it was distributed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was distributed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of distributing something in the past, such as information, materials, or resources. Example: "The report was completed last week, and it was distributed to all team members for review."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"It was distributed to the northern elite".

The New York Times

It was distributed on DVDs to circumvent Cuba's censors.

The Guardian

It was distributed by the Sentinal Press, address unknown.

The New Yorker

It was distributed to teams around the league.

The New York Times - Sports

It was distributed in envelopes, sealed with surgical tape.

The New York Times

"It was distributed in the grocery stores," she said.

The New York Times

Instead, it was distributed through a franchise in neighboring Tunisia.

The New York Times

He said it was distributed until a few years ago.

The New York Times

(It was distributed in North America through Six Degrees last year).

The New York Times - Arts

It was distributed to students in 115 schools between October and December of 2001.

The New York Times

Because it was in English, it was distributed at only half the country's provincial cinemas.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was distributed", ensure the subject ('it') is clearly defined in the preceding context to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of "It was distributed", specify "The report was completed and it was distributed to the team".

Common error

Avoid using "it was distributed" without a clear reference to what 'it' refers to. This can confuse readers. Instead of starting a paragraph with "It was distributed", specify what was distributed. For example, use "The survey was distributed" for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was distributed" primarily functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that something (the 'it') underwent the action of distribution. This grammatical structure is commonly used to shift focus from the actor to the recipient or the object being acted upon. Ludwig confirms its correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was distributed" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to describe the act of something being disseminated. As Ludwig AI highlights, its function is primarily passive, shifting the focus to the object being distributed rather than the distributor. It finds frequent use across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Science, and Wiki sources. While generally neutral in register, the context may push formality up or down. To avoid ambiguity, it's crucial to ensure the referent of "it" is clear. While several alternatives exist, like ""it was circulated"" or ""it was disseminated"", the best choice depends on the nuance you aim to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was circulated

Focuses on the action of passing something around, often information or documents.

it was disseminated

Emphasizes the act of spreading information widely.

it was allocated

Highlights the act of assigning or designating something for a specific purpose or recipient.

it was handed out

A more informal way of saying something was given to people.

it was dispensed

Suggests a formal or controlled distribution, like medicine or justice.

it was propagated

Implies the spread of something, often ideas or beliefs.

it was shared

A general term for giving something to others.

it was delivered

Focuses on the act of transporting and giving something to a specific location or person.

it was issued

Implies an official or formal release of something, like a statement or document.

it was furnished

Focuses on providing or supplying something.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was distributed" to describe how something was given out or spread. For example: "The information was confidential, but "it was distributed" among unauthorized personnel".

What are some alternatives to "it was distributed"?

Alternatives include "it was circulated", "it was disseminated", or "it was allocated", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "it has been distributed" instead of "it was distributed"?

Yes, "it has been distributed" is also correct, but it implies a more recent or ongoing action, whereas ""it was distributed"" refers to a completed action in the past.

What's the difference between "it was distributed" and "it was shared"?

"It was distributed" often implies a more formal or organized process of giving something out, while "it was shared" suggests a more informal or casual act of giving or allowing access to something.