it was inspired by

USAGE SUMMARY

"it was inspired by" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It can be used to describe the source of an idea, creation, or inspiration for something. Example: The artist's latest painting was inspired by the beauty of nature and the changing seasons.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"It was inspired by autumn leaves.

The New York Times

But it was inspired by rejection?

The Guardian - Arts

It was inspired by computer-game landscapes.

The Guardian - Arts

It was inspired by the characters themselves.

The Guardian

P.C.: It was inspired by sexuality.

The New York Times - Magazine

It's possible it was inspired by Charlie Hebdo," he said.

Independent

Not real, though it was inspired by the breadfruit tree.

The New York Times

Perhaps it was inspired by fatherhood, or just growing older.

The New York Times

It was inspired by the movie "The Game".

The New York Times

It was inspired by a real-life Hollywood incident.

Encyclopedia Britannica

It was inspired by and modeled after the European Union.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was inspired by", ensure that the subject clearly reflects the creation, idea, or work that was influenced and that the object after 'by' clearly indicates the source of inspiration.

Common error

Avoid vague or ambiguous references after "it was inspired by". Be specific about what served as the inspiration to prevent misinterpretations. For example, instead of "It was inspired by nature", specify "It was inspired by the patterns in autumn leaves."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was inspired by" functions as a passive construction indicating the source of inspiration for a particular subject. Ludwig shows numerous examples where this phrase is used to attribute the genesis of ideas, artworks, and designs to a specific influence.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Wiki

22%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Science

3%

Huffington Post

7%

Los Angeles Times

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was inspired by" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for indicating the source of inspiration. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. Its communicative purpose is to credit the origin of an idea or creation, and it maintains a neutral register suitable for diverse contexts. Common contexts include news, encyclopedias, and wikis. When using this phrase, be specific about the source of inspiration to avoid ambiguity. Alternatives include "it drew inspiration from" or "it is based on". Overall, this phrase is a reliable tool for explaining the creative origins of various subjects.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is based on

Indicates a foundation or underlying principle, implying that something is built upon something else.

it was influenced by

Indicates a more general impact or effect, without necessarily implying a direct source of inspiration.

it drew inspiration from

Changes the verb to "draw" and uses the noun "inspiration", providing a slightly more active voice.

its inspiration was

Rearranges the sentence structure to emphasize the inspiration itself.

it took its cue from

Uses the idiom "took its cue from", implying that something served as a signal or example.

it owes its origins to

Highlights the origin or beginning of something, suggesting a more fundamental connection.

it stemmed from

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

it is a product of

Emphasizes the result or outcome of an influence, framing the subject as a consequence.

it is rooted in

Implies a deep and fundamental connection, suggesting that something is based on or originates from something else.

it is attributable to

Formally assigns the cause or origin to something, often used in academic or technical contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "it was inspired by" in a sentence?

Use "it was inspired by" to indicate the source of creativity or influence behind a work, idea, or design. For example, "The novel "it was inspired by" historical events." The subject should be the item influenced, and the object, the source.

What are some alternatives to "it was inspired by"?

You can use alternatives such as "it drew inspiration from", "it is based on", or "it was influenced by" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "it was inspired from" instead of "it was inspired by"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "inspired" in this context is "by". Saying "it was inspired from" is grammatically incorrect. Always use "it was inspired by".

What is the difference between "it was inspired by" and "it was influenced by"?

While both phrases indicate an impact, ""it was inspired by"" suggests a more direct and creative stimulus, whereas "it was influenced by" can imply a broader range of effects, not necessarily leading to direct imitation or creation.