was predicated upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was predicated upon" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is based on or founded upon a particular principle, idea, or condition. Example: "The success of the project was predicated upon the team's ability to collaborate effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

The design of it was predicated upon invention in an era of demolition.

The New York Times

The whole structure of banking that was predicated upon higher oil prices gets more rickety still.

The Guardian - Opinion

The low ceiling height in the house was predicated upon acoustics and the Millers' love of music.

The New York Times

The handcrafted aspect of tobacco was predicated upon cheap labor in the South, at a time when the South was economically disadvantaged.

The New Yorker

His lawyer, Michael J. Rosen of Miami, said his client's arrest was "predicated upon the mistaken belief that he was leaving the country".

The New York Times

However, their race for second place was overshadowed by the magnitude of Trump's victory, which exit polls indicated was predicated upon a sweep of virtually every single demographic in the state, including those previously considered loyal to his rivals.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Artistic experimentation is ostensibly encouraged, but largely, the community is predicated upon salable aesthetics.

The Guardian - Tech

*United's business plan is predicated upon a significant near-term rebound in revenue.

The New York Times

Indeed, there are those who think his entire campaign may be predicated upon it.

The New York Times

CAUTION All these investment ideas are predicated upon patience and a healthy stomach for risk.

The New York Times

A COMPANY whose advertising slogans are predicated upon change cannot afford to sit still for long.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was predicated upon" when you want to emphasize that a statement, action, or system is fundamentally based on a specific assumption, principle, or prior condition. It adds a layer of formality and precision to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "was predicated upon" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "was based on" or "depended on" are often more appropriate and avoid sounding overly formal or pretentious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was predicated upon" functions as a verb phrase in the passive voice, indicating that a subject's existence, validity, or occurrence is contingent on a specific condition or assumption. Ludwig's examples show it in contexts where something relies on a fundamental principle or prior event.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

30%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was predicated upon" is a formal phrase indicating that something is based on a specific condition or assumption. Ludwig AI confirms that it's grammatically correct and usable, particularly in formal and scientific contexts. While it effectively conveys dependency, simpler alternatives like "was based on" or "depended on" might be more appropriate in less formal settings. The phrase is prevalent in sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and scientific publications, emphasizing its relevance in news and academic discourse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was based on

This is a direct synonym, indicating that something is founded or relies on a specific basis.

was founded on

Similar to "was based on", but implies a more fundamental or structural reliance.

rested on

Indicates that something depends on a particular fact or condition to remain stable or valid.

depended on

Highlights the reliance of one thing on another for its existence or function.

was contingent on

Emphasizes that something is conditional and relies on a specific event or circumstance.

was reliant on

Highlights the dependency on something else.

was conditional on

Emphasizes a dependency based on specific conditions being met.

was subject to

This phrase indicates that something is likely to be affected by something else. It implies dependence.

was determined by

Shows that a factor or set of factors directly influenced the outcome.

was consequential to

This indicates that the outcome was dependent on or directly impacted something.

FAQs

What does "was predicated upon" mean?

The phrase "was predicated upon" means that something was based on or founded on a particular idea, assumption, or condition. It implies that the truth or validity of something depends on the truth or validity of the foundation upon which it's built.

What can I say instead of "was predicated upon"?

You can use alternatives like "was based on", "was founded on", or "depended on" depending on the context. These alternatives are generally more straightforward and easier to understand.

Is it correct to say "is predicated upon"?

Yes, "is predicated upon" is grammatically correct. The choice between "was predicated upon" and "is predicated upon" depends on the tense you want to convey. "Was predicated upon" refers to something that happened in the past, while "is predicated upon" refers to something that is currently true.

How formal is the phrase "was predicated upon"?

The phrase "was predicated upon" is considered quite formal. It's more commonly found in academic, legal, or technical writing. In less formal contexts, simpler alternatives like "was based on" or "relied on" are often preferred.