it was discovered

USAGE SUMMARY

"it was discovered" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to describe a situation where something has been found or revealed. For example: "It was discovered that the painting had been stolen from the museum ten years ago."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was discovered only months later.

The New York Times

It was discovered by me in 1914".

Independent

It was discovered within a week.

The New Yorker

It was discovered in 1992.

The Guardian

Later it was discovered, buried close by.

The Guardian - Music

It was discovered almost by accident.

The New York Times

Then it was discovered -- shock, horror!

The New York Times

Insulin was named before it was discovered.

The New York Times - Health

Recently, it was discovered that the founder embezzled funds.

The New York Times - Magazine

They did not say when it was discovered.

The New York Times

It was discovered as park construction got under way.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was discovered" when you want to emphasize the passive nature of the discovery, especially when the discoverer is unknown or less important than the discovery itself.

Common error

Avoid using "it was discovered" excessively, as it can make your writing sound indirect and weak. Sometimes, switching to the active voice (e.g., "Scientists discovered...") can make your writing more engaging and direct.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was discovered" functions as a passive construction used to report the finding or unveiling of something. Ludwig provides examples showing its use across various domains, affirming its grammatical correctness as stated by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Science

37%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was discovered" is a common and grammatically sound passive construction used to report findings and revelations. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication. While highly versatile, consider alternating with active voice constructions for more direct and engaging writing. As highlighted by Ludwig's analysis, you can use alternative phrasing for semantic variety like "it was found" or "it came to light".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was found

A more general term that indicates something was located, but not necessarily through active searching.

it was revealed

Implies that something previously hidden or secret has been made known.

it came to light

Focuses on the information becoming public or known, rather than the act of discovering.

it was determined

Suggests a formal or official decision or conclusion based on evidence.

the investigation uncovered

Highlights the process of investigation that led to the discovery.

it was ascertained

Implies a process of careful and thorough investigation to establish a fact.

researchers unearthed

Specifically refers to researchers finding something, often through diligent effort.

the finding indicated

Emphasizes the result or conclusion that was drawn from the discovery.

the truth emerged

Focuses on the revealing of a truth, often after a period of concealment or uncertainty.

it became apparent

Suggests that something was gradually noticed or understood.

FAQs

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

Use "it was discovered" to describe a situation where something previously unknown became known. For example, "It was discovered that the painting was a forgery".

What are some alternatives to "it was discovered"?

Alternatives include "it was found", "it came to light", or "it was revealed". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "discover"?

Using the active voice (e.g., "Scientists discovered") is often more direct and engaging. However, the passive voice ("it was discovered") is appropriate when you want to emphasize the discovery itself or when the discoverer is unknown or unimportant.

What is the difference between "it was discovered" and "it was invented"?

"It was discovered" implies finding something that already exists (e.g., a new species), while "it was invented" means creating something new (e.g., a new machine).