was put to the test

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was put to the test" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where someone or something is evaluated or challenged to prove their abilities or effectiveness. Example: "The new software was put to the test during the trial period to assess its performance and reliability."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"It's a decision that was put to the test.

The New York Times - Sports

The family's resilience was put to the test.

The New York Times

IN Los Angeles, Mr. Robson's talent was put to the test.

The New York Times - Arts

Ellison's "American Negro faith" in higher education was put to the test at Tuskegee.

The New Yorker

Valiquette, recently recalled from Lowell, was put to the test immediately and fared little better.

The New York Times - Sports

His command was put to the test at the Battle of Jutland.

Encyclopedia Britannica

At the camp, Ms. Hennel's unflagging school pride was put to the test.

The New York Times

Political leadership also was put to the test this week, with uninspiring results.

The New York Times

But there was still one moment when the family's sang-froid about inherited blindness was put to the test.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Her idealism was put to the test when secret police surrounded her house "like I was Osama bin Laden".

The Guardian - Arts

The defense posture was put to the test for most of Thursday with Mrs. Stevens on the stand.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure that the context clearly indicates what aspects were being tested and the circumstances surrounding the evaluation.

Common error

Avoid using "were put to the test" when the subject is singular. For example, it is correct to say "The new system was put to the test", but incorrect to say "The new system were put to the test".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was put to the test" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject underwent a trial or assessment. This construction highlights the experience of being challenged or evaluated, as evidenced by examples from Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

8%

Science

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was put to the test" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe a situation where something or someone's abilities or qualities are challenged and evaluated. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Its usage spans various contexts, from news and media to scientific literature, making it versatile for both formal and informal communication. While alternatives like "was challenged" or "was evaluated" exist, "was put to the test" emphasizes the significance and deliberate nature of the challenge. Pay attention to subject-verb agreement to avoid common errors, ensuring the correct usage in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was subjected to scrutiny

Replaces "put to the test" with a focus on detailed examination and evaluation.

was tried and tested

Highlights both the attempt and the validation through testing.

was rigorously assessed

Emphasizes a thorough and strict evaluation process.

underwent validation

Focuses on the process of confirming the accuracy or effectiveness.

was field-tested

Specifically implies testing in real-world conditions.

was challenged

Focuses on the aspect of being confronted with a difficult task or situation.

was evaluated

Provides a general term for assessing the value or quality.

was verified

Highlights the confirmation of truth or accuracy.

faced a trial

Emphasizes the experience of enduring a difficult situation or challenge.

was exposed to pressure

Stresses the external forces acting as a test.

FAQs

How can I use "was put to the test" in a sentence?

You can use "was put to the test" to describe a situation where something or someone's abilities or qualities were challenged. For instance, "The new software was put to the test during the trial period".

What are some alternatives to "was put to the test"?

Alternatives include "was challenged", "was evaluated", or "was subjected to scrutiny", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "was tested" or "was put to the test"?

"Was tested" is a more general term, while "was put to the test" suggests a deliberate or significant challenge. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the challenging nature of the evaluation.

What does it mean when something "was put to the test"?

It means that its capabilities, resilience, or effectiveness "were challenged" in a way that revealed its strengths and weaknesses. It implies a significant evaluation or trial.