it was compulsory

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was compulsory" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something was required or mandatory in a specific context or situation. Example: "In our school, it was compulsory for all students to attend the safety training session."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

In a meeting on Sept. 16, 2001, at the home of another defendant in the Virginia case, Mr. Timimi reportedly told other followers that "it was compulsory to assist Afghanistan in jihad against the expected U.S. military invasion," the indictment says.

The New York Times

In the 1980s it was compulsory for all menopausal women.

The Guardian

After the war, it was compulsory for Americans visiting Paris to call on him.

The Guardian - Arts

It was compulsory to order two Snuggies and two book lights for a total of $35.85, plus tax, though that actual price was never mentioned.

The New York Times

He admitted he only did the course because it was compulsory but now believes everyone should learn basic first aid skills.

Independent

At some point in the history of boxing, someone decided that it was compulsory for every fighter to have a nickname.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

It would not be compulsory for newspapers to form such a body – nor would it be compulsory for one to conform to its standards.

Independent

It's compulsory.

The Guardian - Sport

"Because the school says it's compulsory" was the closest we ever got.

The Guardian

It is compulsory, but not actually part of the national curriculum.

Independent

It is compulsory, and thus not an offering of the heart.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was compulsory" in formal writing, consider the tone and ensure it aligns with the overall formality of the document. While grammatically correct, it may sometimes sound less sophisticated than alternatives like "it was mandatory" or "it was required".

Common error

Avoid using the wrong tense (e.g., "it is compulsory" when referring to a past event) or incorrect subject-verb agreement (e.g., "they was compulsory"). Ensure that the tense aligns with the context and the subject agrees with the verb "was".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was compulsory" functions as a statement indicating that something was mandatory or required in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. The examples provided in Ludwig show its wide application in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

32%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was compulsory" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to indicate that something was mandatory or required in the past. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is suitable for various contexts, including news, science, and general discussions. While there are synonyms like "it was mandatory" or "it was obligatory", the choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. It's important to use the correct tense and ensure subject-verb agreement to avoid common errors. The frequency and authoritative sources confirm its reliability and widespread use in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was mandatory

Emphasizes the authoritative requirement of something.

it was obligatory

Highlights a sense of duty or moral requirement.

it was required

Focuses on the necessity of something.

it was a must

Indicates something is essential or highly recommended.

it was a necessity

Underscores the indispensable nature of something.

it was imperative

Conveys a sense of urgency and crucial importance.

it was unavoidable

Suggests something could not be prevented or escaped.

it was enforced

Highlights that something was actively made compulsory.

it was demanded

Shows that something was requested with authority.

it was stipulated

Indicates that something was explicitly specified as a requirement.

FAQs

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

Use "it was compulsory" to indicate that something was required or mandatory. For example, "In our school, "it was compulsory" for all students to attend the safety training session."

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

You can use alternatives like "it was mandatory", "it was obligatory", or "it was required" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "it was compulsory" or "it is compulsory"?

The correct form depends on the context. Use "it was compulsory" to refer to something that was required in the past. Use "it is compulsory" to refer to something that is currently required.

What's the difference between "it was compulsory" and "it was voluntary"?

"It was compulsory" means something was required or mandatory. "It was voluntary" means something was optional and not required.