what was written

USAGE SUMMARY

"what was written" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that has been previously recorded or documented - such as a book, article, or speech. For example, "I wasn't sure what to do, so I followed what was written in the manual."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What was written was not loving.

The New York Times

"What was written was inaccurate and unfair.

The Guardian - Sport

Much of what was written in the novel was prescient.

The New York Times

"I was very much bothered by what was written.

The New York Times

It's possible that much of what was written was destroyed.

The New Yorker

That is what was written on Leon's death certificate.

The Washington Post

I don't even have words for what was written then.

The New York Times - Style

When I looked at it and saw what was written I was so shocked.

Independent

I'm not endorsing what was written there, nor have I said so.

The Economist

Mr. Naftalis declined to comment beyond what was written in the letter.

The New York Times

I came from a show where dialogue was, what was written is what you say.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what was written" when you want to emphasize the content or message of a text, rather than the act of writing itself.

Common error

Avoid using "what was written" when you actually need to emphasize the process of writing or the author's intent. In such cases, phrases like "the author's words" or "the writing process" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what was written" functions as a noun phrase, specifically acting as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to the content or information that has been previously recorded in writing. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "what was written" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that functions as a noun phrase. It is used to refer to previously recorded information in a neutral to formal tone. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical correctness and widespread use make it a reliable choice for referencing written content. Its prevalence in news, scientific, and academic sources highlights its versatility and appropriateness in diverse contexts. When choosing to use this phrase, ensure that the emphasis is on the content of the writing itself, rather than the process of writing. Alternatives like "the content of the writing" or "the information recorded" can be used to subtly shift the emphasis or maintain variety in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the content of the writing

Focuses on the substance of the written material rather than the act of writing.

the text that was composed

Replaces "written" with "composed", emphasizing the creative aspect of writing.

the words that were inscribed

Emphasizes the act of inscribing or permanently marking text.

the material that was documented

Shifts the focus to documentation, suitable for formal contexts.

the information recorded

Highlights the informational aspect of the writing.

the message conveyed in writing

Focuses on the communication aspect of the written text.

the documented information

Shortens the phrase while retaining the core meaning of recorded information.

the script that was created

Uses "script" to specify the written form, implying a set of instructions or dialogue.

the inscription found

Refers to text that is physically inscribed or engraved.

the recorded data

Suited for technical or scientific contexts where data is being referred to.

FAQs

How can I use "what was written" in a sentence?

You can use "what was written" to refer to the content of a document, such as in the sentence, "I disagree with "what was written" in that article".

What's a good alternative to "what was written"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "the "text that was composed"", "the "information recorded"", or "the "content of the writing"".

Is it correct to say "that what was written"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct, although it might sound slightly redundant. Consider whether you can streamline the sentence for better clarity.

What's the difference between "what was written" and "what is written"?

"What was written" refers to something that has already been recorded in the past, while "what is written" refers to something currently recorded or generally known.