it was marked by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was marked by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a characteristic or notable feature of an event, period, or situation. Example: "The era was marked by significant technological advancements that changed the way people lived."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The decision, Arizona v. Gant, No. 07-542, was the last to be issued from among the cases the court heard in its October sitting, and it was marked by an uneasy compromise that probably explains the delay.

The New York Times

It was marked by a small plaque.

The New Yorker

It was marked by the flight of hundreds of mockingbirds.

The New Yorker

It was marked by only a sign on the road.

The New York Times - Magazine

Today was typical in that it was marked by conflicting reports.

The New York Times

It was marked by the same romantic improvisation & youthful enthusiasm that characterized the McCarthy campaign.

The New Yorker

He said it was marked by "blackmail and an intolerable exchange of accusations".

The New York Times

It was marked by injury, accusation and conflict with the Barcelona board.

The Guardian - Sport

It was marked by something even better: cool, plain, dull indifference.

The New Yorker

It was marked by the second Vatican council, which revolutionised the church in the 1960s.

Independent

It was marked by sharp and often blind curves, without lights or medians to divide its lanes.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was marked by" to introduce key characteristics or significant events that define a particular period, event, or entity. Be specific about what marked it to provide clear context for your audience.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on passive constructions like "it was marked by". Instead, consider active voice alternatives to create a more engaging and direct narrative. For example, replace "The period was marked by economic hardship" with "Economic hardship defined the period".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was marked by" functions as a transitional phrase, introducing a significant attribute, event, or characteristic that defined a particular period, situation, or subject. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is commonly used to highlight notable aspects.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Encyclopedias

17%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was marked by" is a versatile and widely used expression for highlighting defining characteristics or events. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and appears frequently in diverse contexts, especially News & Media, encyclopedias and Science. When using this phrase, ensure you are specific about the "marking" features to provide clear context. While passive voice constructions are acceptable, consider active alternatives for more engaging writing. Remember to adapt to context, since there are alternative words and the phrase has a more formal/neutral tendency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was characterized by

Focuses on the defining qualities of something, similar to being marked by certain characteristics.

it was distinguished by

Highlights unique or notable differences that set something apart.

it was defined by

Emphasizes the core traits that constitute the essence of something.

it featured

Highlights prominent elements or aspects that were present.

it showcased

Indicates that something prominently displayed specific qualities or events.

it was notable for

Draws attention to significant aspects that made something worthy of recognition.

it was known for

Points to the established reputation or common understanding of something.

it presented

Highlights the elements that were displayed or offered.

it included

States the presence of specific components or attributes.

it encompassed

Indicates a broader scope, suggesting that something contained or covered various aspects.

FAQs

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

Use "it was marked by" to introduce a characteristic or event that was particularly noticeable or significant. For instance, "The decade was marked by rapid technological advancements".

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

You can use alternatives like "it was characterized by", "it was defined by", or "it featured" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with "it was marked by"?

While grammatically correct, overuse of the passive voice can make your writing sound less engaging. Consider rephrasing using an active voice construction when appropriate for a more direct style.

What's the difference between "it was marked by" and "it was known for"?

"It was marked by" highlights specific events or characteristics that stood out during a particular time, while "it was known for" suggests an established reputation or common perception. The former is more about defining moments, and the latter is about established attributes.