it was procedure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was procedure" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that a certain action or decision was made in accordance with established protocols or guidelines. Example: "When the emergency arose, we followed the protocol as it was procedure to ensure everyone's safety."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The committee's official explanation is that it was "procedure," which is code for: "We make the decisions and you don't.

The New York Times

And, he said, it was procedure to ring the local force in advance of a stake-out, anyway, and inform them out of courtesy what was going on.

Independent

I asked if this was necessary after the three machine checks, and she told me it was "procedure" — which I am quite sure it is not.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"It is procedure to talk to the lawyers, they have the right to know everything," he said.

The Guardian

Her father asks that her mother not be strapped down, but the head E.M.T. insists that it is procedure and promises not to hurt her.

The New Yorker

"It's procedure," he says, unsmiling.

Vice

It was a procedure I hope never to experience again.

The New York Times

However, it was a procedure that was used by telecommunications companies before the deregulation of the industry.

The New York Times

Evidently, it was normal procedure for them".

Forbes

"Evidently, it was normal procedure for them," says the manager.

Forbes

I thought it was just procedure.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was procedure" to clearly state that an action or decision was based on established protocols, ensuring clarity and avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "it was procedure" when referring to a one-time event or action that isn't part of a recurring process or guideline. In such cases, more specific phrases might be appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was procedure" functions as a statement indicating that a specific action or course of action followed established or customary methods. As seen in Ludwig's examples, it explains that actions were performed in line with established protocols.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

16%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was procedure" serves to explain or justify an action by stating that it was performed according to established protocols or customary methods. Ludwig AI confirms that this is grammatically correct and usable. Although it is relatively rare, this expression is best suited for neutral and professional contexts, particularly in news, business, and academic settings. Alternatives include phrases such as "it was standard practice" or "it was protocol", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was standard practice

Replaces "procedure" with "standard practice", emphasizing the routine and customary nature.

it was protocol

Uses "protocol" instead of "procedure", indicating adherence to a set of rules or guidelines.

it was policy

Uses "policy" to show that there was a precise rule, or set of rules, that was followed.

it was the norm

Substitutes "procedure" with "the norm", highlighting that it was the typical or expected behavior.

it was customary

Replaces "procedure" with "customary", focusing on the traditional and established aspect.

it was the usual method

Highlights the typical approach taken in a particular situation.

it was the established way

Emphasizes that a specific method or approach was already in place and recognized.

it was a matter of course

Indicates something happened as a natural or logical consequence.

it was the system

Highlights the overall system in place that was to be followed.

that was how it was done

Focuses on the habitual nature of the action, without directly mentioning a specific procedure or system.

FAQs

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

Use "it was procedure" to explain that something was done according to a set of established steps or guidelines. For example, "The security check was thorough because "it was procedure" to verify all credentials".

What's the difference between "it was procedure" and "it was policy"?

"It was procedure" refers to a set of steps or a method, while "it was policy" refers to a specific rule or guideline. So, you might say, "It was policy" to check IDs, and ""it was procedure"" to record visitor information.

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

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "it was standard practice", "it was protocol", or "it was customary" instead of "it was procedure".

Is "it was procedure" formal or informal?

"It was procedure" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, consider your audience when choosing between this and alternatives like "it was standard practice", which may sound more professional in some settings.