it was expanded

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was expanded" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that has been made larger, more extensive, or more detailed in some way. Example: "The report was initially brief, but it was expanded to include more data and analysis."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Two years later, that curriculum graduated its first class, and in October 2014 it was expanded to create the coding-based program.

Vice

Later, it was expanded to 10 paragraphs.

The New York Times

Tested in four neighborhoods, it was expanded citywide in 2009.

The New York Times

It was expanded into a musical play in 1978.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was expanded to include electro-catalytic oxidation methods using a nitrosonium ion derived from TEMPO.

Princeton University

It was expanded in the 1990's to 2,916 square feet.

The New York Times

It was expanded in 1974 to accommodate a set of landscape aquariums.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The promotion proved so popular that it was expanded to other cities.

The New York Times

After a further year it was expanded and published as Alice's Adventures in Wonderland.

Independent

It was expanded to deal with trucks, ships, freight forwarders, and other interstate carriers.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was expanded to 400 seats for a total cost of $900,000.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was expanded" to clearly indicate that something has grown in size, scope, or detail, especially when describing a process or historical development. For instance, "The company's product line was expanded to include new items."

Common error

Avoid using "it was expanded" without providing specific details about what 'it' refers to and how it was expanded. Vague usage can confuse readers and weaken your message. Ensure the context makes the subject and the nature of the expansion clear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was expanded" functions as a passive construction, indicating that something underwent a process of enlargement or extension. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

22%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

20%

Wiki

8%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was expanded" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction to describe the enlargement or extension of something. As Ludwig confirms, this phrase is appropriate for various contexts, ranging from news reports to academic papers. The phrase's versatility stems from its ability to convey that a subject underwent a process of growth or development. The most authoritative sources employing this phrase include The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica, indicating its reliability. When writing, ensure that the context clearly defines what "it" refers to and specifies the nature of the expansion to maintain clarity and avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was enlarged

Replaces 'expanded' with 'enlarged', focusing on physical size or scope increase.

it was broadened

Substitutes 'expanded' with 'broadened', highlighting an increase in range or variety.

it was extended

Uses 'extended' instead of 'expanded', emphasizing an increase in length or duration.

it was augmented

Replaces 'expanded' with 'augmented', suggesting an addition that enhances the original.

it was developed further

Indicates that the subject underwent further development or refinement.

it was built upon

Suggests that the subject had additions and improvements made to its foundation.

it was scaled up

Replaces 'expanded' with 'scaled up', focusing on increasing the scale or capacity.

it was amplified

Uses 'amplified' instead of 'expanded', highlighting the process of increasing something's effect.

it was elaborated on

Indicates that the subject has been detailed more thoroughly.

it saw an increase

Focuses on the result of an increase, rather than the action of expanding itself.

FAQs

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

Use "it was expanded" to describe the growth or increase of something, like a program, product line, or physical space. For example, "The coding program was initially for inmates, but "it was expanded" to include other community members".

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

Consider using phrases like "it was enlarged", "it was broadened", or "it was extended" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. "Enlarged" emphasizes size, "broadened" scope, and "extended" length or duration.

Is "it was expanded" formal or informal?

"It was expanded" is generally suitable for both formal and informal contexts. The formality often depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and the overall tone of the writing.

What is the difference between "it was expanded" and "it expanded"?

"It was expanded" is in the passive voice, indicating that something was acted upon to make it larger or more comprehensive. "It expanded" is in the active voice, meaning something grew or increased on its own without external action. The passive construction is useful when you want to emphasize the process or the action taken, rather than the subject itself.