was ratified

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was ratified" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something, such as a document or agreement, has been formally approved or confirmed in the past. Example: "The treaty was ratified by the Senate after months of debate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The Constitution was ratified.

The New York Times

The Micronesia trusteeship was ratified in Jul.

The New Yorker

Interpol's present constitution was ratified in 1956.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was ratified by the cabinet.

The Guardian

That decision was ratified last month by Honduras's Congress.

The Economist

This GSSP was ratified by the ICS in 1984.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The decision was ratified last week by Iraq's electoral commission.

The New York Times

The convention was ratified by 91 member nations.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The agreement was ratified unanimously by the Senate in 1818.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This section was ratified by the ICS in 1996.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The second contract was ratified on May 11.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was ratified" when you want to emphasize the formal approval or validation of a treaty, amendment, or agreement. Ensure the subject is something that requires official consent to become valid.

Common error

Avoid using "was ratified" for subjects that don't typically undergo a formal approval process, such as personal opinions or informal decisions. For those cases, consider verbs like "approved", "accepted", or "confirmed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was ratified" functions as a passive verb construction, indicating that the subject received formal consent or approval. It shows that an action (ratification) was performed on the subject, rather than the subject performing the action, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Encyclopedias

26%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was ratified" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to indicate formal approval or validation. Ludwig's analysis and examples confirm its prevalent use in news, encyclopedias, and scientific contexts. When using this phrase, ensure that the subject is something requiring official consent, and consider the level of formality appropriate for your writing. As Ludwig AI also suggests, avoid using "was ratified" for situations where it is inappropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was formally adopted

Highlights the formal nature of the adoption process, similar to ratification.

was given legal force

Highlights the legal authority conferred upon something after ratification.

gained approval

Focuses on the act of gaining approval, rather than the formal ratification process.

was sanctioned

Suggests official permission or approval, often by an authority.

received endorsement

Emphasizes the support and backing received, suggesting a positive reception.

was authorized

Focuses on the granting of authority or permission.

was validated

Emphasizes the confirmation of something's validity or correctness.

became law

Indicates the result of ratification, specifically in the context of laws and regulations.

passed into effect

Similar to "became law", indicating the commencement of a rule or regulation.

was given the nod

An informal way of saying something was approved.

FAQs

How to use "was ratified" in a sentence?

Use "was ratified" to indicate that something has been formally approved or validated. For example: "The treaty "was ratified" by the senate."

What can I say instead of "was ratified"?

You can use alternatives like "gained approval", "was formally adopted", or "received endorsement" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "was ratified" or "has been ratified"?

"Was ratified" indicates a completed action in the past, while "has been ratified" indicates an action completed at some point in the past with relevance to the present. The choice depends on the intended meaning and context.

What's the difference between "was ratified" and "was approved"?

"Was ratified" typically implies a more formal and official approval process, often involving governmental bodies or organizations. "Was approved" can be used in broader contexts, including less formal settings.