it was borrowed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was borrowed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that has been taken temporarily from someone else, typically in the context of books, money, or other items. Example: "The book I am reading was borrowed from the library last week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

26 human-written examples

That money wasn't just spent and wasted, it was borrowed, spent, and wasted".

The New York Times

The loans meant he had money in his accounts — but it was borrowed money.

The New York Times

This material must be brought back to the circulation desk from which it was borrowed to inquire about renewal.

Princeton University

That money wasn't just spent and wasted – it was borrowed, spent, and wasted".

The Guardian - Opinion

It was borrowed, Ms. Catliff said, from Ms. Hindmarch's showroom in London, to promote the label during Fashion Week.

The New York Times

It was borrowed from the Turkic Uighurs, who themselves borrowed it from the Sogdians, an Iranian people.

Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

Last week, it announced that it was borrowing $250 million from the Mexican billionaire Carlos Slim Helú.

The New York Times

Greece had for years understated the degree to which it was borrowing money, a practice Mr. Trichet called "intolerable".

The New York Times

The correlations for it are borrowed from studies with non-porous ducts.

Chemical Engineering Science

It's borrowed from the people of New Jersey".

The New York Times

You don't own it – it's borrowed from the earth community circulating library.

Yale University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was borrowed", ensure the context clearly indicates the item or concept that was temporarily taken and the source from which it originated.

Common error

Avoid using "it was borrowed" when referring to something permanently acquired or adopted. Use alternatives like "it was acquired" or "it was adopted" to reflect the permanent change.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was borrowed" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject received the action of being borrowed. It highlights that something was taken temporarily from a source. As Ludwig confirms, this expression is grammatically sound.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was borrowed" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to indicate that something was temporarily taken or derived from another source. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is widely accepted and versatile. Its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, from news reporting to academic writing. When using this phrase, ensure the temporary nature of the borrowing is clear. Alternatives such as "it was loaned" or "it was taken on loan" can provide similar meanings, depending on the specific context. Remember that the phrase is inappropriate to describe permanent acquisitions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was loaned

Focuses on the act of lending, emphasizing the giver's perspective, not the receiver's.

it was taken on loan

Emphasizes the formal agreement of borrowing with the expectation of return.

it was appropriated

Implies a more forceful or unauthorized taking, often for a specific purpose.

it was adopted

Suggests the taking up of something new, like an idea or practice, for one's own use.

it was adapted

Highlights modification to suit a new purpose or condition after being taken.

it was derived

Indicates that something originated from another source, emphasizing its origin.

it was sourced

Emphasizes identifying the origin or supplier of something.

it was obtained

Focuses on the act of acquiring something, without specifying the method.

it was requisitioned

Suggests a formal demand or request for something, often by an authority.

it was impounded

Implies confiscation or seizure, often by legal authority.

FAQs

How do I use "it was borrowed" in a sentence?

Use "it was borrowed" to indicate that something was temporarily taken from someone or something. For example, "The idea for the project "it was borrowed" from a previous study."

What's the difference between "it was borrowed" and "it was stolen"?

"It was borrowed" implies the item is expected to be returned, while "it was stolen" indicates a permanent, unauthorized taking. "It was borrowed" suggests a temporary and potentially sanctioned use, whereas stealing is illegal.

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

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "it was loaned", "it was taken on loan", or "it was adapted".

Is "it was borrowed" formal or informal language?

"It was borrowed" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding vocabulary and sentence structure. It is commonly found in news, academic writing, and everyday conversation.