it found that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it found that" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used when referring to a thing being discovered or something that was already known being confirmed. For example: "A recent study it found that, on average, people spend more time on their phones than they do talking to one another."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It found that rate had climbed significantly since 2008.

Vice

It found that only 1,350 non-E.U.

The New York Times

It found that they did not.

The New Yorker

It found that North Dakotans feared being isolated economically.

The New York Times

It found that there are three types of unsolicited mail.

The New York Times

It found that teamwork was not all it could be.

The Guardian

It found that 29percentt of spa clients were men.

The New York Times

It found that three-quarters will not buy an annuity.

The Guardian - Business

It found that about 6% of packaging was contaminated.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It found that her forehand had been indisputably long.

The Guardian - Sport

It found that he had done nothing wrong.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it found that", ensure that the 'it' clearly refers to a specific study, report, or investigation mentioned earlier in the text to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "it found that" without a clear antecedent for "it". Ensure the reader knows exactly what study, report, or analysis the "it" refers to. For example, instead of saying: "It found that sales increased", specify: "The marketing report found that sales increased."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it found that" functions as a reporting clause, introducing a finding or result from a study, investigation, or analysis. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in conveying information derived from various sources.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

34%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it found that" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to introduce the results of studies, investigations, or analyses. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While versatile, it's crucial to ensure clarity by explicitly stating the referent of "it." For more formal contexts, alternatives like "the research indicated that" or "the analysis revealed that" may be more suitable. The phrase is prevalent in News & Media and Scientific publications. Use "it found that" with precision to clearly convey factual discoveries and conclusions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it discovered that

Emphasizes the act of uncovering something previously unknown.

it revealed that

Highlights the disclosure of information.

the study showed that

Specifically refers to the results of a research study.

research indicated that

More formal, suitable for academic or scientific contexts.

analysis suggests that

Implies an interpretation of data rather than a direct finding.

the data revealed that

Focuses on the information as the source of the revelation.

it was determined that

Suggests a formal process of establishing a fact.

the investigation concluded that

Implies a thorough inquiry leading to a final judgement.

evidence suggests that

Emphasizes the support for a particular conclusion.

results indicated that

Highlights empirical outcomes pointing to a specific fact.

FAQs

What is the best way to use "it found that" in a sentence?

Start by clearly stating what "it" refers to (e.g., a study, report, or analysis) before using "it found that" to introduce the findings. For example, "A recent study on climate change "it found that" rising temperatures are directly linked to increased frequency of extreme weather events".

Are there more formal alternatives to "it found that"?

Yes, in more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "the research indicated that", "the analysis revealed that", or "it was determined that". These alternatives lend a more academic or professional tone.

Can I use "it found that" in academic writing?

Yes, but ensure the context is appropriate. While acceptable, prioritize more formal alternatives such as "the study demonstrated that" or "results indicated that" to maintain the academic tone. Also, ensure you are citing the source correctly.

What's the difference between "it found that" and "it was found that"?

"It found that" is active voice, while "it was found that" is passive voice. Active voice is generally more direct and preferred. However, passive voice can be useful when you want to emphasize the finding rather than who made the finding. For instance: "The study found that..." (active) versus "It was found that..." (passive).