it was gotten

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'it was gotten' is technically correct but it isn't commonly used in modern English and may sound somewhat outdated or unusual.
It is considered more formal than the phrase 'it was got.' Example: The prize was hard-won, but in the end, it was gotten.

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

It was gotten under control but some water got in the fire alarm and it went off just as the fire in the shed was over.

The New Yorker

"And it was gotten by opponents of ours, as you know, because you reported it and so did many of the other people.

The New Yorker

What do you make of the fact that the banks still own so much of this and that they were trying to get rid of mark-to-market accounting and then when it was gotten rid [of] it seemed like of the value of these things seemed to jump on their books?

Forbes

Freezing the base involved precision timing on the operator's part, and there was a very real but entirely private satisfaction when it was gotten right.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 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

It was getting dark.

The New York Times - Sports

"It was getting ridiculous".

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more common alternatives like "it was obtained" or "it was achieved" to ensure clarity and avoid sounding archaic.

Common error

Avoid using "it was gotten" in informal writing; it may come across as pretentious or out of touch. Opt for simpler phrasing unless a formal tone is explicitly desired.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was gotten" functions as a passive construction, where the subject receives the action. It indicates that something was obtained or achieved by an unspecified agent. As Ludwig's examples show, its usage, though grammatically sound, is somewhat uncommon.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was gotten" is grammatically correct but not frequently used in contemporary English. Ludwig provides limited examples, primarily from news and media sources, indicating its rarity. While acceptable, it may sound somewhat formal or old-fashioned, and simpler alternatives like "it was obtained" or "it was achieved" are generally preferred. Therefore, consider your audience and context when deciding whether to use this phrase to ensure clarity and avoid sounding out of touch.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was obtained

Replaces "gotten" with a more formal synonym, focusing on the act of acquiring something.

it was acquired

Similar to 'obtained' but often implies a more deliberate or strategic acquisition.

it was attained

A more formal synonym for 'achieved', implying a high level of effort or ambition.

it was achieved

Emphasizes the successful completion of something, focusing on effort and accomplishment.

it was secured

Focuses on the effort made to ensure something is obtained, emphasizing safety and certainty.

it was procured

Suggests a more formal or official process of acquisition, often used in business or legal contexts.

it was understood

Shifts the focus to comprehension or realization, rather than physical acquisition.

it was earned

Emphasizes that something was gained through work or merit.

it was received

Highlights the act of being given something, whether tangible or intangible.

it was derived

Focuses on obtaining something as a result of something else, such as knowledge or benefit.

FAQs

What does "it was gotten" mean?

The phrase "it was gotten" means something was obtained, acquired, or achieved. It's a passive construction, indicating that the subject received or attained something.

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

While grammatically correct, "it was gotten" is infrequently used. A sentence example is: "The necessary permit, after several attempts, "it was obtained".

Which is correct, "it was gotten" or "it was got"?

Both "it was gotten" and "it was got" are grammatically acceptable, but "it was got" is more common in contemporary English. "It was gotten" may sound more formal or old-fashioned.

What are some alternatives to "it was gotten"?

You can use alternatives such as ""it was obtained"", "it was acquired", or "it was achieved" depending on the specific context.