was well received

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was well received" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe that something was favorably accepted or appreciated. For example: The presentation was well received by the audience at the conference.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Poplavskaya was well received.

The New Yorker

And it was well received.

The New York Times

His speech was well received.

The Economist

Otherwise, however, Hollande was well received.

The New York Times

It was well received by critics.

The New York Times - Sports

Bretz's paper was well received.

University of Chicago

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

"He was well-received.

The Guardian

Mr. Obama was well-received.

The New York Times

The strategy was well-received.

The Guardian

The announcement was well-received.

The Guardian

Kim's talk was well-received.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "was well received" to objectively describe how something was perceived by an audience or critics, ensuring your assessment is supported by evidence or general consensus.

Common error

Avoid using "was well received" based solely on personal opinion. Ensure there's broader agreement or factual backing to support the claim.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was well received" functions as a passive construction indicating that a subject experienced a positive reception. As shown by Ludwig, the phrase is used to describe the positive reception of speeches, papers, films, and performances.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

45%

News & Media

40%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "was well received" is a common and grammatically correct way to describe a positive reception to something. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase effectively conveys approval across diverse contexts, from news reports to academic analyses. It's crucial to ensure that its usage is grounded in objective evidence, avoiding exaggeration based solely on personal opinions. Semantically similar alternatives include "met with approval" or "garnered a positive response", offering nuanced ways to express positive reception. While broadly applicable, understanding the context ensures precise and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was favorably received

Substitutes 'well' with 'favorably', adding a slightly more formal tone.

met with approval

Replaces the general term 'received' with a more specific term indicating positive feelings.

garnered a positive response

Focuses on the type of reaction elicited, emphasizing its positivity.

was welcomed with enthusiasm

Emphasizes the degree of positive reception, indicating excitement.

was greeted warmly

Uses a more descriptive verb to indicate a positive welcome.

was embraced

Suggests a strong and affectionate positive response.

was applauded

Highlights active approval and praise.

was lauded

Implies high praise and commendation.

found acceptance

Shifts the focus to the 'acceptance' itself, rather than the act of receiving.

resonated positively

Indicates a deep, favorable connection or impact.

FAQs

How can I use "was well received" in a sentence?

You can use "was well received" to indicate that something was met with approval or positive feedback. For example, "The new policy was well received by the employees".

What are some alternatives to "was well received"?

Alternatives include "was favorably received", "met with approval", or "garnered a positive response" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "was well received" in formal writing?

Yes, "was well received" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a neutral and objective way to describe a positive reaction.

What does it mean when something "was well received"?

It means that something was met with approval, satisfaction, or positive feedback from an audience or critics.