was spied

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was spied" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone was observed secretly or without their knowledge, typically in contexts involving surveillance or espionage. Example: "During the meeting, it was revealed that he was spied on by a rival company."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I was spied on by an employee.

The New York Times - Travel

If one was spied, it was routinely killed by ranchers.

The New York Times - Science

She was spied on, pressured, and, eventually, arrested.

The New Yorker

She was spied not long ago shopping on Madison Avenue.

The New York Times

On one afternoon, he was spied climbing the hill toward the Palace of Justice.

The New York Times

The Guardian today reveals that Ashton was spied on by MI5 in the late 1970s.

The Guardian

But strong winds blew the material out, and a male bluebird was spied stealing some.

The New York Times - Tech

He was spied slipping out to the street just as it got under way.

The New York Times

He was spied on and interrogated by officials when he went to pick his grandmother up from a London airport.

Independent

Katie got a duplicate key cut for Paul's room – and was spied on by the creepy hotel owner (I presume).

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Button thin Jenson Button was spied dining at the championships yesterday dining before Rafael Nadal's final with Tomas Berdych.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was spied", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what was doing the spying. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity. For example, "The activist was spied on by government agents."

Common error

Avoid using "was spied" when a more general term like "observed" or "watched" is more appropriate. "Was spied" implies a clandestine or secretive observation, so ensure the situation warrants this specific connotation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was spied" functions as a passive verb construction, indicating that the subject of the sentence was the recipient of the action of spying. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Examples show its use in describing situations where individuals or entities were secretly observed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Wiki

2%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was spied" is a grammatically sound passive construction used to indicate that someone or something was secretly observed. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, this phrase conveys a sense of intrigue and clandestine activity. While alternatives like "was observed" or "was under surveillance" exist, "was spied" specifically highlights the covert nature of the observation. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the entity doing the spying and recognize its implication of secretive intent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was secretly observed

Emphasizes the clandestine nature of the observation; it highlights the secrecy involved in being watched.

was secretly monitored

Similar to "was secretly observed", but highlights the use of technology or other means to keep track of someone.

was under surveillance

Focuses on the act of being monitored systematically, typically by an authority or organization.

was kept under observation

Implies a more formal or clinical observation, often for a specific purpose.

was being watched

A more general way of saying someone was observed, without specifying the means or intent.

was kept in view

Emphasizes the act of maintaining visual contact, often with the purpose of monitoring.

was detected

Focuses on the act of being noticed or discovered, often unintentionally.

was trailed

Highlights the act of following someone secretly, often in a physical sense.

had been surveyed

Highlights a detailed examination or investigation, often involving data collection.

was kept tabs on

An informal way of saying someone was monitored, often with the implication of control.

FAQs

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

Use "was spied" to indicate that someone or something was secretly watched or observed. For example, "The suspect "was spied" meeting with an informant."

What are some alternatives to "was spied"?

Alternatives include "was observed", "was watched", or "was under surveillance", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "was spied on"?

Yes, "was spied on" is a grammatically correct and common way to express that someone was secretly watched or monitored. For instance, "He "was spied on" by a rival company".

What's the difference between "was spied" and "was observed"?

"Was spied" implies a covert or secret observation, often with malicious intent, whereas "was observed" is a more neutral term that simply means someone was watched. Using "was spied" suggests there was an element of secrecy or intrigue.