it was printed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was printed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something has been produced in printed form, typically referring to documents, books, or other materials. Example: "The report was finalized and it was printed for distribution to all team members."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

After it was printed, the image made its way around the Web.

The New York Times

It was printed taking into account its readability by older persons (font type and size).

BMC Public Health

Its format was to have been classically grand, but it was printed on A4 paper - a product of modernist thinking.

The Guardian - Arts

It was printed.

The Guardian - Books

It was printed in 1844.

The New York Times - Arts

"On it was printed the supplier's information".

The New Yorker

On it was printed the word 'breathe'breathe

The Guardian

"It was printed scrawly on computer paper".

The New York Times

It was printed with the caption "Mexican Pastoral".

The New York Times

It was printed in the current Roman alphabet.

Encyclopedia Britannica

On it was printed a single black question mark.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was printed", ensure the context clearly indicates what "it" refers to. This avoids ambiguity and maintains clarity in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "it was printed" without a clear antecedent for "it". Readers might not understand what exactly was printed, leading to confusion. For instance, instead of saying "The memo was circulated after it was printed", specify: "The memo was circulated after the final version was printed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was printed" functions as a passive construction, indicating that something (the 'it') underwent the action of being printed. This focuses attention on the object that was printed, rather than the agent who did the printing. Ludwig confirms its correct and frequent usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Encyclopedias

17%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was printed" is a versatile phrase used to indicate that something has been produced in a printed format. As Ludwig highlights, the phrase is grammatically correct and sees frequent use across various contexts, with News & Media being the most common. While generally neutral in register, it's essential to ensure clarity by providing a clear antecedent for "it". For variety, consider alternatives such as "it was published" or "it saw print" depending on the specific context. The consistent usage and broad applicability of "it was printed" make it a valuable addition to any writer's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was published

Replaces "printed" with a broader term encompassing various forms of making information public, including digital formats.

it saw print

An idiomatic expression meaning something was published, with an emphasis on the result of being printed.

it was typeset

Focuses on the specific process of arranging text for printing, highlighting the typographical aspect.

it was reproduced

Emphasizes the act of creating a copy, which may or may not be through printing.

it was copied

Focuses on the action of making a duplicate, less specific to printing.

it was circulated

Emphasizes the distribution aspect of the printed material.

it was drafted

Highlights the initial creation or writing stage before the printing process.

it was inscribed

Suggests a more formal or permanent method of marking, such as engraving or carving.

it was documented

Highlights the recording or official recording of information, which may or may not involve printing.

it was released

Focuses on the act of making something available to the public, not specific to printed format.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it was printed" for variety?

Consider alternatives such as "it was published", "it saw print", or "it was reproduced" depending on the specific context and desired emphasis.

Is "it was printed" formal or informal?

The phrase "it was printed" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. The level of formality depends more on the surrounding vocabulary and sentence structure.

What does "it was printed" imply about the creation process?

Using the phrase "it was printed" suggests that something has been produced in a physical, printed format. This typically implies a process involving typesetting, printing presses, and the creation of a tangible document or image.

Can I use "it was printed" for digital documents?

While "it was printed" technically refers to physical printing, it is sometimes used loosely to describe the finalization or rendering of a digital document. However, using alternatives like "it was published" or "it was released" may be more accurate for digital contexts.