it was constipated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was constipated" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in a humorous or metaphorical context, often to describe something that is blocked or not functioning properly. Example: "After hours of trying to fix the printer, I realized it was constipated with too much paper jammed inside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The owner took his ailing fish to Toll Barn Veterinary Centre in North Walsham where vets told him it was constipated and an operation would cost about £300.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

And I was constipated.

Vice

India, he wrote, was "constipated with a lot of humbug".

The Economist

When his assistant, played by Carrie Brownstein, confesses to having skipped work for two days because she was constipated, he offers a sage reminder: "The whole world is out there constipated!

The New Yorker

She seemed engaged throughout it all, scribbling in her notebooks like a dutiful student during meetings, keeping a straight, earnest face even when one Nigerian religious leader told her he was "constipated with ideas".

The New York Times

"[The goldfish] was constipated because he had a lump blocking his bottom, rather than because of his diet or any other reason," she said.

BBC

He was constipated.

Huffington Post

"They say necessity is the mother of invention, and my mother was constipated," Bobby Edwards, designer of the Squatty Potty, told me.

Vice

About 2-1/2 2-1/2 years agooticed that he wes conoticeded a lothat

BMC Medical Education

If the patient was constipated, TCM treatments to relax the bowels were used.

BMC Medical Research Methodology

"If it sounds like a bombardier, you know, 'plop, plop, plop,' that's not right because it means you're constipated.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "it was constipated" in a metaphorical sense, ensure the context is clear and the comparison is easily understood by the audience. For instance, you can say: "The project was constipated with bureaucracy, hindering progress."

Common error

While "it was constipated" is acceptable, avoid using it excessively in formal or professional writing. Opt for more precise and professional terms like "it experienced a blockage" or "it suffered from impaired function" to maintain a suitable tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was constipated" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating a state of constipation, either literally or metaphorically. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. The phrase can describe the condition of an animal as shown in the examples found in Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

30%

Wiki

23%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was constipated" is grammatically sound and versatile, capable of describing both literal and metaphorical blockages. As Ludwig AI states, it is correct and usable in written English. Analysis of diverse sources indicates its prevalence across news, scientific, and general contexts. While the phrase enjoys broad applicability, writers should exercise discretion in formal settings, opting for more sophisticated vocabulary when precision and professionalism are paramount. When employed metaphorically, "it was constipated" brings a vivid and relatable image to complex concepts, enhancing clarity and impact. Its various applications are demonstrated through the many examples available in Ludwig.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it suffered from constipation

Replaces the verb "was constipated" with a more formal phrasing, indicating a medical condition.

it experienced bowel obstruction

Uses medical terminology to describe a severe blockage in the digestive system.

it had difficulty passing stool

Explains the condition in simple terms, focusing on the specific symptom.

it was unable to pass waste

Focuses on the inability to eliminate waste, highlighting the functional issue.

it was backed up

Uses a more informal and general term to describe the blockage.

it was blocked

A simpler, more direct way of saying something was obstructed.

it had a bowel blockage

Specifies the location of the blockage, providing more detail.

it was impacted

Uses a medical term to describe a compacted mass of stool.

its system was blocked

Describes the blockage in a more general way, applicable to various systems.

it couldn't eliminate

Focuses on the inability to get rid of waste.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was constipated" to describe a physical condition or, metaphorically, to indicate something is blocked or not functioning properly. For example: "The goldfish was constipated" or "The project's progress was constipated by red tape".

What are some alternative ways to say "it was constipated"?

Alternatives include "it suffered from constipation", "it experienced a bowel obstruction" (if literal), or "it was blocked" (if metaphorical).

Is it appropriate to use "it was constipated" in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "it was constipated" may be too informal for certain contexts. Consider more formal alternatives such as "it experienced a delay" or "it suffered from impaired function", depending on the intended meaning.

What does it mean when someone says something is "constipated with ideas"?

When someone says something is "constipated with ideas", they mean that there are many ideas present, but they are not being expressed or implemented effectively. It suggests a blockage in the flow of creativity or innovation.