it was inherited

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was inherited" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when discussing something that has been passed down from one person or generation to another, such as property, traits, or traditions. Example: "The family estate was large and beautiful, and it was inherited by the eldest son after the father's passing."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

The Viennese Rothschild family bought the original reliquary by 1872, in ignorance of its provenance; it was inherited by Ferdinand de Rothschild, who moved to England, and built Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire.

Wikipedia

It was inherited, and its well water is so pristine he lugs it from New England to the city in giant glass casks.

The New York Times

QTL mapping in the HS involves the estimation of haplotype trait values (Mott et al., 2000), which lends itself to the analysis of parent of origin: a haplotype has a parent-of-origin effect on a phenotype if its trait value depends on whether it was inherited maternally or paternally, which can be determined where we know the genotypes of the parents of the final mapping generation.

Cell

Hsp90 is missing in all archaeal genomes, so its presence across eukaryotes and bacteria implies it was inherited from the mitochondrial ancestor.

Biology Direct

It was inherited by someone in Nashville.

The New Yorker

To a large extent it was inherited from the past.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

It is inherited in an autosomal dominant manner and its prevalence is 5 10 cases per 100 000.

Human Molecular Genetics

2 In inherited cases of EI, it is inherited mostly in a dominant mode, as in this pedigree, although recessive inheritance has been reported.

British Journal of Dermatology

It's inherited.

The New York Times - Magazine

A tendency to it is inherited.

The New Yorker

It is inherited from my ancestors".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the formality of your writing when choosing between "it was inherited" and synonyms like "it was passed down". "Inherited" is generally more formal.

Common error

Avoid using "it was inherited" to describe innate talents or qualities. While genetics play a role, saying "it was inherited" implies a direct transfer of something tangible or defined, not simply a predisposition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was inherited" functions as a passive construction, indicating that something (represented by "it") was received or acquired from a predecessor. Ludwig AI shows this construction is commonly used to describe the transference of property, traits, or characteristics.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

33%

News & Media

31%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Academia

6%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was inherited" is a grammatically sound and widely used passive construction that describes the transfer of something tangible or intangible from a predecessor. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is particularly common in scientific, news, and encyclopedic contexts, indicating a neutral to slightly formal tone. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by defining "it" and considering synonyms to match your desired level of formality. Avoiding its use for innate qualities is a key consideration for accurate and effective writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was passed down

Replaces "inherited" with a more informal and direct verb, suggesting a simpler transfer process.

it was handed down

Similar to "passed down", but can also imply the transfer of traditions or knowledge.

it was bequeathed

Substitutes "inherited" with a more formal and legal term, often used in wills and estate contexts.

it was a legacy of

Positions the inherited item as a lasting consequence or result of past events or people.

it was derived

Focuses on the origin or source of something, rather than the act of inheriting.

it succeeded from

Highlights the succession or sequence from a previous state or owner.

it stemmed from

Indicates that something originated or arose from a particular source or cause.

it originated from

Emphasizes the initial point of creation or beginning.

it was sourced from

Highlights the origin or supplier of a material or resource.

it came from

A more general and less formal way of indicating origin.

FAQs

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

Use "it was inherited" to describe something received from a predecessor. For example, "The family business was successful, and "it was inherited" by the youngest daughter".

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

Alternatives include "it was passed down", "it was bequeathed", or "it was handed down", depending on the specific context and level of formality.

Is it correct to say "she inherited it" or "it was inherited by her"?

Both are grammatically correct. "She inherited it" is in the active voice, while "it was inherited by her" is in the passive voice. The choice depends on the desired emphasis. The first focuses on "she", while the second focuses on "it".

Can "it was inherited" apply to abstract concepts?

Yes, "it was inherited" can apply to abstract concepts like traditions, values, or even debts, as long as these are passed down from one generation or entity to another. For example, "The cultural tradition "it was inherited" from their ancestors".