it was dug

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was dug" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an action that was completed in the past, specifically referring to something that has been excavated or removed from the ground. Example: "The trench was deep, and it was dug to lay the foundation for the new building."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

The body of former President Tassos Papadopoulos was reburied on Thursday, three months after it was dug up from its grave and stolen.

The New York Times

It was dug up two days later after a public outcry alleging a cover-up.

The New York Times

It was dug out of the rubble six weeks later as a stump with one green leaf.

The New York Times

Then, last winter, after the World Trade Center went down, it was dug up and turned into a hole.

The New York Times - Magazine

(It was dug up in 1982 and now resides in a local museum). Elberton then replaced that statue with one from Monumental Bronze's catalogue.

The Washington Post

This relic of a Greek statue was an overnight sensation when it was dug up in Rome in the early 16th century.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

It could also be JELLY BEAN, but you weren't fooled by that clue "Digs in the snow" and knew it was "digs" as in a home, right?

The New York Times

They had taken it by surprise, startling it up out of a snowbank where it was digging for roots, and it blocked their way back to the road.

The New Yorker

"Whether it was digging a hole and filling it back in the next week, he'd find stuff to keep us busy," Josh Romney said.

The New York Times

It is dug into our collective consciousness," says Professor Constantinos Tsoukalas, Greece's pre-eminent sociologist.

The Guardian

It's dug in the fall, placed in cold storage, and shipped out on trucks for use by orchardists.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was dug", ensure the context clearly identifies what "it" refers to, avoiding ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "it was digged" as the past participle of "dig" is "dug", not "digged". Always use the correct past participle form.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was dug" functions as a passive construction. It indicates that an unspecified agent performed the action of digging on a particular subject. Ludwig provides examples demonstrating its use in various contexts, confirming its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was dug" is a grammatically sound passive construction used to describe a past act of excavation. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness, revealing common usage in news, academic, and general contexts. While versatile, more formal alternatives like "it was excavated" might suit specific professional requirements. To improve writing clarity, it is recommended that context is clear and avoids ambiguous references to the subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was excavated

Replaces "dug" with a more formal synonym, maintaining the passive voice.

it was unearthed

Implies discovery, adding a layer of meaning beyond simple excavation.

it was shoveled

Specifies the tool used for digging, adding a detail absent in the original phrase.

it was tunneled

Suggests creating a tunnel or underground passage, implying a specific type of digging.

it was hollowed out

Indicates the creation of a cavity, shifting the focus from digging to shaping.

the digging was done

Changes the sentence structure while retaining the meaning of a completed digging action.

the hole was created

Focuses on the result of digging: the creation of a hole.

they excavated it

Shifts to an active voice while preserving the core meaning.

someone dug it

Similar to above. Expressing the phrase in active voice including agent.

excavation took place

Nominalizes the action, changing the sentence structure significantly.

FAQs

What does "it was dug" mean?

The phrase "it was dug" indicates that something has been excavated or unearthed in the past. For example, "The foundation "it was dug" deep to support the building".

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

You can use alternatives such as "it was excavated", "it was unearthed", or "it was hollowed out" depending on the specific context.

Is there a difference between "it was dug" and "it was excavated"?

While both phrases mean something was unearthed, "it was excavated" often implies a more careful or scientific approach to the digging process compared to ""it was dug"".

Can "it was dug" be used in both formal and informal contexts?

Yes, "it was dug" is suitable for both formal and informal writing, although more formal synonyms like "it was excavated" might be preferred in academic or professional contexts.