was unlocked

USAGE SUMMARY

"was unlocked" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to express that something was opened or made accessible. For example: "The door was unlocked, so we were able to enter the building."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Since the first time Apple's iPhone was unlocked there has been a thriving market internationally for unlocked iPhones.

TechCrunch

It was unlocked.

The New York Times

The door was unlocked.

The New York Times

Poetry was unlocked by reverence.

The New Yorker

But the second door was unlocked.

The New York Times

In that case, someone would make sure it was unlocked.

The New York Times - Magazine

Finally the door was unlocked and LaMotta went inside to his dressing room.

The New York Times - Sports

"The door was unlocked" but was shut when the driver arrived, Mr. Browne said.

The New York Times

As the line swelled behind them, the building was unlocked three hours after the women arrived.

The New York Times

Witnesses said people began jumping out of windows before the gate was unlocked.

The New York Times

Insuring that the van door was unlocked was clearly indicated on the pre-mission matrix.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was unlocked" to describe abstract concepts like mysteries or potential, ensure that the analogy is clear and appropriate for your audience.

Common error

Avoid using "was unlocked" without a clear understanding of passive voice. Ensure the subject receiving the action is evident, either explicitly stated or implied by the context. For example, instead of just writing "The potential was unlocked", specify what unlocked it such as "The research was unlocked by the new data".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was unlocked" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that a subject received the action of being unlocked. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in written English. It specifies that something previously secured is now accessible.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

28%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

7%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was unlocked" is a common and grammatically sound passive construction used to indicate that something previously secured is now open or accessible. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for various contexts, particularly in news and media, science, and general writing. When using "was unlocked", ensure clarity by specifying what or who performed the unlocking action. Consider alternatives like "became accessible" or "was opened" for subtle variations in meaning. Avoid using it without a clear subject, and be mindful of its metaphorical applications to maintain clarity and relevance. With its frequent use in authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, mastering this phrase will strengthen your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was made accessible

Highlights the action of making something accessible, using a passive voice.

became accessible

Focuses on the result of unlocking, emphasizing accessibility rather than the action itself.

was opened

A more direct and active way of saying something was no longer locked.

became open

Emphasizes the state of being open, often implying a physical unlocking.

became available

Focuses on the availability of something after being unlocked.

was freed

Suggests a release from constraint or confinement, rather than just a physical lock.

was released

Implies a broader sense of liberation or making something available.

was unlatched

Specifically refers to the opening of a latch, a type of fastener.

was deactivated

Indicates that a locking mechanism or security feature was disabled.

yielded

Suggests the unlocking was forced or resisted, and then gave way.

FAQs

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

The phrase "was unlocked" is used to indicate that something that was previously locked or inaccessible has been opened or made accessible. For instance, "The door "was unlocked" with a key", or "Her potential "was unlocked" through education".

What are some alternatives to "was unlocked"?

You can use alternatives like "became accessible", "was made accessible", or "was opened" depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "the mystery was unlocked"?

Yes, it's correct to say "the mystery "was unlocked"". This is a metaphorical use of the phrase, meaning the mystery was solved or revealed. It's similar to saying the secrets "were revealed".

What's the difference between "was unlocked" and "became unlocked"?

"Was unlocked" implies a completed action of unlocking, while "became unlocked" suggests a process or transition into the state of being unlocked. The difference is subtle, but "was unlocked" focuses on the result, and "became unlocked" focuses on the change of state.