was set

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'was set' is a perfectly valid part of a sentence in written English.
You can use it when referring to something or someone that has been arranged or assigned, for example, "The meeting time was set for 10am."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

He was set.

The New Yorker

A date was set.

The New Yorker

The table was set.

The New Yorker

Her face was set.

The New Yorker

No date was set.

The Economist

The pattern was set.

The New York Times

The date was set.

The New York Times

My mind was set.

The New Yorker

The stage was set.

The New York Times - Magazine

No sentencing date was set.

The New York Times

No election date was set.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was set" to clearly indicate that an arrangement, plan, or decision has been made and finalized. It's particularly useful when describing events, appointments, or established rules.

Common error

Avoid using "was set" to describe actions that are still in progress or subject to change. This phrase implies completion or finality. Use "is being set" or "is setting" if the action is ongoing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was set" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that a subject received an action. As Ludwig AI explains, this usage is grammatically correct. It is often used to express that something has been arranged, decided, or prepared by someone or something else.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

17%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was set" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive verb phrase, primarily found in neutral contexts such as news and media, as highlighted by Ludwig AI. It serves to communicate that something has been arranged, decided, or prepared. While versatile, it's important to avoid using it for actions still in progress. Consider alternatives such as "was established" or "was scheduled" for nuanced meaning. The abundance of examples demonstrates its widespread application in various writing styles. Common errors include using the phrase for ongoing or future events.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was established

Emphasizes the act of founding or creating something formally.

was arranged

Focuses on the act of putting things in a specific order or plan.

was scheduled

Highlights the setting of a time or date for an event.

was prepared

Implies readiness or making something ready for use.

was determined

Suggests a decision or conclusion has been reached.

was fixed

Indicates something is secured or unchangeable.

was designated

Highlights the assigning of a role or purpose.

was appointed

Focuses on the selection or naming of someone to a position.

was decided

Emphasizes the making of a choice or resolution.

was instituted

Implies the formal introduction of a system or policy.

FAQs

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

Use "was set" to indicate that something has been established, arranged, or decided upon. For example, "The date for the meeting "was set" last week."

What are some alternatives to "was set"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "was established", "was arranged", or "was scheduled".

Is it correct to say "was set up" instead of "was established"?

"Was set up" and "was established" can be used interchangeably in some contexts, particularly when referring to the creation of an organization or system. However, "was established" generally implies a more formal or official creation.

What's the difference between "was set" and "is set"?

"Was set" indicates that something was arranged or decided in the past, while "is set" indicates that something is currently arranged or decided. For example, "The meeting "was set" for yesterday" vs "The meeting "is set" for tomorrow".