wrought

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "wrought" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to mean "to cause something to happen or be done; to bring about," or to describe something made or done with care and skill. For example: "The invention of the printing press wrought a dramatic transformation of communication in Europe."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

According to a story passed down for generations, a Dane was caught hiding in the cathedral after a raid and, as retribution for the destruction wrought by his countrymen, was flayed alive.

The Guardian - Travel

The devastation wrought by the impact almost certainly explains the sudden death of the land-based dinosaurs, according to fresh analysis of the latest data.

The Guardian

Although roughly three quarters of all science fiction is a dire warning of the destruction that will be wrought upon humanity by our own nut-nutted creations, humans continue to make the robot servant a reality.

The Guardian - Film

The artist made a film to go alongside the works, documenting the devastation wrought by Israeli militia and bombing campaigns.

The Guardian - Arts

I am still in awe of the Edinburgh Book festival, even after all these years, because without losing any of its intimacy, without seeming too commercial or, I might say, "over organised" it has grown and grown and is the biggest, best-known celebration of books in the world, and yet it still fits within the wrought iron fencing.

The Guardian - Books

The two are not even a third of the way through a multimillion pound, 10-year stretch wrought solely for the twisted pleasure of gawping visitors stupid enough to swallow the fiction that they are somehow assisting in the conservation of these poor beasts and their kind.

The Guardian - Opinion

Even after the international ridicule his St Patrick's day video wrought, he couldn't help himself.

The Guardian - Opinion

Hearts hung lower when they heard that a minor earthquake had wrought further damage on their country.

The Guardian - Sport

But there is no doubt the atmospheric nuclear testing programme wrought a terrible toll on many families.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

On the way we stop to inspect a solitary bunch of flowers, its Cellophane wrapping tied to a wrought-iron railing, a withering memorial to a wicked act.

The Guardian

Its 24 colourful rooms (£66 B&B) with chandeliers, parquet floor and beautiful quilts, take up the fifth-floor of an apartment block in downtown Cairo and, along with decadent salons and a dining room, are accessed by an old wrought-iron lift.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wrought" to add a touch of formality and historical depth to your writing, particularly when describing significant changes or results.

Common error

Avoid using "wrought" in casual or informal contexts. Its formal tone can sound out of place in everyday conversation or writing.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "wrought" is as the past participle and past tense of the verb "work", often used to describe something that has been shaped, created, or brought about, particularly something involving significant effort or transformation. Ludwig AI confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Formal & Business

28%

Science

16%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wrought" functions as the past tense and past participle of "work", often used to describe something that has been created or brought about with significant effort. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is generally used in more formal writing contexts, particularly in news media and formal business settings, to add sophistication and historical depth. While alternatives like "brought about" exist, "wrought" carries a distinct sense of transformation and impact, making it ideal for describing significant changes or results.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

brought about

Focuses on the causing of an action or event, similar to "wrought" but less formal.

effected

Emphasizes the successful completion of an action or change.

produced

Highlights the creation or generation of something as a result of an action.

created

Implies bringing something into existence, often with a positive connotation.

achieved

Focuses on the accomplishment of a goal or result, emphasizing success.

generated

Emphasizes the production or creation of something, often energy or enthusiasm.

occasioned

Highlights the role of an action in causing something else, often a problem or difficulty.

precipitated

Suggests a sudden or unexpected onset of an event or situation.

contrived

Implies a deliberate and artificial creation of something, often with a negative connotation.

instigated

Focuses on the initiation of an action or event, often with a sense of planning or manipulation.

FAQs

How can I use "wrought" in a sentence?

You can use "wrought" to describe the effects of an action, such as "The storm "wrought" havoc on the coast" or to describe something that has been carefully created, such as "a beautifully "wrought" iron gate".

What are some alternatives to "wrought"?

Alternatives to "wrought" include "brought about", "effected", or "produced", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "wrought" formal or informal?

"Wrought" is generally considered a formal word, best suited for academic, professional, or literary writing. It might sound out of place in casual conversation.

What is the difference between "wrought" and "brought about"?

While both "wrought" and "brought about" indicate causation, "wrought" often carries a stronger sense of transformation or significant impact. "Brought about" is more neutral and versatile.