it was heard

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was heard" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something has been heard or observed by someone, either recently or in the past. For example, "when they arrived at the park, it was heard that the event had been cancelled".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

While a few other FRBs have been detected, what makes this one unique is that it was heard again in 2015, and its location pinpointed a year later. .

Huffington Post

It is time it was heard again".

The Guardian

It was heard from 3 to 6 p.m., not from noon to 4 p.m.

The New York Times

Wyclef Jean wanted his music to be heard, however it was heard.

The Guardian - Music

Rothenberg represented Cohen from February 1986 until it was heard by the Supreme Court in March 1991.

Harvard University

"They wanted to send a message and, quite frankly, it was heard," White said.

The Washington Post

It was heard in all the "Star Trek" movies and several of the later television series.

The New York Times - Arts

It was heard that potential patients had found the blacklist on Google and discussed the case on a web forum.

The Guardian - Tech

Last week it was heard for the first time on a London stage since 6 May 1739.

The Guardian - Music

Their clear enunciation and harmonies made the so-called protest song radio-friendly and it was heard in quarters which would not tolerate Dylan's own edgy vocals.

Independent

I wonder now if I misinterpreted half of everything she said because it was heard through the scrim of remembered pain.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was heard" to create a passive voice construction, emphasizing the information received rather than the source. For instance, "It was heard that the meeting was postponed" focuses on the postponement, not who announced it.

Common error

Avoid replacing the passive "it was heard" with an active construction when the source of the information is irrelevant or unknown. Saying "Someone heard that the deal fell through" is less effective than "It was heard that the deal fell through" if the speaker's identity is unimportant.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was heard" functions as a passive construction. It indicates that information or a sound was received, emphasizing the reception rather than the originator. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing this use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Academia

18%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Science

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was heard" is a common and grammatically correct passive construction used to convey information or acknowledge a sound without emphasizing the source. According to Ludwig, its neutral register makes it suitable for various contexts, particularly news and media, and academic writing. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is usable in written English and provides examples illustrating its versatility. Consider using alternatives like "it was understood" or "it was reported" based on your specific needs and the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was perceived

Focuses on sensory perception, similar to hearing, but broader.

it was understood

Shifts the focus from auditory reception to comprehension.

it was noticed

Implies observation or becoming aware of something.

it was detected

Suggests a more formal or scientific observation.

it was recognized

Indicates acknowledgment or identification of something.

it was ascertained

Implies discovering something with certainty.

the message was received

Highlights successful communication and understanding of the intended message.

the sound was audible

Focuses on the characteristic of a sound being able to be heard.

there was an indication

Shifts from direct auditory perception to indirect evidence.

people picked up on

Casual way to describe something being heard or understood by many people.

FAQs

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

Use "it was heard" to report information without specifying the source, such as "It was heard that the company is downsizing."

What are some alternatives to "it was heard"?

Alternatives include "it was understood", "it was reported", or "it came to light", depending on the context.

Is it better to use "it was heard" or an active voice construction?

The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the source of the information. If the source is unimportant or unknown, "it was heard" is appropriate. Otherwise, an active voice construction might be preferable.

What does "it was heard" imply about the information's reliability?

"It was heard" implies that the information is circulating, but it doesn't necessarily vouch for its accuracy. The reliability depends on the context and source of the information.