it was found to contain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was found to contain" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing the results of an investigation, analysis, or examination that reveals the presence of something within a subject or object. Example: "The report concluded that the sample taken from the site was found to contain traces of hazardous materials."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Ikea, the world's leading flat-pack furniture retailer, has withdrawn chocolate almond cake sold in its stores in 23 countries after it was found to contain sewage bacteria.

Independent

Consider: 2004 Coke pulls its Dasani water from the U.K. after it was found to contain bromate, a potential carcinogen.

Forbes

It was found to contain the torso of his victim's body.

Independent

It was found to contain a powerful bomb set to go off at 7 35 a.m., when students arrived at the school.

The New York Times

When his stomach was pumped, it was found to contain quantities of PCP, described by Fletcher as "a drug used to put agitated monkeys and gorillas to sleep".

The New Yorker

A 'natural' energy drink has been banned in Australia after it was found to contain a prescription only erectile dysfunction drug at levels above the recommended dosage.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

As a spokesperson for the Met Police outlined, "the devices consist of a cylindrical tube, on which an external switch lights up with the colour red if the breath of an individual who has blown into it is found to contain 80 mg or more of alcohol (around 2.5 the legal limit for driving)." In other words, you could drink around four regular strength pints and be denied entry.

Vice

If you are saying there should be awareness, are you saying that the pot (we use for cooking) we have should be thrown away (if it is found to contain lead)?

BMC Public Health

The silencer was found to contain blood, but it could not be established if it was human or animal.

The Guardian

When treated water was found to contain drugs, it was usually not in any amount that would affect humans, but fish are much smaller and more likely to be exposed to contaminated water (by dint of their living in water).

Vice

When treated water was found to contain drugs, it was usually not in any amount that would affect humans' health in any way, but fish are much smaller and more likely to be exposed to contaminated water (by dint of their living in water).

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was found to contain", ensure the subject is clearly defined. Ambiguous subjects can lead to confusion about what was analyzed or examined.

Common error

Avoid using "it was found to contain" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "it had" or "it included" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was found to contain" functions as a reporting verb phrase, used to communicate the results of an investigation, analysis, or examination. According to Ludwig, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. It introduces information about what was discovered inside a particular subject or object.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

44%

Wiki

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was found to contain" is a versatile phrase used to report findings from investigations or analyses. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use. Predominantly found in News & Media and Scientific contexts, it serves an objective purpose of conveying factual information. While appropriate for formal writing, simpler alternatives exist for informal settings. Consider the formality of your context and the nuance you wish to convey when choosing between "it was found to contain" and its alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

its contents included

A more direct and concise way of stating the inclusion of specific items.

it was discovered to have

Emphasizes the act of discovery, focusing on the possession of something.

it was determined to include

Suggests a formal process of determination or analysis leading to the inclusion of something.

it turned out to hold

Implies an element of surprise in the discovery of what something holds.

it proved to encompass

Indicates a comprehensive inclusion of something, often after a period of testing or evaluation.

it was revealed to possess

Highlights the revealing of something that was previously unknown or hidden.

it was ascertained to comprise

Suggests a detailed investigation leading to the understanding of what something is composed of.

it was learned to incorporate

Emphasizes the integration of something as a component or element.

it showed evidence of

Focuses on the presence of indicators or signs of something being present.

it tested positive for

Specifically used when referring to test results confirming the presence of a substance.

FAQs

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

You can use more formal alternatives such as "it was determined to include" or "it was ascertained to comprise", which suggest a more thorough and analytical process.

Is "it was found to contain" suitable for scientific writing?

Yes, "it was found to contain" is appropriate for scientific writing, as it objectively reports findings. However, ensure your writing remains concise and consider alternatives like "it showed evidence of" depending on the context.

What's a simpler way to say "it was found to contain" in everyday language?

In everyday language, you can use phrases like "its contents included" or "it had" to convey the same meaning more directly.

When should I use "it was discovered to have" instead of "it was found to contain"?

Use "it was discovered to have" when you want to emphasize the act of discovery, highlighting that the information was previously unknown or not obvious.