it was checked out

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was checked out" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that has been borrowed or examined, often in the context of libraries or inspections. Example: "The book was checked out by a student before the end of the semester."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

"Little Women" was widely read, but its sequel "Little Men" even more so, perhaps because it was checked out by boys, too.

The New York Times - Books

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" was the most borrowed book from public libraries in the U.K. last year; it was checked out 108,775 times.

The New Yorker

When it was checked out, the engine of this "garage find" Lancia turned freely, the electrical system worked and all the bits and pieces, like the original tools, the jack and the removable Plexiglas side windows, were there.

The New York Times

It was the company's practice to count every item worth more than $25,000 each day that it was checked out, a policy Ms. Lederhaas-Okun would have been aware of, the authorities said.

The New York Times

It was checked out in 1932.

BBC

The only thing is that, eventually, people got suspicious and when it was checked out, it turns out there were two hundred and eighty calories in those shakes.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

But if you want to know how funny it was, check out Raw Meat Radio, Radio 4 Extra's recent tribute to Morris's on-air genius, hosted by Mary Anne Hobbs.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Each headset is individually programmed by a staff member for the user's language and show time as it is checked out at a building near the park.

The New York Times - Tech

When a user edits an annotation, it is checked out to the first person who edits it.

Plosone

If it is checked out, seeing that now can save you a trip.

WikiHow

It was 10.30pm last Saturday, and I was checking out reports of fires and clashes with police.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing library loans or equipment rentals, use "it was checked out" to clearly indicate that an item has been borrowed following proper procedure.

Common error

Avoid using "it was checked out" when you mean to say someone actively inspected or examined something without borrowing it. Use alternatives such as "it was inspected" or "it was examined" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was checked out" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that something (the 'it') underwent the action of being 'checked out' by an unspecified agent. As Ludwig's AI indicates, it is correct and usable. This is evident in examples where books or items are formally borrowed or inspected.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was checked out" is a grammatically correct passive construction used to indicate that something has been borrowed, loaned, or inspected. As Ludwig's analysis confirms, the phrase is versatile enough to be used in news, scientific, and general contexts, with a neutral register. While alternatives like "it was borrowed" or "it was inspected" may be suitable depending on the nuance you wish to convey, understanding the formality and context is key to effective usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it had been borrowed

Replaces the verb "checked out" with "borrowed", focusing on the act of taking something temporarily.

it was loaned out

Similar to "it had been borrowed", but specifically implies lending from an institution.

it had been inspected

Substitutes "checked out" with "inspected", emphasizing a thorough examination.

it was taken out

Uses "taken out" as a more general term for removing something from a place.

it was verified

Replaces "checked out" with "verified", highlighting the confirmation of something's accuracy or validity.

it was reviewed

Replaces "checked out" with "reviewed", meaning a formal assessment.

it was scrutinized

Implies a careful and critical examination, replacing the neutral "checked out".

it was released

Focuses on the act of something being given or sent out after being checked.

it was processed

Replaces "checked out" with "processed" implying something went through all stages.

it was dispatched

Suggests that an item was sent out, perhaps for delivery or use elsewhere after checking.

FAQs

How can I use "it was checked out" in a sentence?

Use "it was checked out" to indicate something was borrowed from a library or a similar institution, or that something was inspected or reviewed. For example, "The book "it was checked out" yesterday", or "The equipment "it was checked out" for safety."

What can I say instead of "it was checked out"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "it was borrowed" to indicate something was taken for temporary use, or "it was inspected" to suggest a review or examination.

When is it appropriate to use "it was checked out"?

Use "it was checked out" when something has been formally recorded as borrowed from a system, such as a library, or to indicate that an item has undergone a formal checking process, like an inspection. If the object was not formally tracked it would be more useful to say "it was taken".

What's the difference between "it was checked out" and "it was taken"?

"It was checked out" implies a formal process of borrowing or inspection, often recorded in a system. "It was taken", on the other hand, simply means something was removed, without necessarily implying a formal procedure or tracking.