it was founded

USAGE SUMMARY

"it was founded" is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used when you are describing the founding or establishment of something. For example: "The charity organization was founded in 1976 to help the less fortunate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It was founded by the Jesuit priest Fr.

Wikipedia

It was founded in Stockholm.

The New York Times

It was founded in 1632.

The New York Times

It was founded in 1947.

The New York Times

It was founded in 1991.

The Guardian

It was founded in 1987.

Britannica

And it was founded in 1792.

Yale University

It was founded in that year.

Yale University

It was founded in 1919 in Shanghai.

Yale University

It was founded by my mother's family".

The New Yorker

It was founded in 1913 by Sidney and Beatrice Webb.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was founded" when you want to emphasize the historical establishment of an organization, institution, or place. Ensure that the subject 'it' is clearly defined in the preceding context to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

While "it was founded" is grammatically correct, overuse of passive voice can make your writing sound weak or indirect. Consider rephrasing to active voice when appropriate (e.g., "Zephaniah Platt founded it in 1784" instead of "It was founded by Zephaniah Platt in 1784").

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was founded" functions as a passive construction used to indicate the establishment or origin of an entity. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. Examples show it applying to various entities, from organizations to geographical locations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Encyclopedias

28%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Science

4%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was founded" is a grammatically correct and frequently used passive construction that describes the establishment or origin of something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for various contexts, ranging from news reports to academic papers. While its register is generally neutral, writers should be mindful of potential overuse of the passive voice and consider using active voice for more direct and engaging writing. Its prevalence across diverse sources underscores its versatility and widespread acceptance in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it originated

Replaces "was founded" with a single verb, emphasizing the beginning or start.

it was established

Uses a synonym for "founded", focusing on the act of setting up or creating an organization or institution.

it came into existence

Emphasizes the beginning of something's being or presence.

it began

Simple and direct, focusing on the starting point.

its origins are

Shifts the focus to the roots or beginnings of something.

the establishment of it

Nominalizes the phrase, emphasizing the act of establishing.

the creation of it

Focuses on the act of bringing something into being.

it traces its roots to

Highlights the historical connections and development from an earlier time.

the inception of it

Uses a more formal word for beginning or start.

it started

Simple and direct, similar to 'it began' but slightly less formal.

FAQs

How can I use "it was founded" in a sentence?

Use "it was founded" to describe the establishment or creation of something, such as an organization, institution, or company. For example, "The university was founded in 1896 by Edward MacDowell."

What are some alternatives to using "it was founded"?

You can use alternatives like "it originated", "it was established", or "it came into existence" depending on the context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when describing the founding of something?

While "it was founded" (passive voice) is correct, using active voice (e.g., "Zephaniah Platt founded it") can sometimes make your writing more direct and engaging.

What's the difference between saying "it was founded" and "it was established"?

The phrases are largely interchangeable. "Established" may imply a more formal or official creation process than "founded", but in most contexts, they carry similar meanings.