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Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
was shown
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
"was shown" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe an action that has occurred and been witnessed. For example: "The data was shown to be accurate."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Science
Formal & Business
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
57 human-written examples
A movie was shown.
News & Media
It was shown to me.
News & Media
Koffi was shown on TV.
News & Media
A television movie was shown on Lifetime.
News & Media
Each rider was shown two avatars.
News & Media
Nullification, he said, was shown to work.
News & Media
The second group was shown bar graphs.
News & Media
Basinger was shown ostentatiously polishing her statuette.
News & Media
The replay was shown again and again.
News & Media
Her work was shown widely in Europe.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
1 human-written examples
Each tweet was shown to several volunteers.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "was shown" when you want to emphasize that something was made visible or apparent to someone. For example, "The results of the experiment were shown to the committee."
Common error
Remember that "was shown" is the correct passive form of 'show'. "Was showed" is grammatically incorrect. For example, write 'The film was shown last night', not 'The film was showed last night'.
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The primary grammatical function of "was shown" is to form the passive voice of the verb 'show'. It indicates that the subject of the sentence received the action of being shown, rather than performing it. Ludwig AI confirms this usage with numerous examples of the phrase in context.
Frequent in
News & Media
54%
Science
38%
Wiki
5%
Less common in
Formal & Business
3%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "was shown" is a very common and grammatically correct passive verb phrase used to indicate that something was displayed or revealed. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently in news, scientific, and formal contexts. While alternatives like "was displayed" or "was presented" exist, the choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to avoid the incorrect form 'was showed' and ensure your sentence structure is clear when using this phrase.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
was displayed
This alternative focuses on the visual aspect of presenting something.
was presented
This alternative emphasizes the act of formally introducing or offering something.
was revealed
This alternative highlights the act of uncovering something previously hidden.
was demonstrated
This alternative stresses the act of proving or illustrating something.
was exhibited
This alternative suggests a formal showcasing, often in a gallery or museum setting.
was illustrated
This alternative indicates that something was clarified through examples or visuals.
was indicated
This alternative signifies that something was pointed out or suggested.
was manifested
This alternative implies that something became apparent or visible.
was unveiled
This alternative is used when something is formally revealed or made public.
was exposed
This alternative suggests that something was revealed, often with a negative connotation.
FAQs
How can I use "was shown" in a sentence?
"Was shown" indicates that something was displayed or revealed. For example, "The presentation "was shown" to the board members".
What are some alternatives to using "was shown"?
Alternatives include "was displayed", "was presented", or "was revealed", depending on the specific context.
Is there a difference between "was shown" and "was displayed"?
While similar, "was shown" implies a directed action of presenting something, whereas "was displayed" suggests a more general visibility. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the act of showing or the state of being visible.
When is it appropriate to use "was shown" in formal writing?
"Was shown" is suitable for formal writing when describing how information or results were presented or made available. Ensure the sentence structure is clear and the context supports the passive voice.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
83%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested