it consumed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it consumed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that has been completely used up or absorbed, often in a metaphorical sense. Example: "The fire quickly spread through the dry forest, and soon it consumed everything in its path."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Students expressed that "it consumed too much time", that they "ran out of time" and "could not keep up with the course deadlines".

BMC Medical Education

It was also known as consumption because of the way it consumed its emaciated victims.

The New York Times - Health

The more developed a society, the more complex its organization and the more energy it consumed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"It consumed me, you see.

The New Yorker

"Lost," and it consumed me.

The New York Times

"It consumed me.

The New York Times

It consumed her life".

The New York Times - Health

It consumed half the living room.

The New York Times

"For me, personally, it consumed me.

The Guardian

"It consumed me mentally, emotionally and physically.

The New York Times

We see it consumed by the flames.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it consumed", ensure the subject and object are clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify what "it" refers to and what was consumed.

Common error

Avoid using "it consumed" too frequently in abstract or metaphorical contexts without grounding it in concrete examples, which can dilute the impact and clarity of your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it consumed" functions primarily as a verb phrase within a sentence, indicating an action where 'it' (the subject) completely uses up or absorbs something (the object). Ludwig AI examples show its versatile use across diverse domains.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

19%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it consumed" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed verb phrase signifying complete utilization or absorption. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its neutral tone renders it suitable for diverse contexts, particularly within news, media and scientific writing. Related phrases such as "it devoured" or "it engulfed" offer nuanced alternatives, while mindful use prevents overuse in abstract contexts. This ensures clarity and impact in your writing. Ludwig's analysis highlights that understanding its function allows for effective and precise communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it devoured

Suggests a more voracious and complete consumption.

it engulfed

Implies that something was completely surrounded and overwhelmed.

it absorbed

Focuses on the taking in or assimilation of something.

it dominated

Highlights the power and control exerted by something.

it exhausted

Emphasizes the complete depletion of resources or energy.

it depleted

Similar to exhausted, but can also refer to a reduction in quantity.

it used up

A more casual way of saying something was completely utilized.

it preoccupied

Suggests a state of mental absorption or focus.

it monopolized

Indicates exclusive control or use of something.

it preoccupied all of

All focus was on something.

FAQs

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

Use "it consumed" to describe something that has been completely used up, absorbed, or overwhelmed by something else. For example, "The fire quickly spread and "it consumed" the entire forest."

What are some alternatives to "it consumed"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "it devoured", "it engulfed", or "it absorbed".

Is it correct to say "it was consumed by" instead of "it consumed"?

Yes, "it was consumed by" is a grammatically correct passive construction. The active form, "it consumed", emphasizes the subject's action, while the passive form emphasizes the object that was affected.

What's the difference between "it consumed" and "it preoccupied"?

"It consumed" implies a complete using up or destruction, while "it preoccupied" suggests a state of mental absorption or focus. For example, "The project consumed all his time" versus "The idea preoccupied his thoughts".