it was cordoned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was cordoned" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation where an area has been restricted or isolated, often for safety or security reasons. Example: "After the incident, it was cordoned off by the authorities to prevent unauthorized access."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

It was cordoned off, as it had been for two days; several police buses were parked nearby — down from dozens earlier in the day.

The New York Times

Photographs circulated on social media, and said to be taken from within the ranch before it was cordoned off by federal forces, showed the bodies of numerous young men both inside what appeared to be farm buildings and lying in fields.

The Guardian

More than 40 people were arrested for the most trivial things, including sitting on a piece of tarpaulin and attempting to provide food and water to a protester who remained in the square after it was cordoned off with metal fences.

The Guardian

Shortly afterwards it was cordoned off over health and safety fears because of ceramic dust.

BBC

Debra Messing, who plays Grace, said it was "cordoned off like an accident scene.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"People cannot run away, it's cordoned off.

The Guardian

If an entire town was being raided, in large-scale operations, it too was cordoned off, said Spc. Garett Reppenhagen, 32, of Manitou Springs, Colorado, a cavalry scout and sniper with the 263rd Armor Battalion, First Infantry Division, who was deployed to Baquba for a year in February 2004.

The Guardian

Historic Bridge Street, America's shortest street in daily use --according to Ripley's Believe It Or Not -- was cordoned off and ready.

Huffington Post

No other neighborhood, for example, was cordoned off by troops.

The New Yorker

The area was cordoned off with yellow police tape.

The Guardian

Once we landed, the plane was cordoned off.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was cordoned" to clearly indicate that an area has been officially restricted or isolated, often by authorities. This phrasing implies a formal action taken for safety or security.

Common error

Avoid using "it was cordoned" in casual contexts where a simple barrier or personal restriction is meant. For example, don't say "My desk was cordoned off with books" when "surrounded" or "blocked" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was cordoned" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a specific area or object has undergone the action of being restricted or isolated. Ludwig examples illustrate this usage, often in the context of security or safety measures.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Wiki

17%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was cordoned" is a grammatically correct and usable passive construction, as validated by Ludwig AI. It's commonly used to describe situations where an area has been restricted or isolated, often for safety or security reasons. It is most frequently found in News & Media. While it's not an extremely common phrase, it's widely understood and carries a formal tone that's suitable for news reports and factual descriptions. When writing, ensure the context warrants the implication of formal restriction. Consider alternatives like "it was sealed off" or "it was blocked off" for slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was sealed off

Focuses on completely blocking entry or exit.

it was blocked off

Emphasizes obstruction of passage or access.

it was closed off

Highlights the act of shutting something down or preventing access.

it was isolated

Stresses the separation of the area from others.

it was sectioned off

Implies division into separate parts or areas.

it was roped off

Specifies the use of ropes to create a barrier.

it was taped off

Specifies the use of tape to create a barrier.

it was fenced off

Indicates enclosure with a fence.

access was restricted

Focuses on limiting entry rather than physical barriers.

the area was secured

Highlights safety and control of the area.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was cordoned" to describe an area that has been blocked off, typically by authorities, for safety or security reasons. For example, "After the accident, "it was cordoned off" by the police."

What are some alternatives to saying "it was cordoned"?

Alternatives include "it was sealed off", "it was blocked off", or "the area was secured". The best choice depends on the specific context and the reason for the restriction.

Is it correct to say "it is cordoned" instead of "it was cordoned"?

Yes, both are grammatically correct, but they refer to different time frames. "It is cordoned" describes a current state, while "it was cordoned" describes a past action. Choose the tense that accurately reflects the timing of the event.

What's the difference between "it was cordoned off" and "it was surrounded"?

"It was cordoned off" typically implies a formal restriction by authorities or for safety reasons, creating a barrier to entry. "It was surrounded" simply means something was enclosed or encircled, without necessarily implying restriction or official action.