it was recently

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was recently" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to an event or situation that occurred not long ago. Example: "It was recently announced that the company will be expanding its operations to new markets."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

It was recently taken down.

The New York Times

It was recently renovated.

The New York Times - Travel

It was recently reintroduced.

The New York Times

It was recently republished by Mondial.

The New York Times

(It was recently changed, to N8068V).

The New Yorker

It was recently sold for $201,000.

The New York Times

It was recently sold by common consent.

The New Yorker

Or so it was recently announced.

The Guardian - Opinion

It was recently donated to the French state.

The New Yorker

It was recently acquired by Exelon, of Chicago.

The New York Times

It was recently dropped by 2p a litre.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was recently", ensure the timeframe you're referencing is clear to your audience. Provide context if needed to avoid ambiguity about how recent is "recently".

Common error

Avoid overuse of "recently" in close proximity. Vary your language with synonyms like "lately", "just", or "in recent times" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was recently" functions as an adverbial phrase that modifies a verb. It indicates the timing of an action or event, specifying that it occurred in the near past. The phrase sets a temporal context for the statement, as supported by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

59%

Science

35%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "it was recently" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to indicate that something occurred in the near past. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread application. It's most frequently found in News & Media and Science contexts, demonstrating its utility across both formal and informal settings. While generally neutral in register, careful use and avoidance of overuse is recommended for effective communication. Consider using synonyms such as "it just happened" or "lately" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it has just happened

Focuses on the immediate completion of an event.

it only happened recently

Adds emphasis to the fact that the event occurred not long ago.

it happened in recent times

Formal and emphasizes a broader period of recency.

it occurred just now

Highlights the very recent nature of the occurrence.

it has not been long since

Emphasizes the short duration since the event.

it is a recent development

Highlights the novelty or newness of the situation.

it was in the news lately

Specifically refers to something that has been reported in the media recently.

it came about recently

Emphasizes the emergence or beginning of something.

it surfaced just a while ago

Highlights the appearance or discovery of something not long ago.

it is fresh in memory

Implies that something is easily remembered due to its recent occurrence.

FAQs

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

Use "it was recently" to introduce a fact or event that happened not long ago. For example, "It was recently announced that the company would be expanding."

What are some alternatives to "it was recently"?

You can use alternatives like "it just happened", "it only happened recently", or "lately depending on the context.

What's the difference between "it was recently" and "it happened recently"?

"It was recently" often introduces a piece of information or a development. "It happened recently" emphasizes the occurrence of an event. The difference is very subtle.

Is it grammatically correct to say "it was recently"?

Yes, "it was recently" is grammatically correct. Ludwig AI confirms it is a usable phrase in written English and is suitable for many contexts.