it was got

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was got" is not grammatically correct in written English.
A better way to phrase the sentence would be "it was obtained". For example: The documents were obtained from the library, and it was then determined that the information was accurate.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

The message there, whatever it was, got muddled.

The New Yorker

It was got up not from economic conviction but for political reasons.

The Guardian - Opinion

Christopher Spears exclaimed: "He's on a bike!" And somehow, through a volley of gunfire, whoever it was got away.

The New York Times

She understood instantly the devastating implications of the blast and ventured out into the street as the rescue effort – such as it was – got under way, continuing until after midnight.

Independent

The writer, who is the father of a three-month old son, has received a book called "Our Baby's First Seven Years" It was got up by some people at the Chicago Lying-In Hospital of the University of Chicago.

The New Yorker

The message, such as it was, got retweeted several times along with various complaints, with people bemoaning that "This is what our club has become #Shambles," before being deleted.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

"It was getting crazy.

The New York Times

It was getting harder.

The New Yorker

It was getting chilly.

The New York Times

"It was getting painful.

The New Yorker

It was getting pathetic.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "it was got" in formal writing. Opt for more standard alternatives such as "it was obtained" or "it was received" to ensure clarity and grammatical correctness.

Common error

While "got" is common in informal speech, avoid using "it was got" in professional or academic writing. The phrase can sound awkward or uneducated. Instead, use more precise and formal verbs like "obtained", "received", or "acquired".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was got" functions as a passive construction, though it is not considered grammatically correct in contemporary standard English. Ludwig AI notes that a more appropriate phrasing would be "it was obtained." This indicates a preference for active voice or a more conventional passive construction using 'obtained' or similar verbs.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "it was got" appears in some sources, Ludwig AI indicates that it is generally considered grammatically incorrect in modern English. Alternative phrasings like "it was obtained" or "it was received" are recommended for clarity and correctness. Although instances can be found in news sources, these are limited and do not indicate widespread acceptance in formal contexts. Therefore, it is best to avoid using "it was got" in professional or academic writing and opt for more standard alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was obtained

Replaces "got" with "obtained", a more formal and generally accepted term for acquiring something.

it was received

Substitutes "got" with "received", indicating the act of being given something.

it was acquired

Replaces "got" with "acquired", suggesting that something was gained through effort or purchase.

it was taken

Substitutes "got" with "taken", which can mean to get hold of something, but may also imply seizing something.

it was secured

Replaces "got" with "secured", implying effort was put in to guarantee the possession of something.

it was furnished

Replacing 'got' with 'furnished' suggests that something has been supplied or provided.

it was delivered

Replaces "got" with "delivered", highlighting the action of bringing something to a specific place or person.

it was provided

Replacing "got" with "provided" suggests that something has been given or made available.

it came into possession

A more formal way of saying something was obtained, emphasizing the act of gaining control or ownership.

it was garnered

Replaces "got" with "garnered", meaning it was collected or gathered, often over time or with effort.

FAQs

Why is "it was got" considered grammatically incorrect?

The phrase "it was got" is not standard English usage. Using alternatives like "it was obtained" or "it was received" is grammatically preferable.

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

In formal contexts, replace "it was got" with options such as "it was acquired", "it was secured", or "it was furnished" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When might "it was got" be acceptable?

While generally discouraged in formal writing, "it was got" might be acceptable in informal speech or certain regional dialects. However, it's important to be aware of your audience and the context in which you're using the phrase.

Is there a difference between "it was gotten" and "it was got"?

"Gotten" is a past participle of "get" that's more common in American English. In contrast, "got" is the past participle in British English. However, in the context of replacing the passive voice, alternatives such as "it was obtained" are preferable in formal settings regardless of the past participle you use.