it was locked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was locked" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a state of being where something, such as a door or a container, is secured and cannot be opened without a key or combination. Example: "When I arrived at the house, I found that it was locked, and I had to wait for my friend to let me in."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

It was locked.

The New York Times - Books

"It was locked in".

The Guardian

The door to it was locked.

Cornell University

But for me, it was locked.

The New York Times - Arts

I tugged on the theatre door; it was locked.

The New Yorker

We tried the door, but it was locked.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

It was locking into someone else's harmony.

The New York Times - Magazine

"It's locked".

The New Yorker

(Of course it's locked).

The New York Times - Arts

It's locked down.

The New York Times

It's locked in his car.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was locked", ensure the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the object (e.g., "the door was locked").

Common error

Avoid using "it is locked" when referring to a past event. Use "it was locked" to maintain correct tense consistency.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was locked" functions as a declarative statement, indicating that something was in a state of being secured or inaccessible at a particular point in the past. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Academia

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was locked" is a grammatically sound and widely used expression to describe that something was in a state of being secured in the past. Ludwig AI validates its correctness and usability. Its frequency and presence in reputable sources like The New York Times, The Guardian, and The New Yorker underscore its reliability. When using the phrase, clarity is key: ensure the "it" is clearly defined to prevent ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "it was secured" or "it was inaccessible" for varied writing. Overall, "it was locked" remains a straightforward and effective way to convey a state of past inaccessibility.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was secured

Replaces "locked" with a synonym, emphasizing the state of being protected.

it was fastened

Focuses on the physical act of attaching or securing something.

it was bolted

Specifies that a bolt was used to secure it, implying a stronger lock.

it was inaccessible

Shifts the focus to the inability to access something, rather than the mechanism of locking.

it was under lock and key

An idiomatic expression emphasizing secure storage.

it could not be accessed

Similar to 'inaccessible', but emphasizes the inability to gain entry.

it was unapproachable

Similar to 'inaccessible' but suggests a barrier to entry beyond just a lock.

it remained shut

Focuses on the state of being closed and not opened.

it was not able to be opened

More descriptive and less concise than "it was locked".

entry was prohibited

Focuses on the act of preventing entry, rather than the physical state.

FAQs

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

You can use "it was locked" to describe something that could not be opened or accessed. For example, "I tried to open the gate, but "it was locked"."

What are some alternatives to saying "it was locked"?

Alternatives include "it was secured", "it was fastened", or "it was inaccessible" depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "it was locked" or "it had been locked"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "it was locked" is simpler and more common. "It had been locked" implies a longer duration or a state that existed before another past event.

What does "it was locked down" mean?

"It was locked down" typically means that an area or system was secured, often in response to a threat or emergency. It can also mean that something is tightly controlled or regulated, like in the sentence "it was secured".