it was programmed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was programmed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that has been created or set up through programming, typically in the context of software or technology. Example: "The robot was designed to perform specific tasks, and it was programmed to follow a set of instructions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

44 human-written examples

But since various researchers have observed that the object has no comet tail or lines from the emission or absorption of gas, an explanation for its strange trajectory, they say, is that it was programmed by an intelligent extraterrestrial civilization.

Vice

One was a bit lenient; the second, a bit less forgiving; and the third, strict -- it was programmed to learn from the rat and thwart its strategy. .

Los Angeles Times

Next to "Dido," with which it was programmed, "Four Saints" is a mild business.

The New Yorker

Even if it was programmed as a learning robot, it had no one to learn from.

The Guardian - Film

The handheld devices came equipped with an antenna that McCormick claimed pointed to explosives or narcotics depending on how it was "programmed".

The Guardian

It was programmed to do certain moves but the computer broke down, so we'd get off and go to have lunch.

The Guardian - Tech

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

It is programmed to be skeptical.

The New York Times

What should it be programmed to do?

The Guardian - Tech

It is programmed into our DNA," Budjurova said.

The New Yorker

Watson will do what it's programmed to do.

The New York Times

It is programmed for the Avignon theater festival this month.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the functionality of software or machines, use "it was programmed" to clearly indicate that its behavior is based on pre-defined instructions.

Common error

Avoid using "it was programmed" metaphorically when describing human behavior or instincts, as it can be perceived as dehumanizing or overly deterministic. Opt for phrases that better reflect the complexities of human motivation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was programmed" functions as a passive construction, indicating that a subject (often a device or system) received instructions or code that dictates its behavior. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, noting widespread use in describing technological functions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

35%

News & Media

63%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it was programmed" is a grammatically correct and commonly used passive construction, primarily functioning to explain the pre-set instructions behind a particular action or behavior. As Ludwig AI verifies, its use is most frequent in news, media and science contexts, indicating a wide acceptance and relevance across diverse sources. While versatile, it's important to avoid overuse in non-technical scenarios to prevent sounding overly deterministic. Remember to choose the appropriate tense ("is" vs "was") based on the time frame you are referring to.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was designed

Emphasizes the intentional planning and creation of something for a specific purpose.

it was configured

Highlights the specific arrangement and setup of components to achieve a desired outcome.

it was set up

Focuses on the preparatory actions taken to make something operational.

it was instructed

Suggests a set of commands or directions were given to guide its actions.

it was automated

Indicates that a process was made self-operating, removing the need for manual intervention.

it was automated

Highlights the system was made to operate automatically

it was built

Emphasizes the construction and assembly of something according to a plan.

it was engineered

Highlights the technical and scientific precision involved in its creation.

it was pre-set

Focuses on the prearranged configuration before its use.

it was determined

Highlights a decision or setting that influenced it's operations

FAQs

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

Use "it was programmed" to describe the intended function of a device or software, such as "The robot "it was programmed" to perform specific tasks."

What are some alternatives to "it was programmed"?

Depending on the nuance you want to convey, consider alternatives like "it was designed", "it was configured", or "it was set up".

Is it correct to say "it is programmed" instead of "it was programmed"?

Both are correct, but "it was programmed" implies a completed action in the past, while "it is programmed" describes the current state. Choose the tense that accurately reflects the timing you're discussing.

Can "it was programmed" be used in contexts other than technology?

While primarily used in technical contexts, "it was programmed" can be used metaphorically to describe behaviors that seem predetermined or automatic, although this usage should be approached with caution to avoid sounding overly deterministic.