it was damaged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was damaged" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an object or item that has been harmed or impaired in some way. Example: "The package arrived late, and unfortunately, it was damaged during transit."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

It was damaged.

The New York Times - Sports

It was damaged," she said.

The New Yorker

It was damaged but cost only $5,000.

The New York Times

It was damaged when it settled back on earth.

Yale University

The spire was deconstructed after it was damaged by wind.

The Washington Post

Unfortunately, it was damaged, so her husband declined delivery.

The New York Times

It was damaged by an earthquake in 1934.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Then, a gust of wind upset the machine and it was damaged severely.

Yale University

It was damaged and neglected in the 1790s, during the French Revolution.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

One man said unnamed counterrevolutionaries did it, and another man said it was damaged by rain.

The New York Times

The Makri plant ground to a halt after it was damaged by the earthquake.

Unicef

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the extent of the damage, follow "it was damaged" with specific details about the nature and severity of the damage. For example, "it was damaged beyond repair" or "it was damaged by floodwater".

Common error

While "it was damaged" is grammatically correct, avoid overuse of the passive voice. Consider rephrasing to the active voice for a more direct and engaging style. For example, instead of "it was damaged by the storm", try "the storm damaged it".

Linguistic Context

It was damaged functions as a passive construction indicating that something has undergone harm or impairment. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a standard English construction. The verb 'to damage' means to inflict physical harm on something, and the passive voice shifts the focus to the object that received the damage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Wiki

10%

Academia

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Formal & Business

1%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was damaged" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe something that has been harmed or impaired. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. It appears most commonly in news and media, followed by wiki and academic contexts. While acceptable in most situations, consider using the active voice for a more direct style. When writing, provide specific details about the damage to offer clarity and context. For increased formality, consider using related phrases like "it sustained damage".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it sustained damage

Emphasizes the action of receiving damage, rather than the state of being damaged.

it suffered damage

Highlights the experience of undergoing damage, adding a sense of adversity.

it became impaired

Focuses on the functional reduction resulting from the damage.

it was harmed

A more general term indicating injury or detriment, less specific than "damaged".

it was broken

Implies a more severe form of damage, suggesting a complete or partial separation of parts.

it was ruined

Suggests irreparable damage, leading to a loss of value or usability.

it was wrecked

Indicates a severe form of damage, often implying destruction or collapse.

it was compromised

Focuses on the integrity of the object being affected, implying a weakening or vulnerability.

it was injured

Implies that the object experienced something analogous to bodily harm.

it deteriorated

Implies a gradual decline in condition over time.

FAQs

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

Use "it was damaged" to describe something that has suffered harm or impairment. For example, "The package arrived, but "it was damaged" during shipping".

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

You can use alternatives like "it sustained damage", "it was harmed", or "it became impaired" depending on the context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when describing damage?

While "it was damaged" (passive) is correct, using active voice (e.g., "the storm damaged it") can make your writing more direct and concise.

Which is more formal, "it was damaged" or "it sustained damage"?

"It sustained damage" is generally considered slightly more formal than ""it was damaged"", making it suitable for professional or academic writing.