it was dated

USAGE SUMMARY

"it was dated" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to something that has a date associated with it, such as an event, document, or artifact. For example, "The archaeological artifact that we found was dated to the 11th century."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It was dated Oct. 13.

The New York Times

It was dated 1942.

The New York Times

It was dated, but a fun read.

The New Yorker

It was dated Wednesday, July 31 , 1944

The New Yorker

It was dated July 13 , 1995

The New York Times

At the moment, nobody said it was dated.

The New York Times

He said it was dated 19 November 2010.

The Guardian

''And it was dated the day of the murder.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

It is dated circa 1300.

The New Yorker

It is dated 10 October 1941.

Yale University

It is dated March 26 , 2008

Princeton University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was dated", ensure the context clearly specifies what 'it' refers to. For example, "The letter was dated October 20, 2024" provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "it was dated" always implies obsolescence. While it can suggest something is old or out of fashion, it primarily indicates a specific point in time. Consider the context to determine the accurate connotation. For example, a historical document being "dated" simply provides information about its origin, not necessarily its relevance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was dated" primarily functions as a statement of fact, indicating the time or period to which something belongs. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's a standard English construction. Examples in Ludwig showcase its use across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Academia

20%

Wiki

13%

Less common in

Science

9%

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was dated" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to specify the time or period to which something belongs. Ludwig AI confirms its validity in standard English. Analysis of usage patterns reveals frequent appearances in News & Media, Academia, and Wiki sources, indicating broad applicability. While sometimes implying obsolescence, the primary function is to provide chronological context. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the subject and be mindful of potential connotations. Alternatives like "it bore a date" or "it originated in" may offer more precise nuances depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it bore a date

Focuses on the presence of a date rather than the implication of age or relevance.

it was time-stamped

Emphasizes the action of recording a specific time.

it originated in

Highlights the place and time of origin or beginning.

it was of the period

Focuses on the association with a specific era or time frame.

it belonged to the era

Highlights the belonging of the object to a specific period or time.

it was from that time

Identifies the object's origin from a specific point in the past.

it was created then

Underlines the object's creation during a particular time.

it has a vintage feel

Emphasizes the sense of something being old or classic.

it seemed old-fashioned

Highlights the perception of being outdated or not current.

it appeared obsolete

Focuses on the notion of something being no longer in use or relevant.

FAQs

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

Use "it was dated" to indicate when something originated or when it was recorded. For example, "The manuscript "it was dated" 1776" or "The email "it was dated" yesterday morning".

What does "it was dated" imply about the subject?

The phrase "it was dated" primarily indicates the time of origin or recording. It can sometimes imply that the subject is old or obsolete, but this depends on the context. In the case of historical documents, "it was dated" simply marks its place in time.

Are there alternatives to saying "it was dated"?

Yes, depending on the specific context, you can use phrases like "it bore a date", "it originated in", or "it was time-stamped".

Is it correct to use "it was dated" to describe something outdated?

While "it was dated" can imply that something is outdated or old-fashioned, it's more accurate to use phrases like "it seemed old-fashioned" or "it appeared obsolete" when specifically referring to something being out of date.