was smothered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was smothered" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where something or someone is covered or suffocated by another substance or entity, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The cake was smothered in chocolate frosting, making it a decadent treat."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

General Usage

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

I was smothered by fur and ashamed.

The New Yorker

His shot was smothered low, to the goalkeeper's right.

The New York Times - Sports

Every Stravinskian savagery was smothered in Romantic bliss.

The New York Times - Arts

He succeeded because he was smothered in charisma.

The Guardian - Music

In the past, it was smothered by luxury".

The New York Times

Republican Spain was smothered "by the poisonous tendrils of Stalinism".

The Guardian - Books

Bent was clean through when his shot was smothered by Swiss goalkeeper Diego Benaglio.

Independent

The traditional emergence of snowdrops was smothered somewhat by last week's snow.

Independent

He was smothered with some of the most flattering media coverage a candidate has ever got.

The Economist

In the 104th minute, Robbie Kruse's header was smothered by Japan goalkeeper Eiji Kawashima.

The New York Times - Sports

Duck leg confit, also wood-roasted, was smothered in a rich Bing cherry and walnut conserve.

The New York Times - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was smothered" in a metaphorical sense, ensure the context clearly indicates what is being overwhelmed or suppressed. This helps to avoid ambiguity and strengthens the impact of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "was smothered" when a milder term like "covered" or "affected" would be more appropriate. "Was smothered" implies a significant degree of being overwhelmed or suppressed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was smothered" functions as the passive voice of the verb "smother". It indicates that the subject received the action of being covered, suppressed, or overwhelmed. Ludwig AI identifies this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was smothered" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe a state of being overwhelmed, covered, or suppressed. Ludwig AI analysis confirms that it appears in various contexts, ranging from news reports to general descriptive writing. While versatile, it's important to consider the intensity of the phrase and ensure it aligns with the intended meaning. Alternatives such as "was overwhelmed" or "was suppressed" may be more appropriate in certain contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was suffocated

A direct synonym focusing on the lack of air, often used in more literal contexts.

was stifled

Similar to smothered, but often used to describe the suppression of creativity or ideas.

was overwhelmed

Focuses on the emotional or mental impact of being overpowered, differing from the physical implication of "was smothered".

was suppressed

Emphasizes the act of being restrained or prevented from expression or development, rather than physical suffocation.

was buried

Implies being concealed or hidden under something, shifting the emphasis from suffocation to concealment.

was inundated

Highlights being flooded or overwhelmed with a large quantity of something, changing the context from suffocation to abundance.

was covered

Focuses on the act of having something spread over it, lacking the sense of suffocation or suppression.

was masked

Suggests that something was hidden or obscured, rather than completely suppressed.

was concealed

Indicates being hidden or kept secret, differing from the act of smothering.

was steeped in

Conveys the idea of being immersed or saturated in something, like tradition or culture.

FAQs

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

The phrase "was smothered" is used to describe something that is covered, suppressed, or overwhelmed by something else. For example: "The Republican Spain "was smothered" by the poisonous tendrils of Stalinism."

What can I say instead of "was smothered"?

Alternatives to "was smothered" include "was overwhelmed", "was suppressed", or "was covered", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

"Was smothered" is the past passive form, while "smothered" can be the past simple or past participle. The choice depends on the sentence structure and the intended meaning. "The baby "was smothered", the police said, adding that they had not determined a motive" is an example of correct usage.

What's the difference between "was smothered" and "was stifled"?

While both imply suppression, "was smothered" often refers to physical covering or overwhelming, whereas "was stifled" typically refers to the suppression of ideas, creativity, or emotions. For example: Republican Spain "was smothered" by the poisonous tendrils of Stalinism; Innovation "was stifled" by bureaucracy.