was shortlisted

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was shortlisted" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone or something has been selected as a candidate for further consideration in a competitive process, such as a job application or award nomination. Example: "After reviewing all the applications, she was shortlisted for the final interview round."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was shortlisted for the Booker Prize.

The New Yorker

It too was shortlisted for the Whitbread.

The Guardian - Books

Crossing The River was shortlisted for the 1993 Booker Prize.

Yale University

(She was shortlisted this year for a James Beard Award).

The New York Times

It was shortlisted for the National Book Awards.

The Times

Ed was shortlisted for two parliamentary seats earlier this year.

The Guardian

The book was shortlisted for the Whitbread Prize.

The Guardian - Books

At least three were approached, and one was shortlisted".

The Guardian

In 1999 she was shortlisted for the Turner prize.

The Guardian - Arts

It was shortlisted for this year's Bailey's Women's Prize.

The Guardian - Books

• Mick Jackson's The Underground Man was shortlisted for the Booker.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was shortlisted" to clearly and concisely convey that a person or entity has been selected from a larger pool for further evaluation or consideration, particularly in competitive contexts such as job applications, award nominations, or project selections.

Common error

Avoid overstating the significance of being "was shortlisted". It indicates advancement in a selection process but doesn't guarantee final success. Ensure the context accurately reflects the level of accomplishment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was shortlisted" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject of the sentence has undergone the action of being placed on a short list. This signifies a selection process where the subject has advanced to a more exclusive group. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase is commonly used in formal writing.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was shortlisted" is a commonly used passive verb phrase that signifies selection for further consideration in a competitive process. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical structure is correct and appropriate for a variety of contexts, predominantly in news and media, as well as academic writing. While it conveys a positive indication of merit, it's crucial not to overstate its significance, as it doesn't guarantee final success. Alternative phrases, such as "made the shortlist" or "was selected as a finalist", offer similar meanings with subtle variations in emphasis or formality. Ultimately, using "was shortlisted" effectively communicates that a person or entity has successfully navigated an initial screening and is now among a smaller, more select group being evaluated.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

made the shortlist

This alternative emphasizes the creation of a short list and the subject's inclusion in it.

secured a place on the shortlist

Emphasizes the effort or achievement involved in being selected.

was selected as a finalist

This suggests a more advanced stage of the selection process, implying a higher level of competition and achievement.

qualified for the shortlist

Indicates that the subject met certain criteria to be included.

was among the nominees

Specifically used in the context of awards or prizes, this indicates that the subject was nominated for the award.

was chosen for further consideration

Focuses on the act of being chosen and the continuation of the evaluation process.

was named as a contender

Highlights the competitive aspect and suggests the subject is a strong candidate.

was in contention

Implies active competition and ongoing consideration.

made the cut

An informal way of saying that the subject was selected from a larger group.

was considered

A more general term indicating that the subject was evaluated but not necessarily selected.

FAQs

How is "was shortlisted" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "was shortlisted" is used to indicate that someone or something has been selected from a larger group for further consideration. For example, "The novel "was shortlisted" for the Booker Prize" or "She "was shortlisted" for the position of CEO".

What are some alternatives to "was shortlisted"?

Some alternatives include "made the shortlist", "was selected as a finalist", or "was in contention", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is "was shortlisted" formal or informal?

"Was shortlisted" is generally considered neutral to formal in tone. It's appropriate for both professional and academic writing. For a more informal context, phrases like "made the cut" might be suitable.

What does it mean when something "was shortlisted" for an award?

When something "was shortlisted" for an award, it means it has passed an initial selection process and is now among the final candidates being considered for the award. It's a recognition of quality and potential, but not a guarantee of winning. Other possible alternatives are: "was among the nominees" or "was named as a contender".