it was caused

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'it was caused' is correct and usable in written English.
It is most commonly used to indicate a cause-and-effect relationship between two events or situations. For example: 'The flood was caused by heavy rain over several days.'.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was caused by the N-demethylation of the phenothiazine and its concomitant degradation [37].

Nanoscale Research Letters

(It was caused by something).

The New York Times

It was caused by drought and flood.

The New York Times

Will you tell the Tribunal how it was caused?

Yale University

"It was caused by a failure of identification.

The Guardian

"It was caused by young jealous girls," he said.

The New York Times

It was caused, as so many crimes are, by greed.

The Guardian

I don't think it was caused by electrical appliances".

The New York Times

The pharmacist told us it was caused by the pollution".

The New York Times

News reports said it was caused by the red tide.

The New York Times - Science

"It was caused by an out-of-control banking system".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was caused", ensure the cause is clearly identified to avoid ambiguity. For instance, instead of "It was caused", write "The delay was caused by the heavy traffic."

Common error

Avoid using "it was caused" without specifying the actual cause. This can leave the reader wondering what the 'it' refers to and what the specific cause was. Always provide context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was caused" functions as a causal connector, linking an effect to its origin. It indicates that a specific outcome or situation arose as a direct result of a particular action, event, or condition. Ludwig confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Science

25%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was caused" serves as a causal connector, used to explain the origins of an event or situation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usability. Its register is typically neutral, commonly appearing in news, scientific, and academic contexts. When writing, clearly identify the cause to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives like "it resulted from" or "it stemmed from" can add nuance. By understanding these aspects, writers can effectively use "it was caused" to enhance clarity and precision in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it resulted from

Uses a different verb to indicate causation, focusing on the outcome.

it stemmed from

Implies a gradual or indirect origin of the cause.

the reason for it was

Emphasizes the explanation or justification for the event.

the etiology was

A more formal, often medical or scientific term for the cause.

it originated in

Focuses on the place or source from which the cause began.

the source of it was

Highlights the origin or starting point of the cause.

it was brought about by

Suggests that the cause actively created the situation.

it was triggered by

Indicates that the cause initiated a chain of events.

the root cause was

Highlights the fundamental reason or primary factor.

it arised from

Implies the cause developed or emerged from something else.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it was caused by" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "it resulted from", "it stemmed from", or "the etiology was". These alternatives, like "it resulted from", are suitable for academic or professional writing.

What's a simpler way to say "it was caused by"?

You can use phrases such as "it started with" or "it began with". These options offer a less formal way to express causation, as in: "The problem "it started with" a small oversight".

Is it always necessary to specify the cause when using "it was caused"?

While not always grammatically required, specifying the cause provides clarity and context. Omitting the cause can lead to confusion. For example, instead of just saying "It was caused", specify "The accident "it was caused by" icy conditions".

What are some common mistakes to avoid when using "it was caused"?

A common mistake is using passive voice excessively. Over-reliance on passive constructions like "it was caused" can make writing seem vague. Try to use active voice for clearer communication. Instead of "The error "it was caused by" a typo", try "A typo caused the error".