was served

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was served" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in contexts where something has been presented or delivered, often in relation to food or legal documents. Example: "The meal was served promptly at 7 PM."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Champagne was served.

The New Yorker

Jibril was served first.

The New Yorker

Later lunch was served.

The New Yorker

Crisis was served.

The Guardian - Sport

Beer was served.

The New Yorker

Then dinner was served.

The New York Times

Our own cause was served.

The Economist

He was served yogurt instead.

The New York Times

Dinner was served until 4am.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Justice was served!

Independent

She was serving pancakes.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was served" to indicate that something was formally presented or provided, especially in contexts like meals, legal notices, or fulfilling a purpose. This construction is common in passive voice sentences.

Common error

While "was served" is grammatically correct, avoid overusing passive voice in your writing. Active voice often makes your sentences more direct and engaging. Consider whether you can rephrase the sentence to use an active verb instead of "was served".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was served" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject of the sentence received the action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was served" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed passive construction used to describe the act of providing or presenting something. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in news and media, its usage extends to science and formal business contexts. For alternative expressions, consider "was provided" or "was presented". While correct, be mindful of overusing passive voice in writing and ensure active constructions are considered where appropriate. The authoritative sources and consistent usage patterns underscore its validity and versatility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was provided

This alternative focuses on the act of providing something, similar to serving, but without the specific connotation of a formal setting.

was presented

This phrase emphasizes the act of showing or offering something, often in a formal or ceremonial manner.

was delivered

This alternative highlights the action of bringing something to a specific location or person, focusing on the act of conveyance.

was offered

This emphasizes the act of giving someone the opportunity to accept something.

was supplied

This suggests the action of furnishing or providing something that is needed or required.

was furnished

This implies the act of equipping or providing something necessary or useful.

was dispensed

This suggests the action of distributing something, often in measured portions.

was administered

This highlights the action of managing or giving something, often in a controlled manner.

was given

A more general way to state that something was handed over or provided. It lacks the formality of "was served".

was allocated

This focuses on the action of assigning or distributing something for a specific purpose.

FAQs

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

The phrase "was served" is used to indicate that something has been provided or presented. For example, "Dinner "was served" at 7 PM" or "A subpoena "was served" to the witness".

What can I say instead of "was served"?

You can use alternatives like "was provided", "was presented", or "was delivered" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "was served" or "is served"?

"Was served" is the past passive form, used for actions that have already happened. "Is served" is the present passive form, used for actions that happen regularly or are currently happening. For example, "Lunch "was served" yesterday", vs. "Lunch "is served" daily at noon".

What's the difference between "was served" and "served"?

"Was served" is a passive construction, indicating that something received the action. "Served" is active, indicating that someone performed the action. For example, "The meal "was served" by the waiter" (passive) vs. "The waiter "served" the meal" (active).