pinned state.

is pinned

Shifts to the present tense, indicating a current state of being pinned.

remained pinned

Implies a state of being pinned that persisted over time.

FAQs

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

You can use "was pinned" to describe something physically attached, like "A note "was pinned" to the door", or metaphorically, like "The blame "was pinned" on him".

What's a good alternative to "was pinned" when describing physical attachment?

Instead of "was pinned", consider using "was attached", "was secured", or "was affixed" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it better to use an active voice instead of "was pinned"?

Use active voice when you want to emphasize the actor and the action directly. For example, instead of "The problem "was pinned" on the new employee", write "The manager pinned the problem on the new employee".

What is the difference between "was pinned" and "got pinned"?

"Was pinned" describes a state of being after the action is completed, while "got pinned" emphasizes the process of becoming pinned. So, "He "was pinned" by a tree" describes his current state, whereas "He "got pinned" by a tree" focuses on the event that led to that state.