it was appropriated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was appropriated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the act of taking something for one's own use, typically without the owner's permission, often in the context of art, culture, or intellectual property. Example: "The artist faced criticism because it was appropriated from indigenous cultures without proper acknowledgment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

Built in 1910 and used for its original purpose until the 1970s, when it was appropriated as a location for film shoots, the hall cost the hotelier Peng Loh more than £20 million (about $31 million) to restore.

The New York Times - Travel

But in December 2005 it was appropriated as the "Cronulla Cape" to be worn while attacking the Lebanese.

The Guardian

And until it was appropriated by US right-wingers, it was my favourite symbol of American patriotism.

The Guardian

But it was appropriated by vile people, and now virtually everyone sees racial hatred in that one too.

The Guardian - Opinion

Before it was appropriated by Nazi Germany, the swastika was a symbol for the Hindu and Buddhist faiths meaning luck and good health.

Independent

It was "appropriated" some time before 1890 by Frédéric Delair, a restaurateur in Paris, who ran an establishment called La Tour d'Argent.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

It was appropriate".

The New York Times - Books

"But it was appropriate.

The New York Times

"I thought it was appropriate".

Independent

I felt it was appropriate".

The New York Times - Sports

It was appropriate for his approach.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was appropriated", consider the context and ensure that the subject of 'it' is clear to the reader. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "it was appropriated" when a more neutral term like "used" or "adopted" would be more suitable. "Appropriated" often carries a negative connotation of unauthorized or improper use. Choose the word that best reflects the intended meaning and avoids unintended implications.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was appropriated" functions as a passive voice construction, where 'it' is the subject receiving the action of being appropriated. Ludwig AI confirms its usability and correctness in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

1%

Science

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was appropriated" is a grammatically sound passive construction used to convey that something has been taken or adopted, often without explicit permission or for a purpose divergent from its original intent. As Ludwig AI confirms, it’s a valid and frequently used expression, particularly in news, academic, and encyclopedia contexts. While it can sometimes carry a negative connotation, careful attention to context ensures accurate and effective communication. Remember to consider alternatives like "it was taken over" or "it was adopted" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was taken over

Focuses on the action of assuming control or possession, often implying a forceful or strategic move.

it was seized

Highlights the act of taking something forcefully or quickly, often implying illegality or urgency.

it was adopted

Emphasizes the act of choosing or embracing something for one's own use, often implying a positive connotation.

it was co-opted

Highlights the act of adopting something for one's own purposes, often implying manipulation or exploitation.

it was commandeered

Suggests that something was taken for military or public use, often temporarily.

it was hijacked

Indicates that something was taken illegally, often with a negative connotation.

it was requisitioned

Implies a formal request or order for something to be taken for official use.

it was expropriated

Indicates that something was taken by the government for public use, often with compensation.

it was usurped

Implies that something was taken illegally or by force, often referring to power or authority.

it was converted

Focuses on the transformation of something for a new use or purpose.

FAQs

How can I use "it was appropriated" in a sentence?

You can use "it was appropriated" to describe when something has been taken for use, often without permission or for a purpose other than its original intent. For example, "The symbol "it was appropriated" by a different group and given a new meaning".

What does "it was appropriated" mean?

"It was appropriated" means that something has been taken or adopted for use, typically without the owner's permission, often in a cultural or artistic context. This can sometimes imply a lack of respect or acknowledgment of the original source.

What are some alternatives to "it was appropriated"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "it was taken over", "it was adopted", or "it was seized". The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.

Is there a negative connotation with the phrase "it was appropriated"?

Yes, "it was appropriated" often carries a negative connotation, suggesting that something was taken unfairly or without proper acknowledgment. The intensity of this connotation depends on the specific context and the relationship between the original owner and the user.