was praised for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was praised for" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used when describing an action or quality for which someone received praise or recognition. Example: The actress was praised for her exceptional performance in the film, earning her numerous awards and accolades.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

May was praised for her candid remarks.

The Guardian - Opinion

The President was praised for his dignified, conciliatory message.

The New Yorker

Just months ago, Kenya was praised for its democracy.

The New York Times

The renovation was  praised for its practicality and aesthetics.

The New York Times

The sitcom was praised for helping to foster public understanding.

Independent

Salmond was praised for his performance in the debate.

The Guardian

On Saturday, he was praised for merely drawing two walks.

The New York Times - Sports

The outcome was praised for introducing style into sportswear.

Independent

Mr Saakashvili was praised for graciously accepting defeat.

The Economist

The action was praised for halting Bear Stearns's complete meltdown.

The Economist

After they were finished, one group was praised for its effort and another group was praised for its intelligence.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was praised for" to clearly and directly highlight the specific accomplishment or quality that earned someone positive feedback. Ensure the reason for praise is clearly articulated to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "was praised for" with plural subjects. The correct form for plural subjects is "were praised for".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was praised for" functions as a passive construction used to highlight the recipient of praise and the specific reason for that praise. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically sound way to express positive acknowledgment, as shown in the examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Wiki

14%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was praised for" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to convey positive feedback or recognition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for various contexts, ranging from news reports to encyclopedic entries. While predominantly found in news and media sources, it maintains a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal communication. To enhance your writing, ensure clear articulation of the reason for praise and maintain subject-verb agreement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was recognized for

Indicates formal acknowledgement of a specific achievement or quality.

was commended for

Emphasizes formal recognition and approval.

was lauded for

Suggests high praise and admiration.

was appreciated for

Highlights gratitude and acknowledgement of value or effort.

was acclaimed for

Highlights widespread approval and recognition, often in artistic or performance contexts.

was respected for

Indicates deference and high regard for someone's character or abilities.

was admired for

Focuses on respect and positive regard for someone's qualities or actions.

was honored for

Implies a formal and significant recognition, often with an award or ceremony.

was celebrated for

Emphasizes joyous recognition and public acknowledgment.

was distinguished for

Highlights exceptional qualities that set someone apart.

FAQs

How do I use "was praised for" in a sentence?

Use "was praised for" to indicate that someone received positive feedback for a specific action or quality. For example, "The team "was praised for" their innovative solution".

What are some alternatives to "was praised for"?

Alternatives include "was commended for", "was lauded for", or "was recognized for". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "were praised for"?

Yes, "were praised for" is correct when referring to a plural subject. For example, "The students "were praised for" their hard work".

What is the difference between "was praised for" and "was thanked for"?

"Was praised for" indicates positive feedback or recognition of an achievement or quality. "Was thanked for" indicates gratitude expressed for a specific act or service. The key difference lies in whether the response is commendation or appreciation.