it was favored

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was favored" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something was preferred or supported in the past. Example: "In the past, this approach was favored by many experts in the field."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

The success and influence of Aristotelian natural philosophy was due to its centrality to university teaching, where it was favored because it covered every topic, like an encyclopedia.

SEP

It was favored by McKenna.

The New York Times - Books

Conversion decreased with increasing BPA concentration and it was favored in the pH range 6 8.

Catalysis Today

That six-point gap is reversed from a month ago, when it was favored 48-42.

The Washington Post

Legend has it the name was picked out of a hat, even though it was favored by Irish before the drawing.

The New York Times

He said it was favored by downtown residents and businesspeople who want to make it easier to navigate the memorial site on foot.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

In addition to its traditional uses, it is favored by Latino gang members on jackets and as tattoos.

Los Angeles Times

It is favored for its short generation time, plentiful seeds, conveniently small stature, and ease of genetic transformation using Agrobacterium tumefaciens.

BMC Biology

If Air Force wins, and it is favored, it will tie Wyoming for its division lead.

The New York Times - Sports

Harmony Extra (Harmony + Express), controls a wider range of broadleaves and it is favored over other products because of its control of corn chamomile, wild garlic and chickweed.

Cornell University

It is favored by high achievers under stress.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was favored" to indicate a past preference or support for something, especially when contrasting it with current views or practices. Ensure the context clearly identifies who or what held the favoring opinion.

Common error

Ensure that the "it" in "it was favored" clearly refers to a specific subject. Ambiguity can confuse the reader and weaken the statement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was favored" functions as a passive construction indicating that a particular subject received preference or support. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts, reflecting its role in showing past preferences.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

32%

Science

32%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Wiki

9%

Formal & Business

8%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was favored" is a grammatically correct and common way to express that something received preference or support in the past. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is used across diverse contexts, including news, science, and academia. While generally neutral, its usage leans towards professional settings. When using this phrase, ensure clarity in identifying the subject and consider more formal alternatives like "it was preferred" for added precision. By considering context and avoiding ambiguity, writers can effectively convey past preferences and endorsements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was preferred

Replaces "favored" with a direct synonym, maintaining a similar level of formality and meaning.

it was supported

Indicates active backing or endorsement, slightly stronger than simple preference.

it gained acceptance

Focuses on the process of becoming accepted, implying a gradual increase in favor.

it met with approval

Highlights the positive reception of something, suggesting a formal or official endorsement.

it found favor

A more literary or slightly archaic way of saying it was liked or approved.

it was well-received

Emphasizes the positive reaction from an audience or group.

it was embraced

Suggests enthusiastic acceptance and adoption.

it became popular

Focuses on the growth in popularity, highlighting widespread appeal.

it was in vogue

Indicates that something was fashionable or trendy at a particular time.

it prevailed

Suggests that something was ultimately successful or dominant, implying a struggle against alternatives.

FAQs

What does "it was favored" mean?

The phrase "it was favored" means something was preferred, supported, or liked more than other options at a certain point in the past.

What are some alternatives to "it was favored"?

You can use alternatives like "it was preferred", "it was supported", or "it gained acceptance" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

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

You can use "it was favored" to show that a particular option or method was preferred in the past. For example, "In the past, this approach was favored by many experts in the field."

Is "it was favored" formal or informal?

The phrase "it was favored" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. However, in highly formal settings, consider using "it was preferred" for added precision.