was respected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was respected" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something received respect in the past. Example: "Throughout his career, he was respected by his peers for his dedication and hard work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Margaret Thatcher was respected.

The Guardian

I was respected before.

The New Yorker

"He was respected".

The New York Times

Todd was respected and admired by many.

The New York Times

It is time their verdict was respected.

The Economist

He was respected; she was loved.

The New York Times - Magazine

But he was respected, my father.

The New Yorker

He was respected and loved by all.

The New York Times

"And she was respected for it".

The New York Times

He was respected and admired by all.

The New York Times

The rule of law was respected.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was respected" to describe individuals, groups, or concepts that have earned a positive reputation or high esteem over time. Provide context about why the subject garnered such respect to enhance the statement's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "was respected" when the context suggests fear or obligation rather than genuine admiration. Ensure the evidence supports the claim of respect, as misrepresenting feelings can undermine your credibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was respected" functions as a passive verb phrase. It indicates that the subject received respect from others. Ludwig AI provides many examples showing its use in describing individuals, ideas, or entities that garnered positive regard.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Social Media

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was respected" is a common and grammatically correct passive verb phrase used to indicate that a person, entity, or idea received admiration or high regard in the past. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in news articles, scientific publications, and encyclopedias, suggesting a neutral to formal register. Related phrases include "was admired", "was esteemed", and "was held in high regard". When using "was respected", ensure the context genuinely supports the claim of earned respect rather than fear or obligation to maintain credibility. The usage analysis reveals its prevalence in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was admired

Focuses more on a feeling of admiration rather than simple respect.

was esteemed

Emphasizes a higher level of regard and honor.

was well-regarded

Similar to "held in high regard", but slightly less formal.

was held in high regard

Highlights the positive opinion held by others.

was valued

Implies that the person or thing was considered important or useful.

commanded respect

Suggests that the person actively earned respect through their actions or character.

garnered respect

Indicates that respect was accumulated over time.

was honored

Indicates that the person or thing received formal recognition or respect.

enjoyed respect

Focuses on the experience of receiving respect.

was looked up to

Implies a sense of admiration and inspiration from others.

FAQs

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

You can use "was respected" to describe someone or something that received admiration or high regard in the past. For example, "The professor "was respected" for her groundbreaking research".

What are some alternatives to "was respected"?

Alternatives include "was admired", "was esteemed", or "was held in high regard", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "was respected by all"?

While grammatically correct, saying someone "was respected by all" might be an overstatement. It's more accurate to say "was widely respected" or "was respected by many" to acknowledge potential exceptions.

What's the difference between "was respected" and "was liked"?

"Was respected" implies admiration and high regard, often based on achievements or character. "Was liked" suggests affection and personal connection, which doesn't necessarily require admiration.