it was burned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was burned" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an event where something was subjected to fire and resulted in damage or destruction. Example: "The old building was abandoned and eventually, it was burned to the ground by arsonists."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

One part, called phlogiston, was given off when the substance containing it was burned, while the dephlogisticated part was thought to be its true form, or calx.

Wikipedia

It was burned Saturday.

The New York Times

It was burned out before".

The New York Times

It was burned by cigarettes.

The New York Times - Magazine

The following year, however, it was burned down by rioters.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was burned down by Serbian officers in 1998.

The New York Times

He used to have a stable there, but it was burned down.

The New Yorker

They didn't even have their garbage collected; it was burned inside of the compound.

The New York Times

I came home from work one day, and it was burned".

The New York Times

After a year, it was burned down — by one of the residents, unfortunately.

The New York Times

It was burned by Edward the Black Prince in 1355 when he failed to take the citadel.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was burned" to describe the result of fire affecting an object or place. Consider the context to choose more descriptive alternatives like "it was incinerated" or "it was charred" for added nuance.

Common error

Ensure the subject is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "It was burned", specify "The house was burned" to provide clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was burned" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject received the action of burning. Ludwig AI shows it's grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Encyclopedias

22%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was burned" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction used to describe something that has been subjected to fire. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage. This analysis reveals that it appears most commonly in news and media, encyclopedias, and wikis, indicating its neutrality and broad applicability. When writing, it's essential to ensure that the subject is clear to avoid ambiguity, and consider richer alternatives like "it was incinerated" or "it was consumed by fire" for more vivid descriptions. Understanding these nuances can enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was set on fire

Replaces "burned" with "set on fire", emphasizing the action of igniting something.

it was incinerated

Uses "incinerated", suggesting a more complete or controlled burning.

it was consumed by fire

Emphasizes the destructive aspect of the fire.

it was reduced to ashes

Emphasizes the completeness of the destruction, leaving only ashes behind.

it was charred

Focuses on the surface being burned, resulting in a blackened appearance.

it was gutted by fire

Highlights the interior destruction caused by the fire.

it was razed

Implies complete destruction, as if leveled to the ground by fire.

it went up in flames

A more descriptive and vivid way of saying something burned.

it was burnt to a crisp

Suggests a thorough and complete burning, leaving nothing intact.

it was scorched

Indicates a superficial burning, affecting only the surface.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was burned" to describe something that has been damaged or destroyed by fire. For example, "The letter "it was burned" to hide the evidence".

What's a more vivid alternative to "it was burned"?

For a more descriptive alternative, you could use phrases like "it went up in flames" or "it was consumed by fire" to emphasize the destructive nature of the event.

Is "it was burnt" the same as "it was burned"?

Yes, "it was burnt" is a variation of "it was burned", with "burnt" being a common alternative spelling particularly in British English. Both phrases have the same meaning.

What's the difference between "it was burned" and "it caught fire"?

"It was burned" describes the state of something after being subjected to fire, while "it caught fire" describes the action of something igniting. For instance, "The building caught fire, and "it was burned" to the ground".