it was governed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was governed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing how something was controlled or managed in the past. Example: "During the medieval period, the region was governed by a series of feudal lords who held power over the land."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

It was governed in so far as it was governable by whichever of two great families happened to be on top, the Sadozais represented at that time by Shah Shuja, and the Barakzais represented by Dost Mohammad.

The Guardian - Books

This Jesuit mission in Missouri was subject to the Provincial of Maryland till the year 1831, from which time it was governed by its own superior.

University of Chicago

It was governed by New Zealand until its people voted for independence in 1961.

BBC

Athens was a democracy, and although its limits were such that Thucydides could say it was governed by one man, Pericles, it nonetheless gave opportunities for a successful political career to citizens of the most diverse backgrounds, provided they could impress their audiences sufficiently in the council and the assembly.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was governed as an aristocratic republic.

Britannica

During much of that time it was governed by a provincial Revolutionary Committee.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

It is governed by the Royal Charter and all its profits are reinvested back in the sport.

BBC

It is governed by market forces.

The New York Times - Sports

It is governed by self-interest.

The Economist

How should it be governed?

Harvard University

It is governed by the religious leadership.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was governed", ensure the context clearly identifies the entity or system responsible for the governance. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "it was governed" without specifying what "it" refers to. Always provide a clear antecedent to prevent confusion and maintain coherence in your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was governed" typically functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that a subject was under the control or administration of a specified entity or system. As confirmed by Ludwig, this usage is grammatically sound and widely accepted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Encyclopedias

25%

News & Media

38%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

7%

Academia

9%

Formal & Business

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was governed" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression for describing past states of control or administration. According to Ludwig, this phrase is deemed appropriate for use in a variety of contexts. It commonly appears in news articles, encyclopedias, and academic papers, indicating a neutral to formal register. To enhance clarity, it's best practice to clearly identify the subject being governed. While there are many synonyms, such as "it was ruled" or "it was administered", the choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey. Ensuring a clear antecedent for "it" will also improve comprehension.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was ruled

Focuses more directly on the act of exercising power and authority, often by a single entity or a small group.

it was administered

Emphasizes the practical management and implementation of policies and procedures.

it was managed

Highlights the operational aspects of control and oversight, particularly in organizational contexts.

it was controlled

Stresses the exertion of influence and restraint, often in situations where strict oversight is necessary.

it was overseen

Suggests a supervisory role, where actions and decisions are monitored to ensure compliance and effectiveness.

it was regulated

Implies adherence to specific rules and standards, typically by an external authority.

it was directed

Indicates guidance and instruction, particularly in achieving specific goals or objectives.

it was presided over

Focuses on a formal leadership role, often in meetings or official proceedings.

it was supervised

Highlights the oversight of activities to ensure they are carried out correctly and efficiently.

it was under the authority of

Specifies the entity or individual responsible for the governance and decision-making.

FAQs

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

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "it was administered", "it was regulated", or "it was overseen", depending on the specific context.

What are some synonyms for "it was governed" that emphasize control?

To emphasize control, you might use phrases such as "it was controlled", "it was ruled", or "it was managed".

How does "it was governed" differ from "it was influenced"?

"It was governed" implies a formal system of control and decision-making, while "it was influenced" suggests a more subtle and indirect effect on decisions or outcomes.

In what contexts is "it was governed" most appropriate?

"It was governed" is most appropriate when describing the administration or control of a region, organization, or system, especially in historical, political, or organizational contexts.