was suggested

USAGE SUMMARY

"was suggested" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe the action of someone offering a suggestion. For example: "The idea of using a different font for the invitation was suggested at the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Here's what was suggested.

The Guardian

Harold Pinter was suggested as the perfect choice.

Independent

This was suggested by Marty in Dallas.

The New York Times

I was suggested this as being "me".

The Guardian - Music

This project was suggested by @cassidymark.Thanks Mark.

The Guardian - Arts

At any rate, no therapy was suggested.

The New Yorker

It's not, as was suggested, Usain Bolt.

The Guardian - Sport

"It was suggested by the N.Y.P.D".

The New York Times

Lack of awareness was suggested as a likely cause.

The Guardian

This place was suggested to us by @RossalynWarren.

The Guardian - Travel

The proposal was suggested last month in a consultation paper.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was suggested" in contexts where the source of the suggestion is unknown, unimportant, or needs to be de-emphasized. This passive voice construction is useful in formal reports, meeting minutes, or academic writing where objectivity is key.

Common error

While "was suggested" is grammatically correct, avoid overusing passive voice constructions in your writing. Excessive use can make your writing sound weak and indirect. Consider using active voice when the actor is known and relevant to the message. For example, instead of "It was suggested by the team leader," try "The team leader suggested it."

Linguistic Context

"Was suggested" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that a suggestion was made without explicitly stating who made it. As Ludwig AI explains, its grammatical correctness is corroborated by ample examples across diverse written sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

36%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was suggested" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive voice construction. It is best employed when the source of the suggestion is unknown, unimportant, or when aiming for an objective tone. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's commonly found in scientific, news, and formal business contexts. While versatile, avoid overuse to maintain writing strength. Consider active voice alternatives when appropriate. By understanding its nuances and usage patterns, you can effectively integrate "was suggested" into your writing for clarity and impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was proposed

Indicates a formal presentation of an idea or plan for consideration, emphasizing the act of putting forward a proposal.

it was recommended

Focuses on the endorsement or support of an idea or action, suggesting that it is a good or suitable choice.

it was advised

Implies a more cautionary or guiding tone, often suggesting a course of action based on expertise or knowledge.

it was put forward

Highlights the act of presenting an idea for consideration, often in a formal or official setting.

it was hinted at

Indicates a subtle or indirect suggestion, implying that the idea was not explicitly stated.

it was implied

Focuses on the indirect communication of an idea, where the meaning is understood without being directly expressed.

the idea emerged

Emphasizes the spontaneous appearance of an idea, often from a discussion or brainstorming session.

the thought arose

Highlights the sudden occurrence of an idea in someone's mind.

someone mentioned

Indicates a casual introduction of an idea, often without a strong endorsement or recommendation.

a possibility considered

Focuses on the evaluation of an idea as one of several options, without necessarily implying a decision.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "was suggested" to sound more active?

To use a more active voice, try phrases like "someone suggested", "they suggested", or "the committee suggested". The specific phrase depends on who made the suggestion.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when using "was suggested"?

Using active or passive voice depends on the context. Passive voice, like in "was suggested", is appropriate when the actor is unknown or unimportant. Active voice is better when you want to emphasize who made the suggestion, as in "the expert "recommended"".

What's the difference between "was suggested" and "was proposed"?

"Was suggested" implies a general recommendation or idea, while "was proposed" indicates a more formal presentation of a plan or course of action. A suggestion might be informal, while a proposal is usually more structured and detailed.

Are there synonyms for "was suggested" that maintain a formal tone?

Yes, formal synonyms include "was recommended", "was advised", and "was put forward". These alternatives are suitable for academic, business, or official writing.