it was first shown

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was first shown" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the initial presentation or display of something, such as a film, artwork, or research findings. Example: "The documentary was first shown at the film festival in 2020."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Arts

Film

Exhibitions

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Though its origins are unknown, it was first shown in Boston in 1878.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Choreographed by Leonid Lavrovsky in 1940, the scale and intensity of its storytelling influenced a generation of dancers and choreographers when it was first shown in the west.

The Guardian

It was first shown to be present in the shark, but its presence in humans (and other mammals) remained somewhat controversial.

Wikipedia

It was first shown on PBS in 1987.

The New York Times

Yet, when it was first shown, there were many who felt deeply discomforted, even threatened.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

It had about 4.9 million viewers when it was first shown in April of that year.

The New York Times

It was first shown in public in Amsterdam, 15 years after Van Gogh's death.

The Guardian - Arts

It was first shown in the United States in 2006 at the Guggenheim Museum.

The New York Times

(It was first shown at the Berlin Film Festival in February).

The New York Times

It was first shown in Madison Square Park in New York in 2007.

The New York Times - Arts

It was first shown at Glasgow's CCA, and proved so unnerving to audiences that warnings had to be issued.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was first shown", ensure that the context clearly indicates what 'it' refers to, avoiding ambiguity. For instance, specify the artwork, film, or study being referenced to maintain clarity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "it was first showed" instead of "it was first shown". "Shown" is the correct past participle of 'show' to use in the passive voice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was first shown" functions as a passive construction indicating the initial presentation or display of something. According to Ludwig, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. Examples from Ludwig demonstrate its application across various subjects, from art exhibitions to scientific findings.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

25%

Arts

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was first shown" is a grammatically correct and versatile construction used to denote the initial presentation or display of something, as confirmed by Ludwig. Predominantly found in news, media, and scientific contexts, this phrase serves to inform the audience about a debut or public appearance. While its register varies from formal in academic settings to neutral in news reports, its consistent application across diverse reputable sources underscores its reliability and widespread acceptance. When employing this phrase, clarity regarding the subject is crucial to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was originally presented

Focuses on the act of showing or introducing something in a formal setting.

it was initially displayed

Highlights the visual aspect of presenting something for the first time.

it was introduced initially

Focuses on the act of bringing something to the public's attention for the first time.

it premiered originally

Highlights the first public showing, often used for films or theatrical works.

it was first revealed

Emphasizes the uncovering or disclosure of something previously unknown.

it was initially unveiled

Emphasizes the act of revealing something for the first time, often used for new products or plans.

it debuted initially

Focuses on the initial appearance or launch, suitable for products or performances.

its initial showing was

Rephrases to emphasize the act of showing rather than the item shown.

the first exhibition was

Highlights the event where something was displayed publicly for the first time.

the original demonstration occurred

Highlights the initial act of demonstrating how something works.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "it was first shown"?

You can use alternatives like "it was originally presented", "it was initially displayed", or "it debuted initially" depending on the context.

How to use "it was first shown" in a sentence?

Use "it was first shown" when you want to specify when something was initially presented or displayed. For example, "The prototype it was first shown at the technology conference."

Is it correct to say "it was first showed" instead of "it was first shown"?

No, "it was first showed" is grammatically incorrect. The correct past participle of 'show' to use in the passive voice is "shown", so the correct phrase is "it was first shown".

What is the difference between "it was first shown" and "it was first revealed"?

"It was first shown" emphasizes the act of presenting something visually, while "it was first revealed" emphasizes the uncovering or disclosure of something previously unknown. The choice depends on the specific context.