it was driven

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was driven" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that was propelled or motivated by a particular force or factor in the past. Example: "The success of the project was driven by the team's dedication and hard work."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

It was driven by his young son.

The New Yorker

It was driven by a robot.

The New York Times

It was driven by material corporate cutbacks.

The New York Times

It was driven by the very high demand from China.

Yale University

"It was driven a lot by social media," he said.

The New York Times

And it was driven partly by the facts.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

It was "Driving Miss Daisy," not "Seven".

The New York Times

"And it's driven by winning".

The New York Times - Sports

"It's driven by cost and efficiencies".

The New York Times

"It's driven by a news edge.

The New York Times

It's driven by experience.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was driven", ensure the subject 'it' is clearly defined in the preceding context to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "The decision was unpopular. It was driven by financial concerns", specify "The decision was unpopular. It was driven by financial concerns".

Common error

Avoid using "it was driven" when the 'it' lacks a clear and immediate reference. This can confuse readers. Always check if the pronoun's reference is obvious.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was driven" primarily functions as a passive construction, indicating that a particular entity or action was propelled or influenced by an external force or factor. As Ludwig AI confirms, it indicates causation or motivation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Academia

12%

Science

11%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was driven" functions as a passive construction to explain the underlying causes or motivations behind events or decisions. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts. It is most frequently encountered in News & Media, Academia and Science, with a neutral to professional register. To ensure clarity, make sure the antecedent for "it" is always clear, and consider active voice alternatives for more direct writing. Ludwig examples highlight its utility in explaining motivations, influences, and origins, making it a versatile phrase for analytical and explanatory writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was caused by

Directly indicates the agent responsible for an effect.

it was motivated by

Focuses on the underlying desires or intentions that influenced an action.

it resulted from

Highlights the consequence of a prior action or event.

it was prompted by

Suggests a triggering event that initiated a response.

it was spurred by

Indicates that something was stimulated or encouraged by a particular event.

it stemmed from

Focuses on the origin or root cause of something.

it was triggered by

Specifies an event that immediately set off a chain reaction.

it was fueled by

Implies that something was intensified or sustained by a specific factor.

it was underpinned by

Highlights the foundational elements or principles that supported something.

it originated in

Emphasizes the place or time where something began.

FAQs

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

The phrase "it was driven" is used to indicate the cause or motivation behind an action or situation. For example, "The company's success "it was driven" by innovative marketing strategies".

What's a more formal alternative to "it was driven"?

In formal writing, you could use phrases like "it was motivated by", "it resulted from", or "it was caused by" to convey a similar meaning with a higher degree of formality.

How does "it was driven" differ from "it drove"?

"It was driven" is in the passive voice, indicating something was acted upon, while "it drove" is in the active voice, indicating something was the actor. For example, "The policy "it was driven" by public demand" versus "Public demand drove the policy".

What are some common mistakes to avoid when using "it was driven"?

A common mistake is using "it was driven" without a clear antecedent for 'it', which can cause confusion. Ensure the sentence clearly identifies what "it" refers to. Also, be mindful of the passive voice, as overuse can make writing less direct. Consider active voice alternatives when appropriate.