went passive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "went passive" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where someone or something has become less active or engaged, often in a context related to behavior or communication. Example: "After the initial excitement, the team went passive and stopped contributing ideas during meetings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Murray went passive again and Verdasco is two points from the set.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

He decided to go passive, selecting a trump.

The New York Times

So go passive, right?

Forbes

Going passive with half your stock market assets would save you $4,100 a year.

Forbes

We need men to be with us, and for us, as warriors for greater good -- we do not need men who use strength in abusive ways nor do we need men who have gone passive.

Huffington Post

But when your story goes passive, I mean, when it's changed on you, that's a different condition: What happens to you when you are no longer the agent of your story?

Vice

She seemed laid-back yet direct; someone who wouldn't go passive-aggressive about the occasional dirty dish in the sink.

The New Yorker

If I encounter a difficulty, or if I look at the material reality that surrounds us in America, it's easy and weirdly soothing to embrace sadness, to go passive-nihilistic-depressive".

The New Yorker

If you decide to speak up, try, "You know that handicap stickers don't transfer with vehicles, right?" Or go passive-aggressive: "I'm sorry to see your new handicap sticker.

The New York Times

Mr. Lieberman did not flash the dirk as often as Gore aides preferred, and he went curiously passive in Florida, when the election hung in the balance.

The New York Times

Since regular aggression leads to assault charges, I went with passive aggression.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "went passive" to describe a clear transition from an active or engaged state to a state of inactivity or reduced involvement. It implies a change in behavior or condition.

Common error

Avoid using "went passive" when describing something that was never active to begin with. The phrase implies a change, so it's unsuitable for inherently inactive subjects.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "went passive" functions as a verb phrase, indicating a change of state. It describes a transition from an active or engaged condition to a passive or inactive one. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "went passive" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase to describe a transition from an active to an inactive state. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts, indicating a neutral register. When using this phrase, ensure that the subject was indeed active beforehand. Alternatives like "became inactive" or "turned quiescent" can be considered depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. The phrase serves to show a change, and is versatile enough to be used in various writing styles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became inactive

Emphasizes a state of inactivity, losing the nuance of a prior active state.

adopted a passive role

Highlights the conscious or unconscious decision to assume a less active part.

turned quiescent

Indicates a shift to a state of quietness or inactivity, often in a scientific or technical context.

stopped engaging

Emphasizes the cessation of active involvement or participation.

became disengaged

Highlights a detachment or withdrawal from active participation.

relapsed into passivity

Signifies a return to a passive state after a period of activity.

grew apathetic

Highlights a loss of interest or enthusiasm, leading to a passive state.

became subdued

Suggests a reduction in energy or intensity, resulting in a more passive demeanor.

lost initiative

Focuses on the absence of proactive behavior, suggesting a failure to take action.

fell silent

Focuses on a lack of verbal or communicative activity, indicating a form of passivity.

FAQs

How can I use "went passive" in a sentence?

You can use "went passive" to describe a situation where someone or something transitioned from being active to inactive. For example, "After the initial excitement, the team "went passive" and stopped contributing ideas during meetings".

What can I say instead of "went passive"?

You can use alternatives like "became inactive", "turned quiescent", or "grew apathetic" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "went passive" or "became passive"?

Both ""went passive"" and "became passive" are grammatically correct and can be used interchangeably in many contexts. The choice depends on stylistic preference.

What's the difference between "went passive" and "became passive"?

"Went passive" implies a more immediate or noticeable change, while "became passive" can suggest a more gradual shift. However, the difference is often subtle and context-dependent.