it was increased

USAGE SUMMARY

"it was increased" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe an increase or increment in something. For example, you might say, "The company's profits were increased this year by 10%."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

In 1918 it was increased to 707.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Two months ago, it was increased to 100percentt.

The New York Times

It was increased if he submitted his accounts properly.

Independent

By the following month, it was increased to up to 40,000 barrels a day.

The Guardian - Business

Until January, the rate was $69 but it was increased after growing pressure from groups like the college of radiology.

The New York Times

It was increased to £50,000 during the 2008 banking crisis and £85,000 at the end of 2010.

The Guardian - Money

Indeed, this week it was increased by 9%, the highest rate of increase in the 15 years since Diageo's formation.

The Guardian - Business

(It was just $200,000 until January, when it was increased for the first time since 1969).

The New York Times

Manfred said it was increased from the current $72 million but declined to say what the amount would be.

The New York Times - Sports

The current range is 0.25%-0.50%-0.50%r it was increased last December for the first time in nearly a decade.

The Guardian - Business

Not only did the exemption not end, but it was increased for 2013.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was increased", ensure that the subject 'it' is clearly defined in the preceding context to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying 'The budget was reviewed, and it was increased', specify 'The budget was reviewed, and the funding was increased'.

Common error

Avoid using "it was increased" without a clear antecedent for 'it'. Unclear pronoun references can confuse readers. Always specify what exactly was increased to maintain clarity. For example, clarify the 'it' using a more descriptive subject, such as "the production rate was increased".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was increased" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that something underwent an action that resulted in its increment. Ludwig confirms that it's grammatically sound and usable in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

41%

News & Media

39%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Formal & Business

13%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was increased" is a grammatically correct passive construction used to indicate that something has been raised in quantity, level, or degree. As Ludwig shows, it is frequently used across diverse contexts, including science, news and media. However, clarity is essential: always ensure that the subject 'it' has a clear antecedent to avoid ambiguity. While Ludwig confirms the phrase's usability, consider using active voice constructions for more direct and concise writing where appropriate. The phrase is widely accepted and understood, making it a valuable tool in formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it grew

Focuses on the process of becoming larger or developing; less formal.

it was augmented

Emphasizes that something was supplemented or enhanced, implying a specific addition.

it was enlarged

Highlights the expansion in physical size or scope.

it expanded

Suggests growth in size, volume, or extent.

it was elevated

Implies something being raised to a higher level or status.

it was amplified

Focuses on an increase in intensity or strength.

it escalated

Suggests a rapid or dramatic increase, often in a negative context.

it was intensified

Indicates a strengthening or heightening of something, often a feeling or process.

it was maximized

Implies that something was increased to its highest possible level.

it saw a rise

Highlights the occurrence of an upward trend or increment.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was increased" to indicate that a specific quantity, value, or level has been raised. For example, "The budget was reviewed, and "it was increased" by 10%".

What are some alternatives to "it was increased"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "it grew", "it was augmented", or "it expanded" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when describing an increase?

While "it was increased" (passive voice) is grammatically correct, using the active voice can sometimes be more direct and concise. For example, instead of "the price was increased", you could say "they increased the price".

How can I ensure clarity when using the phrase "it was increased"?

To ensure clarity, always make sure the 'it' refers to is explicitly stated or clearly implied in the preceding sentence. Avoid vague references that could leave the reader wondering what exactly "it was increased".