it was available

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was available" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing something that was available to be used or accessed at some point in the past. For example: "The book I wanted was out of print, but luckily I found it in a used bookstore - it was available."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It was "available" and "passive".

The Guardian - Opinion

But at least it was available.

The New York Times

Depau Row attracted Mills's eye because it was available.

The New York Times

The second is that it was available absolutely everywhere.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"She was never aware it was available," he said.

The New York Times

It was available for the week we wanted.

The New York Times - Travel

We were led to believe it was available.

The New York Times

Art was on no one's mind, so it was available and cheap.

The New York Times - Arts

His father did roadwork when it was available, then drank his wages.

The New Yorker

Although it did not appear in Serbia, it was available on the Internet.

The New York Times

She said she would require DNA tests in all cases where it was available.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider context when selecting an alternative to "it was available". /s/"it was accessible", for instance, emphasizes ease of access, while other options may subtly shift meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "it was available" without clearly establishing what "it" refers to. Ambiguous pronoun reference can confuse the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was available" typically functions as a statement of fact, indicating the presence or accessibility of something in the past. It is a declarative statement confirming the existence of an option or resource at a specific time, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was available" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to indicate the past accessibility or existence of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, though primarily found in News & Media and Scientific sources. When using this phrase, clarity is key: ensure that the "it" is explicitly defined to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "it was accessible" or "it was obtainable" to precisely convey the intended meaning. The phrase is commonly employed to inform about past opportunities or conditions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was accessible

Focuses on the ease of reaching or using something.

it was obtainable

Emphasizes the possibility of getting or acquiring something.

it was on offer

Highlights that something was being presented or provided.

it was procurable

A more formal alternative to "obtainable".

it was to be had

Emphasizes the potential for possession.

it was at hand

Suggests that something was conveniently nearby.

it was in stock

Specifically refers to goods being available for purchase.

it was up for grabs

Implies competitiveness and a limited supply.

it was released

Describes something formally made accessible after being held back.

it was ready

Indicates preparedness and immediate usability.

FAQs

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

Use "it was available" to indicate that something existed or could be used at a specific point in the past. For example, "The software was outdated, but "it was available" for download until recently."

What are some alternatives to "it was available"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "it was accessible", "it was obtainable", or "it was on offer".

Is "it was available" formal or informal?

"It was available" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, the surrounding language will influence the overall tone.

Can I use "it was available" to describe something that is no longer accessible?

Yes, "it was available" implies that something was accessible in the past, but it does not necessarily mean that it still is. You can add context to clarify whether something is still accessible now.