was programmed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was programmed" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action that occurred in the past, specifically referring to the act of programming something, such as software or a device. Example: "The robot was programmed to perform various tasks autonomously."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I was programmed that way.

The Guardian - Sport

"I think he was programmed for that.

Independent

"It was like she was programmed.

The New York Times

But I was programmed for failure.

The New Yorker

The first was programmed to find people talking about WinRT.

The Guardian - Tech

"When he saw an obstacle, he was programmed to persist".

The Economist

His phone number was programmed into Mr. Anderson's cellphone.

The New York Times

CBS's Saturday morning lineup was programmed for toddlers by Nickelodeon this television season.

The New York Times - Arts

Next to "Dido," with which it was programmed, "Four Saints" is a mild business.

The New Yorker

The interceptor was programmed to find its target and did hit the mock warhead.

The New York Times

The experiment was programmed using Presentation (www.neurobs.com).

Cognitive Research: Principles and Implications

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Choose "was programmed" when you want to emphasize that something's behavior or function is the direct result of specific instructions given to it. This is common in discussions about technology, psychology, and even social behavior.

Common error

Avoid using "was programmed" too casually in situations where 'influenced' or 'taught' would be more appropriate. Overusing technical jargon in non-technical contexts can make your writing sound unnatural or forced. Choose words that fit the tone and level of formality of your content.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was programmed" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject received the action of programming. As shown by Ludwig, it is commonly used to describe something or someone having been given specific instructions or parameters. This phrase is especially common in technical and scientific contexts, but also appears metaphorically in news and media.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

50%

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was programmed" is a versatile passive verb phrase commonly employed to describe a state resulting from a deliberate programming action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use in diverse contexts, including science, news, and media. While typically neutral, the formality can shift based on the specific context. When using "was programmed", clarity regarding who or what performed the programming is crucial. Be mindful of its potential overuse in metaphorical contexts, ensuring its application aligns with the intended nuance and avoids unnecessary technical jargon. Related phrases such as "was designed" or "was instructed" can provide alternative options depending on the specific nuance required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was designed

Focuses on the intended purpose or function from the beginning.

was engineered

Emphasizes technical precision and planning in its creation.

was instructed

Highlights the act of teaching or giving directions.

was configured

Implies setting up or arranging components for a specific operation.

was set up

Suggests preparation or arrangement for a particular outcome.

was trained

Indicates a learning process to achieve a certain skill or behavior.

was conditioned

Suggests a behavioral modification through repeated exposure or training.

was predisposed

Indicates a natural tendency or inclination towards something.

was hardwired

Implies an innate or unchangeable characteristic.

was brainwashed

Suggests a manipulative form of persuasion or indoctrination.

FAQs

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

You can use "was programmed" to indicate that something or someone has been given specific instructions to behave or function in a certain way. For example, "The robot "was programmed" to clean the house" or "He "was programmed" to believe everything he was told".

What are some alternatives to "was programmed"?

Alternatives to "was programmed" include phrases like "was designed", "was instructed", or "was set up". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "was programmed to" or "programmed to"?

Both phrases can be correct, depending on the context. "was programmed to" is passive voice, indicating that someone or something else did the programming. "programmed to" can be used in active voice if the subject is the one doing the programming, but it's often used elliptically in place of the passive.

What does it mean when someone says they "were programmed" to think a certain way?

When someone says they "were programmed" to think a certain way, they mean that they were conditioned or influenced, often unintentionally, to adopt certain beliefs or attitudes. This can be through upbringing, education, or societal norms.