it was mentioned

USAGE SUMMARY

"it was mentioned" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to refer to something that was previously mentioned in conversation or text. Example: "At the meeting, it was mentioned that there needed to be more safety regulations in place."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

People hissed when it was mentioned.

The Guardian

He sighed when it was mentioned.

The New Yorker

"'Wrong club again?" it was mentioned.

The New York Times - Sports

It was mentioned by the Roman writer Pliny the Elder.

Britannica

It was mentioned 160,810 times the following day, too.

The New York Times

SANDERS: I do know that it was mentioned.

The Washington Post

It was mentioned frequently, as Bagesh, in old Armenian sources.

Britannica

His name got a reaction every time it was mentioned.

The New Yorker

It was mentioned that there was some tea left.

The Guardian

In January 2011, it was mentioned about 200 times.

The Guardian

After the model had been established, it was mentioned how to perform simulation output analysis.

Simulation Modelling Practice and Theory

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was mentioned" when you want to refer back to a topic that has already been introduced, either in the same conversation or a previous one. This helps maintain clarity and context for your audience.

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on passive constructions like "it was mentioned". While grammatically correct, overuse can make your writing sound weak or vague. Consider using active voice alternatives where appropriate to make your writing more direct and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was mentioned" functions as a reporting clause, indicating that a piece of information, a topic, or an idea was previously brought up or referred to. As Ludwig AI confirms, this is a correct and usable phrase. The examples show it's used to relay information already shared.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

31%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was mentioned" is a versatile phrase used to refer back to previously stated information or topics. Ludwig AI indicates that it is grammatically sound and widely used, particularly in news, scientific, and encyclopedia contexts. While generally neutral in tone, its formality can be influenced by the surrounding text. Consider alternatives like "it was stated" or "it came up" depending on the desired level of formality and context. Be mindful of potential overuse and consider active voice constructions for a more direct writing style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was stated

Replaces "mentioned" with "stated", implying a more formal or direct communication.

it was noted

Substitutes "mentioned" with "noted", suggesting that something was observed or recorded.

it was alluded to

Replaces "mentioned" with "alluded to", indicating an indirect reference.

it was brought up

Substitutes "mentioned" with "brought up", implying the introduction of a topic.

it came up

A more informal way of saying "it was mentioned", suggesting the topic arose spontaneously.

mention was made of

Rephrases the sentence to focus on the "mention" itself, rather than the act of mentioning.

it was touched upon

Substitutes "mentioned" with "touched upon", implying a brief discussion of the topic.

reference was made to

Highlights that a reference was made, emphasizing the act of referencing something.

it was indicated

Uses "indicated" to suggest that something was pointed out or signified.

the subject of it was raised

Focuses on the subject being introduced, offering a slightly more formal tone.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it was mentioned" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "it was stated", "it was noted", or "reference was made to".

What are some informal alternatives to "it was mentioned"?

Informal alternatives include "it came up" or "it was brought up". These options are suitable for casual conversations or less formal writing contexts.

Is it better to use active or passive voice when saying something "was mentioned"?

While "it was mentioned" is grammatically correct in the passive voice, using the active voice can often make your writing more direct and engaging. For example, instead of "it was mentioned by the team", you could say "the team mentioned it".

How does "it was mentioned" differ from "it was implied"?

"It was mentioned" indicates that something was explicitly stated, while "it was implied" suggests that something was hinted at or suggested without being directly stated. The choice depends on whether the information was directly communicated or merely suggested.