it was licked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was licked" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something has been physically licked, such as food or an object, or in a metaphorical sense. Example: "After the ice cream fell on the ground, the dog quickly ran over to where it was licked clean."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The computer commander knew it was licked.

The New York Times - Tech

When the last of it was licked clean, I mentioned dessert.

The New York Times

Males never withdrew their penis when it was licked by the mating partner.

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Argentina restored full diplomatic relations with Cuba, two and half years after pulling out its ambassador after Cuban criticism that it was "licking the boots" of the United States.

The New York Times

In the test, we started a playback stimulus when the subject was sitting in a defined position, meaning that it was licking on the nipple of the bottle while keeping its head straight and its hands on the wooden bar.

Plosone

We started a playback stimulus when the subject was sitting in a defined position meaning that it was licking on the nipple of the bottle while keeping its head straight and its hands on the wooden bar.

BMC Biology

But I got over it right away, because as I was bathing the first cocker spaniel, it was licking me".

The New York Times

The llama is not in the picture because it was licking my hand not holding the camera.

Huffington Post

It was licking itself and some pruritic papules were noticed on the skin already upon arrival in Finland in February 2005.

Acta Veterinaria Scandinavica

These zombie-like, sometimes lethal creatures can reproduce clonally and "de-grow" in bad times; one species, if shredded, can even re-form and regrow - it's licked the "eternal youth" challenge.

Huffington Post

It is licking its wounds after two bad wars.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "it was licked", ensure the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to, avoiding ambiguity. For instance, specify "the ice cream was licked" instead of just "it was licked" if the object isn't obvious.

Common error

Avoid using "it was licked" in formal or professional writing where a more refined or precise term like "consumed", "cleaned", or "finished" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was licked" functions as a passive construction, indicating that something received the action of being licked. The Ludwig examples highlight its use in describing a completed action, as determined by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

12%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was licked" is grammatically sound but relatively rare, primarily found in News & Media and Science contexts. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness for the cases when it can be used. When using this phrase, ensure that the context is clear and that a more formal term isn't necessary, as the phrase tends to have a more informal tone. Be aware of its potential for ambiguity and consider more precise alternatives when needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it had been licked

Change in tense to past perfect, indicating the licking occurred before another past action.

it was cleaned

Replaces the specific action of licking with a more general term for removing residue.

it was tasted

Highlights the act of trying or sampling something, a less complete action than "licking".

it was consumed

Focuses on the act of eating or using up completely, if the context involves food or resources.

it was emptied

Suggests that the contents were removed, which could be a result of licking, but not always.

it was finished

Indicates the completion of an action or process, not necessarily involving licking.

it was cleared

Implies removal or absence of something, which is a broader action than licking.

it was sanitized

Focuses on the removal of germs, rather than the specific act of licking.

it was all gone

Emphasizes the absence of something, regardless of how it disappeared or was used

it was polished

If something was polished with the tongue like an animal, not necessarily means that it was completely licked but simply cleaned

FAQs

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

You can use "it was licked" to describe something that has been cleaned or consumed by licking, such as, "The plate was so clean "it was licked" clean by the dog".

What's a more formal way to say "it was licked"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "it was consumed", "it was cleaned", or "it was finished" as more formal alternatives to "it was licked".

Is "it was licked" appropriate for professional writing?

While grammatically correct, "it was licked" might be too informal for professional writing. Consider using a more appropriate alternative like "it was thoroughly cleaned" or "it was completely consumed".

What does "it was licked" imply about the manner of cleaning?

"It was licked" specifically indicates that something was cleaned or consumed through the act of licking. It implies the use of a tongue to achieve the result.