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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak

CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com

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was updated

Grammar usage guide and real-world examples

USAGE SUMMARY

"was updated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you need to describe a process in which something was changed to a newer version. For example: "The software was updated to the newest version last week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was updated accordingly.

The article was updated.

News & Media

The Guardian

It was updated May 24.

It was updated March 21.

The article was updated on March 3rd.

News & Media

The Economist

This post was updated at 10 P.M.

News & Media

The New Yorker

This post was updated on Sept. 10.

News & Media

The New York Times

The appropriate draft document was updated immediately.

News & Media

The Economist

This post was updated on May 27.

This article was updated 1/7/2015.

It was updated on 26 March 2001.

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Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was updated", specify the date or version number to provide context about the recency of the update.

Common error

Avoid using "was updated" without indicating what specifically was changed or why the update was necessary. Providing details ensures clarity and prevents confusion.

Antonio Rotolo, PhD - Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Antonio Rotolo, PhD

Digital Humanist | Computational Linguist | CEO @Ludwig.guru

Source & Trust

86%

Authority and reliability

4.6/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was updated" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that a subject has undergone a modification to bring it to a more current or accurate state. This usage is confirmed by Ludwig, which highlights its prevalence across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Academia

19%

Science

19%

Less common in

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was updated" is a common and grammatically correct passive voice phrase used to indicate that something has been modified to a more current state. Ludwig confirms its widespread use in various contexts, particularly in news, academic, and scientific domains. When using this phrase, consider specifying the date or version number and the nature of the update for enhanced clarity. Alternatives like "was revised", "was amended", or "was modified" can be used to add variety. The phrase serves to inform and assure the audience of accuracy and relevance.

FAQs

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

You can use "was updated" to indicate that something has been modified or brought to a more current state. For example, "The software "was updated" to the latest version."

What are some alternatives to saying "was updated"?

Alternatives include "was revised", "was amended", or "was modified", depending on the specific context and the type of change made.

Is it always necessary to specify what "was updated"?

While not always required, specifying what "was updated" provides clarity and context, especially when the nature of the update is significant.

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

"Was updated" indicates a past action, while "is updated" suggests an ongoing or habitual action. Choose the tense that accurately reflects when the update occurred or occurs.

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Source & Trust

86%

Authority and reliability

4.6/5

Expert rating

Real-world application tested

Most frequent sentences: