was put

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was put" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in the passive voice to indicate that something was placed or positioned by someone or something in the past. Example: "The book was put on the shelf after the meeting concluded."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

That was put off.

The Economist

He was put down.

Independent

Twice he was put through.

Independent

Mr. Nirenberg was put off.

The New York Times

Then it was put out.

The New Yorker

"He was put there deliberately.

The New York Times

Ordinary politics was put aside.

The Economist

The game was put back.

The Guardian - Sport

Lena was put to work.

The New Yorker

He was put on antibiotics.

Independent

"Everything was put away.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was put" in passive constructions where the actor is unknown or less important than the action itself. For example, "The project was put on hold due to budget constraints."

Common error

Avoid excessive use of the passive voice with "was put", as it can make your writing sound vague and less engaging. Consider using active voice when possible to improve clarity. For example, instead of "The decision was put off by the committee", write "The committee put off the decision."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was put" functions as a passive verb construction, indicating that the subject of the sentence received the action, rather than performing it. This is supported by Ludwig, which shows numerous examples of its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was put" is a common and grammatically sound phrase primarily used in the passive voice to describe a past action. As Ludwig's examples demonstrate, this construction is frequently found in news and media, with a generally neutral register suitable for various contexts. While it's essential to avoid overusing the passive voice, "was put" serves as a versatile tool for emphasizing the result or recipient of an action, especially when the actor is unknown or less significant. Alternatives like "was placed" or "was assigned" can offer subtle shifts in meaning, allowing for more precise expression. Overall, "was put" is a reliable and effective phrase for clear and accurate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was placed

Emphasizes the physical action of putting something in a specific location.

was positioned

Suggests a deliberate arrangement or strategic placement.

was assigned

Indicates that someone or something was given a specific role or task.

was set

Implies a more permanent or fixed placement.

was established

Conveys the idea of setting up or founding something.

was installed

Focuses on the act of fitting or fixing equipment or systems.

was arranged

Highlights the organization or ordering of items.

was appointed

Specifically refers to being chosen for a position or role.

was subjected

Suggests experiencing something, often unpleasant or difficult.

was exposed

Indicates being revealed or made vulnerable to something.

FAQs

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

"Was put" is used in passive voice constructions to indicate that something has been placed or set in a particular position or state. For example, "The book was put on the table", or "He was put in charge of the project".

What are some alternatives to "was put"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "was placed", "was assigned", "was positioned", or "was set".

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "was put"?

While "was put" is grammatically correct in passive voice, active voice often provides clearer and more direct writing. Consider whether the subject performing the action is important to your sentence. If not, passive voice might be appropriate; otherwise, opt for active voice.

What's the difference between "was put" and "has been put"?

"Was put" refers to a past action that is completed, while "has been put" indicates an action that started in the past and continues to have relevance or effect in the present. For example, "The proposal was put forward last week" versus "The proposal has been put forward and is now under review".