was withheld

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was withheld" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to information, documents, or items that have been kept back or not disclosed. Example: "The evidence was withheld during the trial, raising questions about the fairness of the proceedings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

His hometown was withheld.

The New York Times

His name was withheld.

The New York Times

Sometimes even that meager credit was withheld.

The New York Times

But Kissin's name was withheld.

The Guardian

If that evidence was withheld.

The Guardian - Sport

His name was withheld for his protection.

The New York Times

Ominously, the film was withheld from reviewers.

The Guardian - Film

It was withheld at his trial.

The Guardian

Nothing was withheld from his winner's check.

The New York Times

In 1999, however, the bonus was withheld.

The New York Times

The spokesman's full name was withheld to protect his family.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was withheld", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is doing the withholding and what is being withheld for maximum clarity.

Common error

Avoid overuse of passive voice with "was withheld", as it can obscure responsibility. Consider rephrasing to an active voice for a more direct and impactful statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was withheld" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that something (information, evidence, etc.) was kept back or not revealed. Ludwig provides numerous examples where this phrase is used in various contexts to convey this meaning.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

48%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "was withheld" is a grammatically sound and commonly used passive verb phrase that indicates something was kept back or not revealed. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous real-world examples across various contexts, particularly in news and scientific reporting. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure the context is clear about what is being withheld and who is doing the withholding. Alternatives like "was not disclosed" or "was kept secret" can be used depending on the specific nuance desired. Be mindful of overusing the passive voice and consider active constructions for a more direct impact. Overall, "was withheld" is a valuable phrase for conveying the idea of something being intentionally kept back.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was not disclosed

Focuses on the act of not revealing information.

was not revealed

Similar to 'was not disclosed' but slightly more formal.

was kept secret

Emphasizes the confidentiality aspect.

remained undisclosed

Highlights the continuing state of non-disclosure.

was suppressed

Suggests an active effort to prevent information from becoming known.

was concealed

Highlights the act of hiding something.

was unrevealed

A more literary or formal way of saying 'was not revealed'.

was held back

Implies a temporary withholding, rather than a permanent one.

was kept from

Emphasizes the act of preventing someone from accessing something.

was kept under wraps

An idiomatic expression emphasizing secrecy.

FAQs

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

Use "was withheld" to indicate that something, like information or an item, was deliberately kept back or not disclosed. For example, "The document "was withheld" from the public."

What are some alternatives to saying "was withheld"?

You can use alternatives like "was not disclosed", "was kept secret", or "was suppressed" depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use "was withheld" or "was not disclosed"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but ""was withheld"" implies a deliberate action of holding something back, while "was not disclosed" simply means it wasn't revealed. Choose the phrase that best fits the intended meaning.

What is the difference between "was withheld" and "was concealed"?

"Was concealed" suggests an active effort to hide something, whereas ""was withheld"" indicates that something was kept back, without necessarily implying a hiding action. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the act of hiding.