it accumulated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it accumulated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe the process of gathering or amassing something over time, such as data, resources, or experiences. Example: "Over the years, it accumulated a wealth of knowledge that proved invaluable in her research."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Laidlaw has struggled for several years to restructure its $3.5 billion debt, which it accumulated in an aggressive but unsuccessful expansion of its hazardous waste management business.

The New York Times

Porsche needs fresh cash to ease its 9 billion euro debt burden, which it accumulated to buy slightly more than 50percentt of VW.

The New York Times

It accumulated large amounts of repeats (∼80% of its current DNA content), which mostly turn into heterochromatin (∼60% of the MSY), and was widely rearranged.

Genome Biology and Evolution

Tastebud claims that it accumulated more than $5 million in "coupon redemptions" in its first half year at the Nebraska location.

TechCrunch

The widespread pessimism could dissipate as rapidly as it accumulated.

The New York Times

It accumulated in my left lobe, creating tumour, which was removed a few years ago.

Harvard University

It accumulated inside sealed ampoules of radium from which it is formed.

The Guardian

Parked, it accumulated nose grease on the side windows, evidence of curious onlookers peeking inside.

The New York Times

As a result, it accumulated an astounding $4tn of foreign reserves.

The Guardian - Business

Snow fell, and, for the first time in years, it accumulated.

The New Yorker

The snow that fell a couple of days ago seems to have polarized itself as it accumulated.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it accumulated" to describe the gradual gathering of something over time, whether it's data, debt, snow, or even meaning. Ensure the context supports the idea of a progressive increase.

Common error

Avoid using "it accumulated" in overly passive constructions where the active agent is unclear. Strive for clarity by specifying who or what was doing the accumulating. For example, instead of "Debt accumulated", consider "The company accumulated debt".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it accumulated" functions as a verb phrase, where 'it' is a pronoun referring to a specific noun, and 'accumulated' is the past tense of the verb 'accumulate'. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase indicates that something has gradually gathered or increased over time. The subject 'it' takes an action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

46%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it accumulated" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to describe a gradual increase or gathering of something over time. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Its prevalence across diverse sources, ranging from news media and scientific publications to general web content, underscores its widespread applicability. While generally neutral in tone, it is important to ensure clarity by specifying the subject and avoiding overly passive constructions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it gathered

Focuses on the action of collecting or bringing things together, slightly less formal.

it collected

A general term for bringing things together, similar to 'gathered' but can also imply a more deliberate action.

it amassed

Suggests a large quantity was collected, emphasizing the size or scale.

it built up

Implies a gradual increase, often suggesting pressure or intensity as a result.

it compiled

Implies a systematic gathering of information or data.

it accrued

Often used in financial contexts, implying a gradual increase or addition over time.

it piled up

Suggests an unordered collection, often implying an excessive amount.

it grew

Indicates a natural or organic process of increasing in size or quantity.

it increased

A straightforward term for growing in number, size, or degree.

it built

Suggests construction or creating something by gradually adding pieces.

FAQs

How can I use "it accumulated" in a sentence?

You can use "it accumulated" to describe a gradual increase or gathering of something over time. For example, "The snow fell and "it accumulated" on the ground" or "The company "it accumulated" a large debt over several years".

What are some alternatives to "it accumulated"?

Some alternatives include "it gathered", "it amassed", "it built up", or "it collected", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it accumulated" formal or informal?

"It accumulated" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, as evidenced by its appearance in both news articles and scientific papers.

What's the difference between "it accumulated" and "it collected"?

While both phrases describe a gathering of something, ""it accumulated"" often implies a gradual increase over time, while "it collected" can refer to a more deliberate or instantaneous act of gathering.