it was first collected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was first collected" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the initial gathering or compilation of data, samples, or information in a specific context, such as research or historical documentation. Example: "The data for this study was first collected in 2010, providing a baseline for our analysis."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

It was first collected in 1998, in Allentown, Pa., and at the time was considered only a nuisance.

The New York Times

Named from a specimen taken in Mexico by Swainson in 1834, it was first collected in the U.S. by J. H. Clark in 1851 near El Paso, TX.

Cornell University

From the time it was first collected, by John Kirk Townsend along the lower Willamette River, Oregon, in 1835, the solitaire has often been overlooked.

Cornell University

When it was first collected in Poems (1807), an anonymous reviewer in The Satirist or Monthly Meteor could hardly contain himself.

The Guardian - Books

The lines of his iconic poem "Out of the Cradle Endlessly Rocking"—titled "A Word Out of the Sea" when it was first collected, in 1860, in the third edition of "Leaves"—sway back and forth with onomatopoetic birdsong; their measured lengths are patterned after the movement of waves and musically unfold through anaphoric lilt, spondaic shift, subtle assonance, and alliteration.

The New Yorker

The specific epithet refers to the Carolinas, where it was first collected scientifically.

Wikipedia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

The polypody is a special plant because there is a record of it being first collected in 1668, at Dinas Powys in South Wales, by the Richard Kayse after whom it is named.

Independent

It has been called andinobates geminisae, and a specimen was first collected in 2011.

Independent

His poetry was first collected in Gedichte (1882; "Poems").

Britannica

The northern Pacific seastar, Asterias amurensis, was first collected in southeast Tasmania in 1986.

Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science

In both sessions, 1 h of baseline data was first collected.

EJNMMI Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was first collected", ensure the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to and where or by whom the collection occurred. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "it was first collected" without a clear antecedent for "it". This can confuse readers. Instead, explicitly state what was collected, such as "the sample was first collected" or "the data were first collected."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was first collected" functions as a passive construction, indicating that something was subjected to the action of being collected. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct and appropriate for diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

23%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

7%

Academia

7%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was first collected" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to denote the initial gathering or compilation of something, whether it be data, specimens, or information. As pointed out by Ludwig AI, this passive construction is commonly found in scientific, news, and encyclopedic sources, reflecting a neutral to formal register. While synonyms like "initially gathered" or "originally obtained" offer alternative phrasing, the key is to maintain clarity regarding what "it" refers to and the context of the collection. When writing, ensure a clear antecedent and consider the specific nuance you want to convey, as emphasized in the writing guidance. Given its uncommon yet consistent usage, mastering this phrase contributes to precise and effective communication in various writing contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was initially gathered

Replaces 'first collected' with 'initially gathered', emphasizing the beginning of the gathering process.

it was originally obtained

Substitutes 'collected' with 'obtained', highlighting the acquisition aspect.

it was initially identified

Replaces 'collected' with 'identified', focusing on the act of recognizing something for the first time.

it was originally assembled

Changes 'collected' to 'assembled', suggesting a compilation of parts or pieces.

it was initially compiled

Replaces 'collected' with 'compiled', implying the gathering of information or data.

it was originally documented

Substitutes 'collected' with 'documented', emphasizing the recording of information.

it was first discovered

Changes 'collected' to 'discovered', implying that something was found unexpectedly.

the first instance was gathered

Changes the whole structure of the sentence, with more emphasis on the instance of gathering.

the initial acquisition occurred

Focuses on the action of acquiring, replacing "it was first collected" with a more formal tone.

its initial compilation took place

Highlights the action of compiling, replacing "it was first collected" using more words.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it was first collected" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "it was initially gathered", "it was originally obtained", or "the initial acquisition occurred".

What is the difference between "it was first collected" and "it was first discovered"?

"It was first collected" implies a deliberate act of gathering something, while "it was first discovered" suggests an accidental or unexpected finding. The choice depends on the context you want to convey.

In what contexts is it appropriate to use the phrase "it was first collected"?

The phrase "it was first collected" is suitable in contexts where data, specimens, or artifacts are systematically gathered, such as scientific research, historical documentation, or environmental surveys. It is used to specify when this collecting took place.

Are there any synonyms for "collected" that can be used in place of "it was first collected"?

Yes, you can use synonyms like "identified", "assembled", "compiled", or "documented", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. It will depend on context but "it was initially gathered" may work as well.