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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
was subtracted
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "was subtracted" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in mathematical or analytical contexts to indicate that a quantity has been taken away from another quantity. Example: "The total amount was calculated after 50 was subtracted from the initial sum."
✓ Grammatically correct
Science
News & Media
Formal & Business
Alternative expressions(20)
has been transported
has been fitted
has been announced
has been eradicated
has been redeployed
has been analyzed
has been executed
has been substantiated
was carried out
was discounted
was reduced
received inpatient care
has been covered
has been shared
was accommodated
was deducted
was removed
has been carried out
has been reintegrated
has been abdicated
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
60 human-written examples
(And then the adjuster's fee was subtracted).
News & Media
20% VAT was subtracted.
Science
The five-quiet-day baseline was subtracted for each observatory.
Science
Subsequently the ash content was subtracted to obtain VSS concentration.
Science
Random neutrophil transmigration was subtracted from the CXCL1-treated chambers.
Science
A magnetospheric field model was subtracted from the data.
Science
Linear leakage was subtracted using P/4 protocol.
Science
The value for nonspecific absorption at 600 nm was subtracted.
Science
Signal of blank tray filled with LN2 was subtracted.
Science
The contribution of the intrinsic autofluorescence of bacteria was subtracted.
Science
The background spectrum was subtracted from the sample spectrum.
Science
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When using "was subtracted" in scientific writing, ensure the context clearly indicates what is being subtracted from what, maintaining precision and clarity.
Common error
Avoid ambiguity by clearly stating both the minuend (the number being subtracted from) and the subtrahend (the number being subtracted). For instance, instead of "The value was subtracted", specify "The background value was subtracted from the signal intensity".
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "was subtracted" functions as a passive voice construction, where the action of subtracting is performed on the subject. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. For example, "Background luminescence was subtracted from all samples".
Frequent in
Science
90%
News & Media
5%
Formal & Business
5%
Less common in
Encyclopedias
0%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, the phrase "was subtracted" is a grammatically sound and very common construction used to describe the action of removing a quantity from another. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is most frequently encountered in scientific and technical contexts. When using this phrase, clarity is key: ensure that both the minuend and subtrahend are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. While alternatives like "was deducted" or "was removed" exist, "was subtracted" maintains a neutral tone suitable for a wide range of analytical writing. Therefore, understanding the context and the specific nuances of each related term is important to choose the most efficient option to communicate the intent.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
was deducted
Replaces "subtracted" with "deducted", implying a formal or accounting context.
was removed
Uses a more general term, "removed", indicating the taking away of something without specifying the mathematical operation.
was taken away
Emphasizes the action of taking something away, suitable for less formal contexts.
was decreased by
Highlights the resulting decrease, useful when emphasizing the change in quantity.
was reduced by
Similar to "was decreased by", but slightly more versatile in application.
was diminished by
Implies a lessening or reduction, often used when referring to qualities or abstract concepts.
was lessened
A more concise way of saying "was diminished", indicating a reduction in size, amount, or degree.
was discounted
Suggests a reduction in value or importance, common in financial or evaluative contexts.
was offset by
Indicates a counterbalancing effect, where one quantity reduces another.
was negated by
Implies complete cancellation or nullification, used when the subtraction results in zero or an opposite effect.
FAQs
How to use "was subtracted" in a sentence?
You can use "was subtracted" to indicate that a quantity has been taken away from another, such as, "The initial cost "was subtracted" from the total revenue to calculate the profit."
What can I say instead of "was subtracted"?
You can use alternatives like "was deducted", "was removed", or "was taken away" depending on the context.
Which is correct, "was subtracted from" or "was subtracted to"?
"Was subtracted from" is the correct phrasing. For example, "The tax "was subtracted from" the total amount". Using "to" would be grammatically incorrect.
What's the difference between "was subtracted" and "was deducted"?
While both imply taking away a quantity, "was subtracted" is more general, while "was deducted" often implies a formal or accounting context, like deducting expenses or taxes.
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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
85%
Authority and reliability
4.5/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested