it was copied

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was copied" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it whenever you are referring to something that has been duplicated or reproduced. For example, "The document was scanned and then it was copied onto a flash drive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

However, the recipient list was accidentally exposed because it was copied rather than blind copied," reporter Joon Wong told the BBC.

BBC

This manuscript's colophon states that it was copied by its scribe-owner for personal family use but does not confirm who was responsible for the artwork.

Heritage Science

It was copied, apparently, from a snapshot but its precise formality calls to mind the great early American folk artist Ammi Phillips Johnsonn).

The New York Times - Arts

For the next century it was copied or adapted, but without the context of its original radicalism and its debt to clandestine literature, English deists, and the philosophy of Spinoza.

Harvard University

That's why it was copied all over the world.

Yale University

"It was copied from Roman civil engineering practices," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

"This paragraph looks like it was copied straight out of an encyclopedia.

The New Yorker

But it quickly turned anti-American; America was reviled while it was copied.

The New York Times - Magazine

Can we call this Leonardo's horse even if it was copied posthumously from his drawings?

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

In other words, it was copying Sony's Monday move.

The Guardian - Film

BitTorrent supports direct download, if a resource is found it is copied to the requester.

Complex Adaptive Systems Modeling

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was copied" when you want to emphasize the action of copying rather than the actor performing the action. This construction is particularly useful in passive voice constructions.

Common error

While "it was copied" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make writing sound vague or indirect. Consider using active voice when appropriate to create more engaging and direct sentences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was copied" functions as a passive construction, indicating that an action (copying) was performed on a subject ("it"). This construction is used to emphasize the action itself or when the actor is unknown or unimportant. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and wide usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

22%

Science

19%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was copied" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction to describe the duplication of something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its versatility allows it to appear in various contexts, from news reports and academic papers to general discussions. When writing, ensure the context of "it" is clear to prevent ambiguity and consider whether active voice might be more appropriate for a direct, engaging style. Alternatives like "it was replicated" or "a duplicate was made" can add nuance depending on the context. The prevalence of "it was copied" across reputable sources indicates its reliability and broad acceptance in English writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was replicated

Replicates the idea of duplication using a different verb.

it was reproduced

Emphasizes the act of creating a copy.

a duplicate was made

Shifts the focus to the creation of a duplicate item.

a replica was created

Similar to 'duplicate', but often implies a higher level of detail or accuracy in the copy.

it was cloned

Suggests an exact and complete copy, especially in a scientific or technical context.

it was imitated

Highlights that something was made similarly to an original model or example.

it was emulated

Indicates an effort to match or surpass the original, often in a technical sense.

it was mirrored

Implies an exact reflection or correspondence.

it was mirrored

Implies an exact reflection or correspondence.

it was forged

Refers to a less acceptable copy, an unlawful imitation of something.

FAQs

What does "it was copied" mean?

The phrase "it was copied" means that something has been duplicated or reproduced from an original source. The "it" refers to something like a document, design, or idea.

When is it appropriate to use "it was copied"?

Use "it was copied" when you want to emphasize the action of copying or when the actor performing the copying is unknown or unimportant. For example, "The file "it was copied" without authorization."

What are some alternatives to "it was copied"?

Some alternatives include "it was replicated", "it was reproduced", or "a duplicate was made". The best alternative depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "it was copied" passive or active voice?

"It was copied" is in the passive voice. The active voice equivalent would be something like "Someone copied it", where the subject (someone) performs the action (copied).