it was properly

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was properly" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something was done in an appropriate or acceptable manner. Example: "The report was submitted on time, and it was properly formatted according to the guidelines."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Whether it was properly tested is a matter of dispute.

The New York Times

Vol au vent was amazing when it was properly done.

The New York Times - Food

It was properly topped with meringue, not whipped cream.

The Washington Post

"It was properly registered and they were behaving absolutely normally.

The Guardian

It was properly inedible – you just couldn't eat it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Soon, ABC News was issuing an apology "for disseminating that information before it was properly vetted".

The New York Times

"It's not like the heyday of the 90s when it was properly busy.

The Guardian

The exemption would have to be upheld by a judge who determined that it was properly invoked.

The New York Times

The fund was not independently audited, and almost none of the money that sloshed through it was properly accounted for.

The Economist

"If it was properly maintained it wouldn't be a bother, but now it's beyond just maintenance," Mrs. Plotz said.

The New York Times

It was properly about compensating victims who had been terrorized and injured by the Aryan Nations's security guards.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it was properly" to clearly convey that a specific action or process was executed according to established standards or requirements. This emphasizes adherence to correct procedures or expected norms.

Common error

While "it was properly" is grammatically correct, avoid overusing it in informal writing or conversation, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "it was done right" or "it was correct" in more casual settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was properly" functions as an adverbial modifier, indicating how an action was performed. It modifies a verb or verb phrase to specify that something was done in a correct, appropriate, or expected manner. The frequency of use of this phrase can be verified from Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

29%

Academia

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was properly" serves as an adverbial modifier to indicate that an action has been executed accurately, correctly, and in compliance with established standards. With high grammatical correctness, as confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase finds frequent application across diverse domains such as News & Media, Science, and Academia. While extremely common and useful, remember it is more at home in neutral, formal, and professional contexts. For greater nuance, substitute phrases like "it was correctly" or "it was appropriately" as required.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was correctly

Emphasizes accuracy and the absence of errors.

it was appropriately

Indicates that something was done in a manner that is suitable or fitting for a particular situation or context.

it was duly

Implies that something was done in accordance with what is required or expected.

it was adequately

Suggests that something was done to a sufficient, though perhaps not exceptional, standard.

it was rightly

Implies moral or legal justification, suggesting that something was correct in terms of justice or law.

it was suitably

Suggests that something was done in a way that is appropriate or fitting for the circumstances.

it was rightfully

Indicates that something was done according to justice or legitimate entitlement.

it was competently

Focuses on the skill and ability with which something was done.

it was skillfully

Highlights the expertise and dexterity involved in performing an action.

it was precisely

Emphasizes exactness, accuracy and close conformity to a standard or requirement

FAQs

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

You can use "it was properly" to indicate that something was done correctly or according to specific guidelines. For example, "The experiment was conducted, and "it was properly" documented."

What are some alternatives to "it was properly"?

Alternatives include "it was correctly", "it was duly", or "it was appropriately", depending on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "it was properly" formal or informal?

"It was properly" is generally considered a more formal expression. In informal contexts, phrases like "it was done right" or "it was okay" might be more suitable.

Which is more precise: "it was properly" or "it was adequately"?

"It was properly" suggests adherence to specific standards or procedures, while "it was adequately" implies that something was done sufficiently, but perhaps not exceptionally. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize correctness or sufficiency.