was seconded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was seconded" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in formal contexts, such as meetings or discussions, to indicate that someone supports or endorses a proposal or motion made by another person. Example: "The motion to increase the budget was seconded by the treasurer, allowing the discussion to proceed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The motion was seconded by independent MP Bob Katter.

The Guardian - Business

Ultimately, Riza was seconded to the State Department.

The New Yorker

Derek Sugden was seconded by Arup to oversee its reconstruction.

The Guardian - Arts

M. HERZOG: Do you know whether this request was seconded by the Defendant Speer?

Yale University

The motion was seconded by Professor M. Psiaki and passed unanimously.

Cornell University

He was seconded to Project Falcon and acted as Whitehall troubleshooter for the UAE.

The Guardian

The humanity of the characters was seconded here by Mr. Graham's canny stage direction.

The New York Times - Arts

Immediately after the war Iveson was seconded to BOAC, flying converted bombers to the Far East.

Independent

The motion was seconded by Professor E.M. Fisher and passed unanimously.

Cornell University

This was seconded by the fellow who came to empty our septic tank.

The New Yorker

He was seconded to the Home Office five years ago as director of corporate development.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was seconded" in formal settings, such as meetings or official proceedings, to indicate that a motion or proposal has received the necessary support to move forward.

Common error

Avoid using "was seconded" in casual conversations or informal writing, as it may sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "supported" or "agreed with" in such situations.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "was seconded" is that of a passive verb phrase. It indicates that the subject of the sentence (usually a motion, proposal, or sentiment) received support from another party. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

20%

Science

19%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was seconded" is a grammatically correct and commonly used passive verb phrase that indicates formal support for a motion or proposal. Ludwig AI examples show that it is primarily used in formal contexts, such as meetings, legal proceedings, and academic discussions. While "was seconded" is correct and acceptable, alternative phrases such as "received support" or "was backed" may be more appropriate in informal settings. Remember to reserve this formal phrase for scenarios that truly warrant it to avoid sounding overly stiff.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was backed

A simpler and more direct way of saying that something was supported.

received support

Emphasizes the act of receiving backing or approval, rather than the specific action of seconding a motion.

gained endorsement

Focuses on the act of formally approving or supporting something.

obtained approval

Focuses on the successful acquisition of support.

met with approval

Highlights the positive reception something received.

garnered support

Emphasizes the effort or process of gathering support.

found favor

Suggests that something was well-received and liked.

was ratified

Implies a formal and official confirmation or approval.

secured agreement

Highlights the achievement of consensus or agreement.

was upheld

Indicates that something was maintained or supported, especially in a legal or formal context.

FAQs

What does "was seconded" mean in the context of a meeting?

In a meeting, "was seconded" means that another member has formally supported a motion or proposal, allowing it to be discussed and voted upon.

What can I say instead of "was seconded"?

You can use alternatives like "received support", "was backed", or "gained endorsement" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the motion was second"?

No, the correct phrase is "the motion was seconded". "Second" can be a noun or adjective, but "seconded" is the past participle of the verb "to second", meaning to support a motion.

What is the difference between "second" and "seconded"?

"Second" refers to the number two in a sequence or a unit of time, while "seconded" is a verb that means to formally support a proposal or motion. For example, "He made a motion, and she seconded it."