was rejected

USAGE SUMMARY

'was rejected' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is a past tense passive verb phrase and can be used in various contexts to talk about something that has been refused or not accepted. Example 1: My job application was rejected by the company, but I didn't let it discourage me from finding a better opportunity. Example 2: The proposal to increase taxes was rejected by the government, causing a lot of public outcry. Example 3: The singer's new album was rejected by the record label, much to the disappointment of her fans. Example 4: The student's research paper was rejected by multiple academic journals before finally being accepted for publication. Example 5: The offer to buy the house was rejected by the owner, who was holding out for a higher price.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He was rejected — twice.

The New Yorker

That measure was rejected.

The New York Times

(The plan was rejected).

The New York Times - Arts

The application was rejected.

The Economist

He was rejected).

The New York Times - Arts

His proposal was rejected.

The New Yorker

The offer was rejected.

The New York Times - Arts

That version was rejected.

The New York Times - Health

Red Bull was rejected.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

One had been rejected.

The Economist

And this is rejected.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was rejected" to clearly and concisely indicate that something has been refused or not accepted. Ensure the context provides enough information about what was rejected and by whom.

Common error

Avoid using "was rejected" without specifying who or what did the rejecting, as it can leave the sentence incomplete and unclear. Always provide the subject responsible for the rejection to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was rejected" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject received the action of being refused or not accepted. As Ludwig AI explains, it's a common way to express that something did not meet the required criteria or standards.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Science

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was rejected" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive construction that serves to indicate that something has been refused or not accepted. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage. Predominantly found in News & Media, Wiki, and Science contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral tone. For clear and effective communication, always ensure that the context provides enough information about what was rejected and by whom. By understanding its usage and common errors, writers can effectively incorporate this phrase into their writing. Alternatives such as "was turned down" or "was declined" can be employed for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was turned down

Emphasizes a refusal of an offer or request.

was declined

A more formal way to express that something was refused.

was refused

Directly states that something was not allowed or accepted.

was denied

Implies that a request or privilege was withheld.

did not pass

Indicates a failure to be approved or accepted, especially in voting or formal evaluations.

met with disapproval

Highlights the negative reception or lack of support for something.

was vetoed

Specifically refers to the rejection of a legislative decision by an executive power.

failed to gain acceptance

Focuses on the lack of positive reception or agreement.

was thrown out

Suggests a more forceful or dismissive rejection.

didn't make the cut

Implies a competitive selection process where something failed to be chosen.

FAQs

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

Use "was rejected" to indicate that something was not accepted or approved. For example, "The proposal "was rejected" by the committee".

What are some alternatives to "was rejected"?

You can use phrases like "was turned down", "was declined", or "was refused" as alternatives depending on the context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when describing a rejection?

It depends on the context. Passive voice with "was rejected" is useful when the actor is unknown or unimportant. Active voice (e.g., "The committee rejected the proposal") is better when you want to emphasize who did the rejecting.

What's the difference between "was rejected" and "was denied"?

"Was rejected" generally means something was refused or not accepted. "Was denied" often implies that a request or privilege was withheld.