was recalled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was recalled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something was brought back or summoned, often in the context of a product recall or a person being called back to a previous position. Example: "The defective toy was recalled by the manufacturer due to safety concerns."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

On 16 October Hamilton was recalled.

Independent

The drug was recalled on Sept. 26.

The New York Times

James Stewart was recalled as particularly laconic.

The New Yorker

Rezulin was recalled last year.

The New York Times

In 1943 he was recalled.

The Guardian - Books

He was recalled to custody.

The Guardian

He was recalled for Korea.

The New York Times

Pitcher Mike Thurman was recalled.

The New York Times - Sports

The FlexiShield Mini equipment was recalled last month.

The New York Times - Health

Drouet was recalled to France in July 1835.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The crib was recalled in 1998.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was recalled" when referring to a product being taken off the market due to safety concerns, or a person being called back to a previous position or duty. Ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is being recalled and the reason for the recall.

Common error

Avoid using "was recalled" in contexts where something is simply remembered or recollected. Instead, use verbs like "remembered", "recalled", or "thought of" to describe acts of memory. "Was recalled" typically implies an official action of bringing something back.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was recalled" functions primarily as a passive construction of the verb "recall". It's used to indicate that someone or something was brought back, summoned, or officially ordered to return, according to Ludwig's examples. It highlights the action done to the subject rather than an action initiated by the subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Encyclopedias

17%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was recalled" is a grammatically correct and commonly used passive construction indicating that someone or something has been brought back, withdrawn, or summoned. Ludwig confirms its frequent use in news, encyclopedias, and wiki contexts. When writing, use it to refer to product recalls, personnel being called back to duty, or similar scenarios. Be mindful not to confuse it with the active sense of "remembering". Alternatives include phrases like "was brought back" or "was withdrawn", depending on the specific meaning you intend to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was brought back

Emphasizes the action of returning someone or something to a previous state or location.

was summoned back

Highlights the act of being officially called or ordered to return.

was reinstated

Suggests a restoration to a former position or condition.

was revoked

Focuses on the cancellation or annulment of something, such as a law or order.

was withdrawn

Indicates the removal of something, often in the context of a product or statement.

was retrieved

Highlights the act of recovering or regaining something.

was asked to return

A more polite and less forceful way of saying someone was called back.

had their mandate terminated

Describes the ending of an official period of serving.

was shipped back

Specifically describes when an item has been sent back.

was commanded to return

Emphasizes that the recall was the result of a command or order.

FAQs

How is "was recalled" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "was recalled" is generally used in the passive voice to indicate that someone or something has been brought back or summoned. For example, "The product "was recalled" due to safety issues" or "The ambassador "was recalled" to the capital for consultations."

What are some alternatives to "was recalled"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "was brought back", "was withdrawn", "was summoned back", or "was reinstated". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "was recalled" when referring to a memory?

While "recalled" can refer to memory, "was recalled" in the passive voice typically refers to someone or something being brought back, not the act of remembering. For memories, use phrases like "I remembered" or "I recalled".

What's the difference between "was recalled" and "remembered"?

"Was recalled" implies an external action causing something or someone to return. For example, "The car model "was recalled" by the manufacturer." "Remembered" refers to the internal act of bringing something to mind. For instance, "I remembered my keys."