It was planned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "It was planned" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something was arranged or organized in advance. Example: "The event was a success because it was planned meticulously over several months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"It was planned," he said.

The Guardian

"It was planned and its consequences have been grave".

Independent

"It was planned".

The New York Times

It was planned out; it was calculated".

The New York Times

(It was planned as a 24-hour work space).

The New York Times

It was planned in the 1940s as an interracial community.

The New York Times

It was planned and managed to yield platitudes.

The New Yorker

It was planned as the perfect party for her friend.

Independent

It was planned and kind of not planned".

The Guardian - Books

"It was planned by their leaders," he suggested.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It was planned to recruit 14 patients with disease suitable for biopsy as the first cohort.

British Journal of Cancer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "It was planned" to clearly indicate that an event or action was not accidental but rather the result of prior arrangement and thought. Ensure the context provides enough information about who did the planning and what the purpose was for maximum clarity.

Common error

Avoid overusing passive constructions like "It was planned" if the actor is known and relevant. Using the active voice (e.g., "They planned it") can make your writing more direct and engaging.

Linguistic Context

"It was planned" functions as a declarative statement asserting that a specific event or action was the result of deliberate planning. Ludwig AI confirms that it is used to emphasize the intentionality behind the subject. The examples show this phrase being employed across various domains, underscoring its versatility in conveying planned actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

35%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

"It was planned" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate intentionality and preparation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently across diverse contexts, including news, science, and general knowledge. While versatile, it's important to consider the active voice when the actor is known to enhance clarity and engagement. Alternatives like "It was arranged" or "It was scheduled" can offer similar meanings with subtle differences in nuance. When using "It was planned", ensure that the context clarifies who did the planning and why to avoid ambiguity. Consider passive voice overuse; favoring active voice can enhance directness in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

It was arranged

Emphasizes the act of putting things in order or making preparations.

It was scheduled

Focuses on setting a specific time for an event or activity.

It was mapped out

Emphasizes the detailed planning and outlining of a course of action.

It was designed

Highlights the deliberate creation or formulation of something.

It was thought out

Highlights the careful consideration and deliberation involved in planning.

It was orchestrated

Suggests a complex and carefully managed arrangement.

It was prepared

Focuses on the actions taken to get ready for something.

It was premeditated

Implies a prior intention to commit an action, often with a negative connotation.

It was intended

Highlights the purpose or goal behind the action or event.

It was conceived

Focuses on the initial idea or conception behind a plan.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "It was planned" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases such as "It was arranged", "It was scheduled", or "It was designed". The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

What does "It was planned" imply about an event?

The phrase "It was planned" indicates that an event was not accidental or spontaneous but was intentionally organized and prepared in advance. It suggests a level of forethought and deliberate action.

What's the difference between "It was planned" and "It happened by chance"?

"It was planned" implies deliberate intent and preparation, while "It happened by chance" suggests a lack of intention and a random occurrence. They are antonymous in meaning. You could also say "It was accidental" to convey this idea.

Is it always necessary to specify who planned something when using "It was planned"?

While not always necessary, specifying who did the planning can add clarity and impact to your writing. If the actor is relevant, consider using the active voice (e.g., "The team planned it") instead of the passive "It was planned".