was selected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was selected" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something was chosen or picked for a particular purpose or role in the past. Example: "After a thorough review of all applicants, Sarah was selected for the scholarship."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was selected overwhelmingly.

Independent

I was selected.

The New York Times - Sports

Neither was selected.

The Guardian

My last name was selected.

The New York Times

He was selected… Hostility bet.

The New Yorker

Watson Webb was selected instead.

The New Yorker

The good news: He was selected.

The New York Times

"The portfolio was selected by ACA".

The New York Times

Appel was selected eighth by Pittsburgh.

The New York Times - Sports

Mr. Adams was selected as his successor.

The New York Times

It was selected in 1890 by Capt.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the passive voice construction is appropriate for the context. Sometimes, active voice can be more direct and engaging.

Common error

Avoid using "was selected" excessively, as it can make your writing sound indirect or vague. Consider if an active voice construction would be clearer and more impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was selected" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject of the sentence underwent the action of being chosen. As Ludwig AI shows, this construction is widely used across various domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

20%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was selected" is a common and grammatically sound passive construction indicating that someone or something has been chosen. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is frequently used across various contexts, including news media, science, and general writing. While it's a versatile phrase, remember to use it judiciously, avoiding overuse of the passive voice. Consider alternatives like "was chosen" or "was picked" for variety and to maintain an engaging writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was chosen

A direct synonym, suitable for most contexts where "was selected" is used.

was picked

More informal than "was selected", often used in casual conversation.

was appointed

Implies a formal assignment to a role or position.

was designated

Suggests being officially chosen for a specific purpose.

was named

Often used when someone is publicly chosen or announced.

was elected

Specifically refers to being chosen through a voting process.

was handpicked

Emphasizes careful and deliberate selection.

was tapped

A more figurative and less formal way of saying "was selected".

was favored

Implies a preference in the selection process.

emerged as the choice

Highlights the outcome of a selection process where multiple options were considered.

FAQs

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

"Was selected" indicates a passive action where someone or something has been chosen. For instance, "She was selected for the team" means someone chose her for the team.

What are some alternatives to "was selected"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "was chosen", "was picked", or "was appointed". Each carries a slightly different nuance.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "was selected"?

While "was selected" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make writing sound weak. Use active voice when possible to improve clarity and impact. For example, instead of "The candidate was selected by the committee," try "The committee selected the candidate."

What's the difference between "was selected" and "had been selected"?

"Was selected" refers to a selection that occurred at a specific point in the past. "Had been selected" indicates a selection that occurred before another point in the past. For example: "She was selected for the job yesterday." vs. "She had been selected for the job before the scandal broke."