it was acquired

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was acquired" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that has been obtained or gained, typically in a formal or business context. Example: "The company announced that it was acquired by a larger firm, marking a significant milestone in its growth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

AppDynamics was just days away from its IPO when it was acquired by Cisco for $3.7 billion.

Harvard University

In 1981 it was acquired by E.I.

Britannica

It was acquired by Netscape and released as open content.

The Guardian - Tech

It was acquired by Intercapital, which later merged with Garban.

The New York Times

In 1986 it was acquired by Republic National Bank.

The New York Times - Arts

It was acquired by AOL Time Warner in 1999.

The New York Times

It was acquired in 2004 by Metavante Banking Solutions.

The New York Times

It was acquired by JPMorgan Chase for $1.9 billion.

The New York Times

On Monday, Bump announced that it was acquired by Google.

The New York Times

It was acquired by Kollmorgan Corp., from which he retired in 1987 as senior scientific officer.

Princeton University

Logs of the Research Vessel Wrack and correspondence about how it was acquired.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was acquired" when you want to emphasize the passive nature of the action, focusing on the entity that underwent the acquisition rather than the acquiring entity. For instance, "The startup was acquired, signaling its success."

Common error

Avoid using "it was acquired" when the acquiring entity is more important to the context. Instead, consider using the active voice: "Company X acquired Company Y." This places emphasis on the entity performing the action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was acquired" functions as a passive construction indicating that something has undergone a change in ownership or control. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating its common usage in describing business transactions and historical events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Academia

24%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Science

6%

Wiki

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was acquired" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig. It serves to indicate a change in ownership or control, commonly appearing in news articles, academic texts, and business reports. While generally neutral, its impact can vary based on context and word choice. Remember, while "it was acquired" is a valid option, consider whether emphasizing the acquiring entity using the active voice might be more effective for your intended message. Ludwig's examples highlight the diverse scenarios where this phrase is applicable, making it a versatile addition to your writing toolkit.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was purchased by

Highlights the act of buying as the means of acquisition.

it was obtained by

Emphasizes the act of gaining possession, which could be through means other than purchase.

it came under new ownership

Focuses on the change in ownership rather than the act of acquisition.

it was bought out

Indicates a complete purchase of all shares or ownership.

it was taken over

Implies a more forceful or complete change of control.

it was procured by

Focuses on the effort or process of acquiring something.

it merged with

Suggests a combination of two entities into one, rather than one simply buying the other.

it was subsumed by

Suggests that the entity was absorbed into something larger.

it was assimilated into

Implies a gradual integration into another entity.

it transitioned to

Highlights the shift in control or ownership.

FAQs

What does "it was acquired" mean?

The phrase "it was acquired" means that something, typically a company, asset, or property, has been taken over or purchased by another entity.

What can I say instead of "it was acquired"?

You can use alternatives such as "it was purchased", "it was taken over", or "it came under new ownership" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when talking about acquisitions?

Whether to use active or passive voice depends on the focus. Active voice (e.g., "Company X acquired Company Y") emphasizes the acquiring entity. Passive voice ("It was acquired by Company X") emphasizes the entity being acquired.

How does the context affect the use of "it was acquired"?

The context determines the most appropriate synonym or related phrase. In a business context, you might prefer "it was purchased". In a more general context, "it was obtained" might be suitable.