was used

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was used" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that has been done in the past. For example, "Cheesecloth was used to strain the soup."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Live ammunition was used.

The Economist

No weapon was used.

The New York Times

tire pressure was used.

The New York Times - Magazine

"But I was used.

The New York Times

This was used improperly".

The New York Times

Which budget was used?

The Guardian - Opinion

Everything was used.

The New York Times

Ultimately, gaseous diffusion was used.

The New York Times

Tells how lace was used.

The New Yorker

She was used to him.

The New Yorker

He was used to responsibility.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was used", ensure that the subject performing the action is either unknown or less important than the object being acted upon. This emphasizes the object's role or characteristic.

Common error

Avoid excessive use of "was used" as it can make your writing sound indirect and weaken the impact. Try restructuring sentences to use the active voice for a more engaging style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was used" functions as a passive verb construction, indicating that the subject of the sentence received the action, rather than performing it. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and serves to shift focus from the actor to the object or result of the action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

47%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was used" is a grammatically correct and very common passive verb phrase, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. It effectively conveys that something received an action, placing emphasis on the object or result rather than the actor. It is frequently found in news, media, and scientific contexts, maintaining a neutral to formal register. While a useful construction, overusing "was used" can lead to less engaging writing, so diversifying sentence structures and employing active voice where appropriate is advisable. For alternatives, consider options like "has been utilized" or "was employed" to fine-tune the tone and focus of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was applied

Stresses the action of bringing something into contact with something else for a particular effect.

was employed

Highlights the act of putting something into service or using it for a specific purpose.

saw use

Indicates that something experienced a period of utilization, often in the past.

has been utilized

Emphasizes a more formal or technical sense of usage, often in scientific or academic contexts.

was implemented

Focuses on the practical execution or application of a plan, system, or method.

has been adopted

Highlights the acceptance and integration of something into a practice or system.

was leveraged

Suggests using something to maximum advantage, often in a business or strategic context.

was operated

Focuses on the process of controlling or using machinery or equipment.

was consumed

Highlights the depletion or using up of a resource.

was administered

Implies a controlled or formal application, often in medical or bureaucratic contexts.

FAQs

How do I construct a sentence using "was used" correctly?

Ensure the sentence follows a passive voice structure, where the subject receives the action. For example, "The tool "was used" to open the lock."

What are some formal alternatives to "was used"?

In formal writing, consider alternatives such as "has been utilized", "was employed", or "was implemented" to add a more sophisticated tone.

Is it better to use the active or passive voice with "was used"?

While "was used" is grammatically correct, active voice often creates clearer and more direct sentences. However, passive voice is appropriate when the actor is unknown or the object is more important. For instance, instead of "The scientist "was used" the microscope", use "The scientist used the microscope".

How can I avoid overusing "was used" in my writing?

Vary your sentence structure by using active voice where appropriate and exploring synonyms like "applied", "utilized", or "employed". Also, consider rephrasing sentences to emphasize the action rather than the object receiving it.