it was harnessed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was harnessed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing the process of utilizing or controlling something, often in a metaphorical sense, such as energy or potential. Example: "The new technology was so innovative that it was harnessed to improve efficiency in various industries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

The committee heard if the methane began to escape, before it was harnessed, it could be a "potent" greenhouse gas.

BBC

Still another variety is the "patriotism of liberty" propounded by Maurizio Viroli, who calls for a return to what patriotism used to be before it was harnessed in the service of the nation-state and submerged in nationalism: love of the laws and institutions of one's polity and the common liberty they make possible (Viroli 1995).

SEP

It was harnessed and supported by the state that Donald Trump is referring to when he claims that America was once great.

Huffington Post

The unit is supposed to be used for bomb disposal, though it was harnessed by police last week to deliver an explosive instead.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

It was harnessing his ability and unleashing it.

Los Angeles Times

But could it be harnessed to help the British economy, instead of shaft it?

The Guardian - Opinion

Something was built there that hopefully, if it's harnessed, there could be some special times not too far ahead".

The Guardian - Sport

"An uncontrolled core that she's not entirely in charge of, which, when it's harnessed, makes her riveting".

The New Yorker

If enough of it were harnessed and turned into electricity, it could be the solution to the energy crisis.

The New York Times

"If it's one thing we have a lot of it's sun so it's great to see it being harnessed to power the electricity grid".

The Guardian

Could this diet, and the knowledge that underpins it, be harnessed to make a genuine impact on global health and the obesity epidemic?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was harnessed" to vividly describe situations where a force, resource, or ability is effectively controlled and directed for a specific purpose. For example, "The collective anger was harnessed to fuel political reform."

Common error

Avoid using "it was harnessed" when a simpler term like "used" or "utilized" would suffice. "Harnessed" implies control and direction of a force or resource, so using it inappropriately can sound pretentious or overblown.

Linguistic Context

"It was harnessed" functions as a passive construction, indicating that something (a force, resource, or ability) underwent the action of being controlled and utilized for a specific purpose. This construction emphasizes the result of the action rather than the actor. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's correct and usable. For example, Ludwig provides examples such as the state harnessing and supporting certain policies.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was harnessed" is a grammatically correct passive construction used to describe the controlled and directed utilization of a force, resource, or ability. Ludwig AI confirms its validity. It's most frequently found in news and media contexts, and while appropriate for formal writing, it's important to consider whether a simpler term like "utilized" might be more effective. The phrase implies a deliberate effort to control and direct, so overuse can sound pretentious. Consider alternatives like "it was utilized" or "it was channeled" depending on the specific context. The phrase is rare, with only a handful of examples of usage found in Ludwig's database.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was utilized

Focuses on the simple act of use, lacking the implication of controlled application.

it was employed

Highlights purposeful use, similar to harnessed but less evocative of power.

it was channeled

Emphasizes directing something towards a specific purpose.

it was leveraged

Highlights using something to gain an advantage.

it was exploited

Focuses on using something, sometimes with a negative connotation of unfair advantage.

it was tapped

Suggests accessing a resource or potential.

it was put to use

A more descriptive and less concise way of saying it was utilized.

it was controlled

Emphasizes the aspect of managing or regulating something.

it was directed

Highlights the guidance or steering of something towards a specific outcome.

it was capitalized on

Stresses turning something into an opportunity or benefit.

FAQs

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

Use "it was harnessed" when describing how something, often a force or resource, is effectively controlled and directed towards a specific goal. For instance, "The power of social media was harnessed to raise awareness about the issue."

What can I say instead of "it was harnessed"?

You can use alternatives like "it was utilized", "it was employed", or "it was channeled" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "it was harnessed" in formal writing?

Yes, "it was harnessed" is appropriate for formal writing, especially when you want to emphasize the controlled and directed use of a force or resource. However, ensure it fits the tone and isn't overly dramatic for the context.

What's the difference between "it was harnessed" and "it was used"?

"It was used" is a general term for employing something. "It was harnessed" implies a more deliberate and controlled effort to direct a force or resource for a specific purpose, suggesting greater agency and intentionality.