it was exhibited

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was exhibited" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that has been displayed or shown, typically in a formal or artistic context. Example: "The painting was created in the 18th century, and it was exhibited at the national gallery last year."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

In 1865 it was exhibited at the summer exhibition of the Royal Academy Whistlerr had offered The White Girl for the 1862 exhibition, but it had been rejected.

Wikipedia

It was exhibited shortly before Boty died, in a group exhibition in Bradford.

The Guardian - Books

It was exhibited in 1957, to celebrate its 300th anniversary, and was lent again in 1976 for the nation's bicentennial.

The New York Times

By the following June, it was exhibited as the centrepiece of his first post-art school solo exhibition, at Auckland's St Paul Street Gallery.

Vice

By June 2017, it was exhibited as the centerpiece of his first post-art school solo exhibition at Auckland's St Paul Street Gallery.

Vice

It was exhibited across the street.

The New Yorker

It was exhibited in N.Y., Baltimore, and Philadelphia before it reached the White House.

The New Yorker

Completed in 2001, it was exhibited last year at the Paul Kasmin Gallery in Chelsea.

The New York Times - Arts

It was exhibited as part of "MoMA2000," to wide praise, and is on view now.

The New York Times - Arts

It was exhibited with 40 other bronze figures in the museum's roof garden in 1999.

The New York Times - Arts

It was exhibited at the Library of Congress until the United States entered the conflict.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing an artwork's history, use "it was exhibited" to indicate where and when it was displayed to the public. For example, "The painting was created in 1920 and "it was exhibited" at the Louvre in 1925".

Common error

Avoid using "it was exhibited by" when you mean "it was exhibited at." The preposition "by" implies agency (who did the exhibiting), while "at" refers to the location or event.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was exhibited" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that something (typically an object, artwork, or idea) was displayed or shown to an audience. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

44%

Science

28%

Encyclopedias

12%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was exhibited" is a grammatically sound and commonly used passive construction that signifies the public display of something. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is found across diverse sources, from news articles to scientific publications and encyclopedias. The phrase is most frequently used in neutral or formal contexts, as evidenced by its prevalence in reputable news outlets and academic writing. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly indicates where and when the exhibition took place and avoid the common error of using "by" instead of "at" to specify the location. Alternatives like "it was displayed" or "it was showcased" can be used to add nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was displayed

This alternative focuses on the act of showing something.

it was showcased

This alternative emphasizes a deliberate and positive presentation.

it was presented

This alternative highlights the act of formally introducing something.

it was put on display

This option is a more descriptive way of saying it was shown.

it was on view

This alternative indicates that something was available for public viewing.

it was unveiled

This alternative suggests a formal or ceremonial introduction.

it was featured

This alternative emphasizes that something was a prominent part of a show or collection.

it was exposed

This alternative may imply that something was revealed or uncovered.

it was revealed

This alternative focuses on the act of making something known or visible.

it was demonstrated

This alternative suggests that something was shown to prove a point.

FAQs

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

Use "it was exhibited" to describe when something, especially art or an artifact, was shown to the public. For instance, "The sculpture was completed in 2010, and "it was exhibited" at the museum the following year".

What are some alternatives to "it was exhibited"?

Alternatives include "it was displayed", "it was showcased", or "it was presented", depending on the context.

Is it better to say "it was exhibited at" or "it was exhibited in"?

"It was exhibited at" is generally used for specific locations or events, like "It was exhibited at the museum". "It was exhibited in" is used for broader areas or time periods, like "It was exhibited in Paris".

What does "it was exhibited" imply about the object being described?

Using "it was exhibited" implies that the object was formally presented or shown to the public, often highlighting its artistic, historical, or cultural significance.