it was exercised

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was exercised" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of exercising a right, option, or power in a specific context. Example: "The committee decided that it was exercised in accordance with the established guidelines."

✓ Grammatically correct

Encyclopedias

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

14 human-written examples

Marsilius did believe that the Church exercised some authority over its members, but, so far as this was a doctrinal authority, it was exercised not by the Pope but by a general Council (Marsilius held that the Bible and general Councils are infallible, but not the Pope (pp. 274 9/360 66)).

SEP

It was exercised personally, not bureaucratically.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Power was never personal; it was exercised by a body of several people.

Britannica

It was exercised first by the kings of Rome; under the republic (c.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Power, and the way it was exercised, were Hugo's abiding concern.

The Guardian

It was exercised, in the main, through agreements with local rulers rather than through direct control over territory.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

or State Legislatures, provided it be exercised most for his happiness.

Yale University

It is exercised through backroom deals between bureaucrats and lobbyists.

The Guardian - Opinion

It's exercising different parts of the brain.

Harvard University

It is exercising fitness of your mind.

Forbes

"It's exercising your constitutional rights".

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the use of power or authority, use "it was exercised" to clearly indicate that the power was actively put into effect. For instance, "The right to vote was exercised by a majority of citizens".

Common error

Avoid using "it was exercised" when the active voice would be more direct and clear. Instead of "it was exercised by the manager", use "the manager exercised it".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was exercised" primarily functions as the passive voice of the verb "exercise". It indicates that a particular power, right, or ability was put into effect by an unspecified actor. Ludwig confirms the phrase is grammatically sound and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Encyclopedias

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was exercised" is a grammatically correct and commonly used passive voice construction. According to Ludwig, it describes the act of implementing a right, power, or ability, typically in formal contexts. While versatile, it's important to consider whether an active voice would be more direct and effective. Its use is most frequent in News & Media and Encyclopedias, with neutral to formal register. Remember to choose synonyms carefully to accurately reflect the intended meaning, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was implemented

Replaces "exercised" with a focus on putting something into effect.

it was utilized

Substitutes "exercised" to emphasize the practical use of something.

it was applied

Changes "exercised" to highlight the act of putting something to a specific purpose or situation.

it was enforced

Replaces "exercised" to emphasize the act of compelling obedience to a rule or law.

it was put into practice

Expands "exercised" to a longer phrase emphasizing the practical application of something.

it was carried out

Changes "exercised" to focus on the execution or performance of an action.

it was enacted

Substitutes "exercised" to refer specifically to the process of making a bill or other proposal law.

it was administered

Changes "exercised" to suggest the management or supervision of something.

it was brought to bear

Replaces "exercised" with a more formal and emphatic way to express the application of influence or pressure.

it was made use of

Expands "exercised" to a longer phrase that emphasizes the act of using something.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it was exercised" to sound more active?

To use a more active voice, you can rephrase "it was exercised" as "someone exercised it". This shifts the focus to the actor performing the action, making the sentence more direct and engaging.

What is a formal synonym for "it was exercised"?

A formal synonym for "it was exercised" is "it was implemented". This alternative is suitable for professional, academic, or official contexts where precise and elevated language is preferred.

When is it appropriate to use the passive voice construction "it was exercised"?

The passive voice, as in "it was exercised", is appropriate when the actor is unknown, unimportant, or when you want to emphasize the action rather than the actor. For example, "The option "it was exercised" to extend the contract".

How does "it was exercised" differ from "it was used"?

"It was used" is a more general term indicating that something was put to some purpose. "It was exercised", on the other hand, typically implies the application of a right, power, or ability. Choosing between them depends on the specific context you want to convey.