it was dictated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was dictated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that was spoken or ordered verbally and then recorded or transcribed. Example: "The report was prepared based on the notes that it was dictated during the meeting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

"It was dictated by you".

The New Yorker

Much of it was dictated by the crisis.

The New York Times

It was dictated to me — the pressure was serious, not a joke".

The New Yorker

It was as if it was dictated to me, he said.

The Guardian - Film

He noted it was dictated by terrorists whose earlier warnings of their monstrous intentions escaped the nation's attention.

The New York Times

It was dictated just before John's death, and is thought to indicate how weakened he was because, instead of spelling out exactly how his possessions should be distributed, he left the decisions to his close advisers.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

"It's dictated off coverage.

The New York Times - Sports

Which businesses can use it are dictated by a few broad rules.

The Guardian - Business

"This is a floor-plan house — it is dictated by the flat plane, and that is very American.

The New Yorker

It may seem cynical, but it is dictated by California's size and the cost of campaigning.

The New York Times

Life has pattern and reason and the paths through it are dictated fairly and honestly, by ancient rhythms.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was dictated", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what did the dictating. This provides clarity and strengthens the sentence's meaning.

Common error

Avoid overusing passive constructions like "it was dictated", as it can make your writing sound less direct. Consider using active voice where appropriate for a more engaging style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was dictated" functions as a passive voice construction. It indicates that a subject received an action (being dictated) from an external source. According to Ludwig, this is a valid phrase. Examples show its use in news, scientific, and literary contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was dictated" is a grammatically sound passive construction used to convey that something was determined or specified by an external source. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is suitable for use in written English. While not exceedingly common, it appears primarily in News & Media and Scientific contexts. Be mindful of overusing passive voice and consider active alternatives to maintain a direct writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was ordered

Replaces 'dictated' with 'ordered', meaning a command was issued.

it was prescribed

Replaces 'dictated' with 'prescribed', implying a rule or guideline was set.

it was commanded

Substitutes 'dictated' with 'commanded', suggesting an order was given.

it was directed

Changes 'dictated' to 'directed', implying guidance or steering was provided.

it was stipulated

Replaces 'dictated' with 'stipulated', indicating a condition or requirement was specified.

it was imposed

Replaces 'dictated' with 'imposed', suggesting a requirement was enforced.

it was instructed

Replaces 'dictated' with 'instructed', suggesting guidance or directions were provided.

it was decreed

Substitutes 'dictated' with 'decreed', implying an official order or decision was made.

it was formulated

Replaces 'dictated' with 'formulated' suggesting a plan was created.

it was determined

Changes 'dictated' to 'determined', indicating a conclusion or decision was reached.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was dictated" to describe something that was specified or determined by an external factor. For example, "The outcome of the meeting "it was dictated" by the CEO's preferences".

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

You can use alternatives like "it was ordered", "it was prescribed", or "it was stipulated" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "it was dictated" or "it is dictated"?

"It was dictated" refers to something that occurred in the past, while "it is dictated" refers to something that is currently dictated. The correct choice depends on the intended tense.

What's the difference between "it was dictated" and "it was influenced"?

"It was dictated" implies a stronger sense of control or determination by an external force, while "it was influenced" suggests a more subtle effect or persuasion.