it was protected

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was protected" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to something that has been safeguarded or secured in the past. Example: "The sensitive information was stored in a secure database, and it was protected by advanced encryption methods."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It took the $12 billion payment from the Fed for its AIG exposure even though it was protected on 100% of its position.

Forbes

Farmers have generally considered the hamster to be a farmyard pest, and before it was protected they flooded its burrows and used poison and traps to kill it.

The New York Times

It was protected through No. 25 in 2005, with the protection decreasing by one spot each year through 2009 (when it was protected to 22).

The New York Times

It was protected by water on most sides and by protective ditches and banks to the north and east.

Wikipedia

GM had argued it was protected from claims on vehicles pre-dating its 2009 exit from Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

The Guardian - Business

It was protected by a deadbolt.

The New Yorker

Luckily it was protected by a Plexiglass shield.

The Guardian - Arts

The site was strategically advantageous, as it was protected by a ravine to the south.

Britannica

It was protected by a group of elite soldiers loyal to Mr Yeltsin.

The Guardian

It was protected by two armoured personnel carriers, or APCs, patrolling the area.

The Guardian - Film

It was protected against slugs with Extralugec (Phytoeurop, Levallois-Perret, France) at 4 Kg/ha.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was protected", specify the agent or method of protection if it adds clarity or context. For example, instead of just saying "it was protected", consider saying "it was protected by a firewall".

Common error

While grammatically correct, excessive use of the passive voice, as in "it was protected", can make writing sound vague or weak. Consider active voice alternatives where appropriate to enhance clarity and impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was protected" functions as a passive voice construction. This grammatical structure emphasizes the recipient of the action (the thing being protected) rather than the actor (the protector). As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

56%

Encyclopedias

14%

Science

14%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was protected" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive voice construction that describes a state of being safeguarded. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and appears most often in News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science contexts. While versatile, writers should be mindful of overuse and consider active voice alternatives for stronger impact. The phrase enjoys a neutral register suitable for diverse audiences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was preserved and protected

Combines both preservation and protection, emphasizing a dual approach.

it had protection

This alternative emphasizes the existence of protection.

it was shielded

This suggests a more active form of defense, like a shield.

it was secured

Focuses on the act of making something safe and stable.

it was defended

Highlights the act of resisting attack or opposition.

it was guarded

Emphasizes the presence of someone or something watching over it.

it was preserved

Implies maintaining something in its original condition.

it was maintained

Highlights the ongoing effort to keep something safe or in good condition.

it was conserved

Suggests careful use and protection of resources.

it was immunized

Implies protection against a specific threat, such as disease.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it was protected" to be more active?

You can use active voice constructions like "they protected it", or specify who or what provided the protection, such as "the firewall protected it".

What is the difference between "it was secured" and "it was protected"?

"It was secured" often implies making something safe from theft or unauthorized access, while "it was protected" has a broader meaning and can refer to any form of danger or harm.

When is it best to use the passive voice construction "it was protected"?

The passive voice is useful when the actor is unknown, unimportant, or when you want to emphasize the object of the action (in this case, what was being protected).

What are some alternatives to "it was protected" that still maintain a formal tone?

Alternatives include phrases like "it was safeguarded", "it was shielded", or "it was preserved", depending on the specific context.