it was first described

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was first described" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the initial documentation or explanation of a concept, object, or phenomenon in a scientific or academic context. Example: "The species was first described in a research paper published in 1998."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The clinical description of MSF has not really changed since its it was first described.

Emerging Infectious Diseases

It was first described in 1833 and given its current name in 1876.

Wikipedia

It was first described (1842) by Austrian physicist Christian Doppler.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was first described as early as 1853 as a 'circular gale' reaching the upper atmosphere.

Cornell University

It was first described by Professor John C. Merriam and his student Chester Stock in 1932.

University of California, Berkeley

Centuries since it was first described, tuberculosis (TB) remains a significant global public health issue.

Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews

Although it was first described in 1893 by Caldwell, it has been performed by ophthalmologists.

Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery

About six years ago it was first described that cathelicidins are also present in birds.

Veterinary Microbiology

It was first described by scientists in 1845 and recorded many times in the 1870s.

The Guardian

When it was first described to English naturalists, in 1813, they thought it was a hoax.

The New Yorker

It was first described in Tennessee in 2008, and in Arkansas, Illinois, Kansas, Kentucky, and Missouri in 2009.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Always cite the original source or author who first described the subject, adding credibility to your statement and allowing readers to delve deeper if needed.

Common error

Avoid using "it was first described" without specifying what "it" refers to. Failing to provide this information can leave your audience confused and unsure about the topic at hand.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was first described" functions as a passive construction indicating when a concept, method, or entity was initially documented or explained. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

75%

News & Media

10%

Academia

7%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was first described" is a grammatically correct and versatile passive construction used to denote the initial documentation or explanation of a concept, phenomenon, or object. According to Ludwig, it enjoys widespread use across diverse fields, notably science, news, and academia. To ensure clarity, it's vital to provide context about what "it" refers to and to cite the original source. Alternatives such as "it was initially documented" or "it was originally reported" offer nuanced variations for different writing scenarios. By adhering to these guidelines, you can effectively and accurately convey the historical context of ideas and discoveries.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was initially documented

Replaces 'described' with 'documented', emphasizing the act of recording information for the first time. Slightly more formal.

it was originally reported

Substitutes 'described' with 'reported', highlighting the initial communication of findings. Suitable for news and research contexts.

it was initially identified

Focuses on the act of recognizing something for the first time, instead of its description.

it was pioneered by

Shifts the focus to the person or group who first developed or introduced something.

it was established by

Emphasizes the creation or founding of something.

the origin of this is

Changes the structure to focus on the origin rather than the act of describing.

the term was coined by

Specifically refers to the creation of a new term or name.

it is attributed to

Indicates the association of an idea or discovery with a particular person or source.

it traces back to

Highlights the historical roots or origins of something.

the advent of this occurred in

Focuses on the arrival or beginning of something.

FAQs

How can I use "it was first described" in a sentence?

Use "it was first described" to indicate when a concept, phenomenon, or object was initially documented or explained. For example, "The theory of relativity "it was first described" by Albert Einstein in 1905".

What's the difference between "it was first described" and "it was first discovered"?

"It was first described" refers to the initial explanation or documentation of something, while "it was first discovered" refers to the initial finding or detection of something. You describe a theory but discover a new species.

What are some alternatives to "it was first described"?

You can use alternatives like "it was initially documented", "it was originally reported", or "it was initially identified" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it necessary to cite the source when using "it was first described"?

Yes, citing the source is highly recommended to give credit to the original author or researcher and to allow readers to verify the information. Proper citation enhances the credibility of your writing.