it was plugged

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was plugged" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something, such as an electrical device or a drain, was connected or obstructed. Example: "After checking the outlet, I realized that it was plugged into the wrong socket."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

Once it was plugged in, it could be set aside, while the surgeons mapped out vessels and nerves and removed the Melon Face.

The New Yorker

Nigeria's Boko Haram sought to show it was plugged into a wider jihadi network on Wednesday with a video praising the Charlie Hebdo attack.

The Guardian

My sister and her husband signed up for VoicePulse, and they found that their phone line often slipped out of the device it was plugged into.

The New York Times - Tech

(The first time I experienced visual feedback was when I plugged a camcorder into a television and then pointed the camera at the screen of the television it was plugged into. It's a lot of fun).

The New Yorker

The defendant said that on another occasion she tried to throw her desk phone but it was plugged in at the time, and she had a punch bag in her office to "relieve her tension".

Independent

A megawatt-hour of electricity from that plug-in consortium could provide $25 to $35 in revenue, he said, or about 30 cents per car for every hour it was plugged in.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

But the government said it was plugging the "black hole" it had inherited from Labour.

BBC

The device will even automatically recharge its batteries while it's plugged into a USB outlet.

TechCrunch

Podcasts are transferred to an iPod automatically when it is plugged in.

The Economist

JAGADEESAN INDUSTRIES, "manufacturers of precision auto components", may be small, but it is plugged in.

The Economist

A bad business does not improve just because it is plugged into a good model.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing electrical devices, ensure "it was plugged" is followed by "in" or "into" to specify the power source or device it's connected to. For example: "It was plugged into the wall socket."

Common error

Avoid using "plugged" when you mean someone is actively playing a musical instrument. "Plugged" refers to the connection, not the action of playing. Instead of "He was plugged all night", say "He was playing all night".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was plugged" functions as a passive construction, describing the state of an object after it has been connected to something else, typically a power source or another device. Ludwig confirms its accurate usage in numerous contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Wiki

12%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was plugged" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that indicates a state of connection, particularly to a power source. Ludwig confirms its validity and offers several examples across diverse contexts, primarily in News & Media. While versatile, remember to specify the object of connection (e.g., "it was plugged into the wall") for clarity and avoid confusing it with verbs describing actions like "playing". Alternatives such as "it was connected" can be used depending on the desired nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was connected

Replaces "plugged" with a more general term for being joined or linked to something.

it was attached

Similar to "connected" but emphasizes the physical joining of two things.

it was wired

Specifically refers to electrical connections, replacing "plugged" in an electrical context.

it had a connection

Shifts the focus to the existence of a connection rather than the act of plugging.

it was inserted

Highlights the action of putting something into a socket or opening.

it was fixed

Implies a more permanent connection compared to simply plugging in.

it was linked

Similar to "connected", but can also refer to non-physical connections.

it was joined

Focuses on the act of being united or combined with something else.

the connection was made

Emphasizes the completion of the connection process.

it was electrically connected

Specifically highlights the electrical aspect of the connection.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it was plugged"?

Alternatives include "it was connected", "it was attached", or "it was wired", depending on the specific context.

Is "it was plugged" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it was plugged" is grammatically correct. It indicates that something was connected to a power source or another device.

When should I use "it was plugged in" instead of "it was plugged"?

"It was plugged in" is more specific and emphasizes the action of connecting something to a power source or device. "It was plugged" can be used more generally, but the "in" is often implied.

What's the difference between "it was plugged" and "it was unplugged"?

"It was plugged" means something was connected, while "it was unplugged" means it was disconnected. They are opposites.