it was devolved

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was devolved" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where authority, responsibility, or functions have been transferred from a central authority to a local or regional one. Example: "After the new policy was implemented, it was devolved to the local governments to manage their own budgets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

He reminded the house that the UK has the power to impose legislation on northern ireland whether it was devolved issue or not.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Now it was devolving into a much bloodier and more prolonged civil war.

The New York Times - Magazine

Instead, it was devolving into a technical discipline that was even less comprehensible than it was relevant.

The New York Times

QUESTION FROM DAVID: I don't think your problem with the filibuster is so much its existence, but that it's devolved into a lazy, anonymous act that can be performed without anyone calling the perpetrator's bluff.

The New Yorker

It's devolved in that it's about individuals now rather than a team concept.

The Guardian - Music

That is also what the Federation of Small Businesses FSBB) wants to see ahead of full scale reform of the rates system when it is devolved to Wales in April 2015.

BBC

And that it's devolved into flash paper.

Huffington Post

It's devolved into anti-leftism, tribal antipathy… For a long time [I've been talking about] how the Republican Party had to modernize, that incomes were stagnating, that the lack of health coverage was a real problem, climate's a real problem".

Vice

It is devolved to the 17 primary health care clinics in the sub-district, and is nurse- and counsellor-led.

BMC Infectious Diseases

To the extent that the Bush administration has a domestic agenda, it is devolving power from federal agencies to the states.

The New York Times

If the alliance of Conservatives and Liberal Democrats has a unifying ideology, it is devolving power from the central state to local government, communities and families, creating what Mr Cameron's Tories call "the Big Society".

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was devolved" check who/what entity the power was taken from.

Common error

Avoid using "it was devolved" without specifying the scope and recipients of the devolved powers. This can lead to confusion about who is now responsible for what.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was devolved" functions as a passive voice construction indicating that a transfer of power, responsibility, or authority has occurred. Ludwig shows that this transfer is often from a central entity to a regional or local one.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was devolved" is a grammatically correct passive construction used to indicate a transfer of power, responsibility, or function from a central authority. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage and provides examples primarily from news, media, and science contexts. While not exceedingly common, the phrase is useful for clearly communicating shifts in authority, making it most suitable for formal and neutral registers. Consider using alternatives such as "it was delegated" or "it was transferred" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was delegated

This alternative emphasizes the act of assigning a task or responsibility to someone else.

it was transferred

Focuses on the shift of something from one entity to another.

it was delegated down

This alternative specifies that the act of delegation was directed toward a lower-ranking person.

it was handed over

Implies a formal transfer of control or responsibility.

it was decentralized

Highlights the distribution of power or functions away from a central authority.

it was reassigned

Indicates a change in assignment or allocation.

responsibility was shifted

Focuses on the change in who is accountable for something.

it was consigned

This conveys a sense of something being irrevocably assigned or transferred.

it was remitted

This suggests that something was passed or sent on to another authority.

it was passed down

This indicates a transfer through a hierarchy or lineage.

FAQs

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

Use "it was devolved" to describe situations where power, responsibility, or functions are transferred from a central authority to a regional or local one. For instance, "After the reform, healthcare management "it was devolved" to local health boards".

What phrases are similar to "it was devolved"?

Similar phrases include "it was delegated", "it was transferred", or "it was decentralized". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it was devolved" formal or informal?

"It was devolved" is generally considered a neutral to formal expression. You're more likely to find it in news articles, official reports, or academic papers than in casual conversation. It is best to avoid it in informal conversations.

What does "it was devolved" mean in a political context?

In politics, "it was devolved" typically means that certain powers or responsibilities previously held by a central government have been transferred to regional or local governments. This is often part of a larger process of decentralization or regional autonomy.