was planned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was planned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something was arranged or organized in the past. Example: "The event was planned months in advance to ensure everything went smoothly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Nothing was planned.

The New Yorker

That was planned.

The New York Times - Arts

"It was planned".

The New York Times

A census was planned.

The New York Times

This was planned though.

Independent

"There, everything was planned.

The New York Times

No autopsy was planned.

The New York Times - Sports

Nothing illicit was planned.

The New York Times - Travel

He said an autopsy was planned.

The New York Times

No systematic audit of declarations was planned.

The Economist

This was planned for a while.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was planned" to clearly indicate that an event, action, or process was intentionally arranged or designed in advance. This helps to convey a sense of purpose and organization.

Common error

Avoid using "was planned" when the active voice would be more direct and clear. For example, instead of "The meeting was planned by the team", consider "The team planned the meeting". This can make your writing more concise and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was planned" functions as a passive construction, indicating that an action or event was the result of planning by someone or something. Ludwig AI shows its common usage in describing events, projects, or actions that have been intentionally prepared.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

27%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was planned" is a grammatically correct and very commonly used passive phrase to indicate that an event or action was intentionally arranged beforehand. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms that it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. The phrase is deemed suitable for neutral register, making it appropriate for both formal and informal communication. Using alternatives like "was scheduled" or "was arranged" can add nuance, but understanding the passive voice is crucial to avoid common errors. The phrase's pervasiveness and authoritative source support validate its reliability and acceptability in written and spoken English.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was scheduled

Focuses on the scheduling aspect, emphasizing that an event was put on the calendar.

was intended

Highlights the intention behind an action, stressing the purpose or goal.

was arranged

Emphasizes the organization and preparation involved.

was designed

Focuses on the creation or blueprint of something, highlighting the deliberate design process.

was prepared

Stresses the preparatory steps taken to get ready for something.

was premeditated

Highlights the pre-thought and deliberate nature of an action.

was set up

Emphasizes the establishment or creation of a situation or event.

had been organized

Indicates a structured and coordinated effort in advance.

had been devised

Focuses on the inventive and strategic creation of a plan or method.

was in the works

Suggests that something was under development or being actively planned.

FAQs

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

Use "was planned" to indicate that something was intentionally arranged or designed ahead of time. For example: "The trip "was planned" months in advance to secure the best deals".

What are some alternatives to "was planned"?

Alternatives include "was scheduled", "was arranged", or "was intended". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use the active or passive voice with "plan"?

While "was planned" (passive) is grammatically correct, using the active voice (e.g., "The team planned...") can often make your writing more direct and engaging. Consider the context and desired emphasis.

What's the difference between "was planned" and "happened unexpectedly"?

"Was planned" indicates a deliberate arrangement, while "happened unexpectedly" suggests something occurred without prior intention or preparation. They are contrasting concepts.