it was in motion

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was in motion" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that was moving or in the process of moving at a specific time in the past. Example: "The car was speeding down the highway, and it was in motion when the accident occurred."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Only after it was in motion could I see what it was that I was doing".

The New York Times

"This attempted attack on our homeland was real, it was in motion, and it would have been deadly".

The New York Times

The carriages had been stopped so that staff could investigate claims that a piece of debris had fallen from the ride while it was in motion.

The Guardian - Travel

Although his notable career encompassed the stage and television, it was in motion pictures that a much wider audience found Sir Alec unforgettable almost from the moment he first appeared on screen.

The New York Times

On Lap 8 of the 60-lap race, a wheel came off Mark Webber's Red Bull car while it was in motion in the pit lane after a pit stop and it struck a cameraman.

The New York Times - Sports

If you're interested in the specifics of the research on the aforementioned dongle, Argus has a deep breakdown of their methodology here, from disassembling the companion app, to poking holes in the device's security, to actually shutting down one of their own vehicles while it was in motion.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

After inferring the continuous information, the State Evaluator agent estimates the current state of the node regarding its orientation and verifying whether it is in motion or stationary.

BioMed Research International

Sure, it's nothing new for Google to change its logo, but today's variation is particularly interesting because it's in motion.

TechCrunch

It is in motion".

The Guardian - Business

"It's kinetic, it's in motion.

The Guardian - Arts

This car exudes drama and menace, particularly when it's in motion.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was in motion" to clearly indicate that something was actively moving or progressing at a specific time. This phrase is suitable for describing physical movement or the advancement of a plan or process.

Common error

Ensure the context clearly defines what "it" refers to. Vague references can confuse the reader and weaken the sentence's impact. Always make sure it is clear what the subject in motion is.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was in motion" typically functions as a descriptive phrase, providing information about the state of a subject. As Ludwig suggests, this phrase describes something actively moving or progressing at a given time.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was in motion" is grammatically sound and serves to describe a state of movement or progress at a specific time. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage. Though the phrase isn't exceedingly common, it appears across a range of contexts, including news reports, scientific papers, and general discussions. For clarity, ensure "it" has a clear reference. Alternatives like "it was moving" or "it was underway" can be used depending on the desired nuance. This makes "it was in motion" a useful and versatile phrase for describing dynamic situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was moving

Replaces "in motion" with a more direct synonym, "moving".

it was underway

Focuses on the progress or ongoing nature of the action.

it was progressing

Highlights the advancement or development of something.

it had started

Emphasizes the initiation of an action or process.

it was rolling

Suggests a continuous and smooth movement or operation.

it was activated

Implies that something was set off or triggered.

it was functioning

Indicates that something was working or operating.

it was operating

Similar to "functioning", but may imply a more complex system.

it was running

Suggests continuous operation, especially for machines or processes.

it had begun

Similar to "it had started", but with a slightly more formal tone.

FAQs

What does "it was in motion" mean?

The phrase "it was in motion" indicates that something was moving or progressing at a certain time in the past. It can refer to physical movement or the progression of a plan or process.

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

You can use "it was in motion" to describe the state of an object or process at a specific point in time. For example, "The car was speeding down the highway, and "it was in motion" when the accident occurred."

Which is more appropriate, "it was in motion" or "it was moving"?

Both phrases are appropriate, but "it was in motion" often implies a more formal or technical context, while "it was moving" is generally more common and versatile. The choice depends on the specific context and desired tone. If you want to give more emphasis on movement you can use the alternative it was moving

What are some alternative phrases for "it was in motion"?

Some alternative phrases include "it was underway", "it was progressing", or "it had started". The best alternative depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.