it was donated

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was donated" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an item or resource that has been given as a gift or contribution, typically to a charitable cause or organization. Example: "The old books were no longer needed, so they were donated to the local library."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

You also need a receipt from the charity describing the property, its value and when it was donated.

The New York Times

In 1968, as maritime technology was making it and its dumpy sisters obsolete, it was donated to a seafaring school in Maryland.

The New York Times

It operated this and other routes until its retirement in 1960, when it was donated to Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry, where it remains on public display.

Wikipedia

THE Old Ordinary is unusually rich in its collections, considering that everything in it was donated by Hingham citizens.

The New York Times - Travel

Eventually, it found its way into the treasury of the French kingdom, before it was donated to the abbey of St. Denis.

Wikipedia

It was donated to the museum after filming was completed.

The New York Times

It was donated by direct descendants of the Patteshalls.

The New York Times - Arts

It was donated to the town five years ago.

The New York Times

It was donated to the American Film Institute in 1996.

The New York Times

It was donated by Governor and Mrs. Herbert H. Lehman to the children of the city.

The New Yorker

(Most of it was donated to the Richard B Cheney Cardiac Institute at George Washington University).

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about donations, be specific about who donated the item and to whom it was donated. This adds clarity and credibility to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "it was donated" without a clear antecedent for "it". Ensure the reader knows exactly what object or resource is being referred to.

Linguistic Context

"It was donated" functions as a passive construction, indicating that something received a donation. Ludwig AI's analysis shows its widespread use in describing how items come into the possession of organizations or institutions, often for charitable or public benefit.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was donated" is a common and grammatically correct passive construction used to describe something that has been given as a gift or contribution. According to Ludwig AI, it is frequently found in news, wiki, and academic contexts, indicating its widespread use across various writing styles. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the item being donated and the recipient. While it is generally neutral, using more specific synonyms like "contributed" or "bequeathed" can add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was contributed

Replaces "donated" with a synonym, maintaining a similar level of formality and conveying the act of giving.

it was given as a gift

Specifies that the item was given as a gift, emphasizing the intention behind the donation.

it was presented as a contribution

Highlights the act of offering something as a contribution, often to a cause or organization.

it was bequeathed

Implies that the item was given as part of a will or inheritance.

it was handed over

Focuses on the physical act of transferring possession, less formal than "donated".

it was granted

Suggests formal approval or permission was involved in the act of giving.

it was bestowed

Implies that the gift was given as an honor or sign of respect.

it was transferred

Highlights the change of ownership, without necessarily implying a charitable intent.

it was assigned

Suggests that the item was allocated or designated for a specific purpose.

it was ceded

Indicates a formal surrender or relinquishment of something, often under pressure.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was donated" to describe an item that has been given as a gift or contribution. For example: "The painting "it was donated" to the museum by a private collector".

What are some alternatives to saying "it was donated"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it was contributed", "it was given as a gift", or "it was presented as a contribution". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it more formal to say "it was donated" or "it was given"?

"It was donated" generally carries a slightly more formal tone, often implying a charitable or altruistic act, whereas "it was given" is more neutral and can refer to any act of giving.

What information should I include when writing about something that "it was donated"?

Include details such as who donated the item, to whom it was donated, and any relevant context or purpose behind the donation. This provides a more complete and informative picture.