it was fired

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was fired" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone was dismissed from their job or that a gun was discharged. Example: "After several warnings about his performance, it was fired that he would no longer be part of the team."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

When you fire a bullet into the air, it typically takes between 20 and 90 seconds for it to come down, depending on the angle it was fired at, its muzzle velocity and its caliber.

Forbes

But it was a significant discovery nonetheless: the gun barrel had been configured to vent the air displaced by the hollow uranium projectile when it was fired toward its target.

The New Yorker

But, its performance lagging, in 2003 it was fired from those two companies as well as from a few public funds like the Philadelphia Gas Works and the Illinois Teachers Retirement Systemm.

Forbes

Assisted by his son, Andrew, a fine potter in his own right, he built a large oil and wood-fired kiln, so big it was fired only infrequently.

The Guardian

It was fired".

The New Yorker

State television showed the missile as it was fired.

The New York Times

The aide responsible for downloading it was fired.

The New York Times

It was fired since it was last cleaned.

The New York Times

(The bullet missed, though it was fired from less than six feet away).

The New Yorker

It was fired three times last year, and he hopes to continue on that schedule.

The New York Times

Although the demonstration was peaceful, it was fired upon by riot police.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was fired" in the context of weapons, be specific about what "it" refers to (e.g., "the missile", "the gun"). This avoids ambiguity and ensures clarity.

Common error

Avoid using "it was fired" when an active voice construction would be more direct and clear. For example, instead of "it was fired by the employee", consider "the employee fired it".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was fired" functions primarily as a passive construction, indicating that something was subjected to the action of being fired. According to Ludwig, this usage aligns with standard grammatical rules. This can refer either to the discharge of a weapon or the termination of employment.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was fired" is a grammatically correct and versatile passive construction, widely used across various contexts to indicate the action of something being discharged or terminated. Ludwig AI confirms the phrase follows standard grammar rules. It is particularly prevalent in news and media, as well as scientific contexts. When employing this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the subject to avoid ambiguity, and consider whether an active voice construction might be more direct. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it got discharged

Focuses on the action of something being released or activated, similar to firing a weapon or a person.

it was discharged

Highlights the action of being released or expelled, often in a formal or technical context.

it came to be discharged

Emphasizes the process leading to the action of being released or expelled.

it was launched

Implies a formal or planned release, often used in the context of missiles or campaigns.

it was triggered

Suggests an activation or initiation, often by an external cause or event.

it was set off

Indicates an action that has been initiated, often involving explosions or alarms.

it was detonated

Specifically refers to the action of causing an explosion.

it was expelled

Focuses on the act of forcing something out or away.

it was unleashed

Suggests a sudden and powerful release of something restrained.

it was ejected

Implies the forceful removal or throwing out of something.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was fired" to describe an object being discharged from a weapon, as in, "The bullet with Halbach's DNA on "it was fired" from Avery's gun". It can also describe someone being dismissed from a job.

What can I say instead of "it was fired"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "it was launched", "it was discharged", or "it was triggered". The best choice depends on the specific meaning you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use the passive voice "it was fired" over the active voice?

The passive voice is useful when the actor is unknown or unimportant, or when you want to emphasize the object of the action. For example, "it was fired" is appropriate when the focus is on the object being fired rather than who fired it.

Is "it was fired" formal or informal?

The level of formality depends on the context. While generally neutral, "it was fired" can appear in both formal (e.g., news reports about missile launches) and informal contexts (e.g., discussions about someone losing their job). News sources tend to adopt a neutral tone.