it was found

USAGE SUMMARY

"it was found" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to an item that has been previously lost, for example: "We searched for hours, and finally, it was found tucked in between the couch cushions."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was found that:.

Landscape and Urban Planning

It was found alive.

The New York Times

It was found not guilty.

The Guardian

It was found from n.m.r.

Polymer

Happily, it was found and turned in.

The New York Times - Sports

Fortunately, it was found the next day.

The New York Times

It was found in the rubble.

The New York Times

It was found in a taxi.

The Guardian

It was found in the office.

The New York Times

It was found that the r.f.

Surface and Coatings Technology

It was found that the observed e.s.r.r

Polymer

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was found" in passive voice constructions where the agent performing the action is unknown or unimportant. For example, "It was found that the new drug was effective".

Common error

Avoid using "it was found" excessively in your writing, as too much passive voice can make your writing sound weak and impersonal. Instead, consider using active voice constructions when appropriate to make your writing more direct and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was found" functions as a passive construction, typically used to report a discovery, result, or finding. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its broad applicability across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

60%

News & Media

25%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was found" is a common and grammatically sound passive construction used to report discoveries or results, according to Ludwig AI. It appears frequently across diverse sources, particularly in scientific, news, and academic contexts. While grammatically correct, avoid overuse to maintain active and engaging writing. Consider alternative expressions like "it was discovered" or "the study revealed" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. Remember to prioritize clarity and conciseness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was discovered

Replaces "found" with "discovered", implying a sense of uncovering something previously unknown.

it was determined

Focuses on the process of reaching a conclusion or decision after investigation.

it was revealed

Suggests that something was made known or visible that was previously hidden.

it was ascertained

Implies a more formal and precise process of finding something out.

it was noticed

Highlights the act of observation or recognition.

it was learned

Emphasizes the acquisition of knowledge or information.

it became apparent

Indicates that something became clear or obvious.

the results indicated

Shifts the focus to the outcome or findings of a study or experiment.

the study showed

Similar to "the results indicated" but specifically refers to a research study.

evidence suggested

Highlights that the finding is supported by evidence rather than being a definitive conclusion.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it was found" to sound more active?

Consider using active voice constructions such as "researchers discovered", "the study revealed", or "we found" depending on the context.

What are some formal alternatives to "it was found"?

For formal writing, you might use phrases like "it was determined", "it was ascertained", or "the investigation revealed".

Is it always necessary to specify who found something when using "it was found"?

No, "it was found" is often used when the actor is unknown or irrelevant. However, specifying the actor can add clarity and impact when appropriate.

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

"It was found" implies that something was located or identified, while "it was discovered" suggests that something previously unknown was revealed or uncovered.