Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
was updated
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE 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
Alternative expressions(20)
was updating
is scheduled
is undergoing updates
is being categorized
is under preparation
is being conserved
is being discovered
was discounted
is being achieved
is seeing changes
is being guarded
was maintained
was corrected
is confined
is being launched
is being planned
is being constructed
is in the making
is currently being updated
is being upheld
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
It was updated accordingly.
News & Media
The article was updated.
News & Media
It was updated May 24.
News & Media
It was updated March 21.
News & Media
The article was updated on March 3rd.
News & Media
This post was updated at 10 P.M.
News & Media
This post was updated on Sept. 10.
News & Media
The appropriate draft document was updated immediately.
News & Media
This post was updated on May 27.
Academia
This article was updated 1/7/2015.
Academia
It was updated on 26 March 2001.
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.
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.
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.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
has been updated
Shifts the tense to present perfect, emphasizing the ongoing relevance of the update.
was brought up to date
Emphasizes the act of making something current or modern.
was revised
Replaces "updated" with a synonym that suggests a more thorough review and alteration.
was amended
Suggests that specific corrections or additions were made to the original content.
was modified
Indicates a change or alteration, without necessarily implying improvement or increased accuracy.
was corrected
Focuses specifically on the removal of errors or inaccuracies.
was improved
Implies that changes were made to enhance the quality or functionality.
was refreshed
Suggests a revitalization or renewal, often implying a modernization of the content.
was adapted
Highlights that something has been changed to be suitable for a different purpose or condition.
was adjusted
Indicates that minor changes were made to achieve a desired outcome.
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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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
86%
Authority and reliability
4.6/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested